Anne Stephens

It is with heavy hearts and so much love that we mourn the passing of Anne (Annie Fame) Stephens of Kamloops, BC, on October 6, 2024, at the age of 83.

She will be forever remembered by her surviving family: former husband Robert Stephens; their children, Robert (Shari) and Stephanie; her grandchildren, Dillon, Colton (Adrianne), and Isaac (Payton); brother Samuel (Dolores) Fame; and numerous close cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving siblings: sisters Lena (Roy) Proctor, Edith (William) Hackman, and Helen (Greg) Milliard; brothers Romeo (Marge) Fame and Alex (Rita) Fame; and her parents, Sam and Annie.

Anne Stephens was so many things to so many people in this life: the hard-working daughter of the first residents and pioneers of Casino, B.C.; the supportive and loving sister of six precious siblings; the loving wife and near-perfect mother of two children, and many foster children, whom she showered with all of her love and attention; and the beautiful and caring grandmother to her three precious grandsons.

Family and friends were absolutely everything to Anne. Her passion in life was gardening and fitness, but she would put down her hoe for anyone who came to visit or needed help, and a lot of people came to visit! She was loved by anyone who was fortunate enough to know her and was the glue that held friends and our family together.

Anne was a very colorful individual and a force of nature, forged by 15 years of hard work with her brothers and sisters on the family farm. No plumbing, no electricity, no rest. She carried the values learned there, along with an incredible work ethic, her entire life, and it was the foundation of her existence. She did everything with passion and energy and was an advocate for so many who needed help throughout her entire life. Her years with the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA, Elizabeth Fry Society, and the RCMP Victim’s Services unit are a testament to her resolve, ability, and desire to help others.

Anne will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. She has left behind a huge space in our family and our lives that will never be filled. Her beautiful spirit and caring nature will be with us forever.

“Thank you for bringing us into this world, and for every moment we spent together, Mom. We love you so much.”

As one last gift to us all, she has left us a poem. In true form, she found a way to help us even though she is no longer with us…

“When tomorrow starts without me

And I'm not here to see…

If the sun should rise and find your eyes

Filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn't cry

The way you did today…

While thinking of the many things

We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you…

And each time you think of me,

I know you will miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,

Please try to understand…

That Jesus came and called my name

And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,

In heaven far above…

And that I'd have to leave far behind

All those I dearly loved.

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don't think we're far apart…

For every time you think of me,

I'm right here in your heart.”

A celebration of Anne’s amazing life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Schoening Funeral Home, 513 Seymour Street, Kamloops. The service will be officiated by Major Samuel Fame.

Memorial donations can be made in Anne’s name to RCMP Victim’s Services (Donate Now - Police Victim Services of BC) or the Kamloops Elizabeth Fry Society (email [email protected] for the donation form).