Visitation
Celebration of Life
Obituary of Donald Leroy Stevens
It is with great sadness that the family of Donald “Donnie” Leroy Stevens announce his death, which occurred on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 at Jordan Life Centre at the age of 91. Born in Fairville on the West-Side of Saint John, NB on February 5th, 1932, he was the son of the late Jack and Hazel Stevens.
Donnie was predeceased by his devoted wife of 60 years, Margaret. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his sons: Robert “Bobby” (Dena) Stevens of Penobsquis, NB and Michael (Denise) Stevens of Sussex Corner, NB. His grandchildren, Carolann Morrow, Kyle Stevens, Rachel Moore, Matthew Stevens, Joshua Stevens, and William Stevens; and his great-grandchildren Annicka, Alyssa, and Abel Morrow, Selene, and Arthur Stevens, Luke Moore, and Natalie Stevens; along with many in-laws, special nieces, and nephews. Donnie was the middle of nine children, and he was the last surviving member of his family.
At the age of 20, Donnie enlisted in the army, serving in the Korean war. He remained in the army until 1955. Donnie held many jobs over his life, but he found his true calling as a painter at CentraCare until his retirement. Many people benefitted from Donnie’s skilled workmanship.
Donnie married the love of his life Margaret on July 27th, 1961, in Stanley, NB. He and Margaret stayed with tradition of Donnie being a tried-and-true West-Sider and raised their boys in Fairville. They remained in West Saint John for many, many years until they decided to call “The Camp” in South Branch, NB, home.
Donnie was always fond of a good time. He had a zest for living and a twinkle in his eye when he was cheeky. He was a natural athlete, loved to fish and was an exceptional card player. Donnie and Margaret were known to make their way to the Casino in Moncton to do a little gambling, in their retirement. To say Donnie was proud of the family he and Margaret raised would be an understatement. The love he had for both Bobby and Mike, Dena, who has been like a daughter to him, Denise, and his grandchildren was evident. The pride in his voice, the love in his eyes when he spent time with his family was clear to all. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apples of his eye…especially the stubborn ones!
To know Donnie was a gift. He would give you the shirt off his back. His chuckle and quick wit made the world a better place. Less than a year ago, our world was made sadder with the loss of Margaret and on March 4th, even more sad with the loss of Donnie. We take solace in the fact that she would have been the first in line to greet him at Heaven’s gate. A large piece of our hearts has gone with them.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Dr, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where a visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 from 6pm-8pm. A Celebration of Donnie’s life will take place from the Wallace Community Chapel on Thursday, March 9th at 1:00pm. Burial will take place at a later date.
Donations in memory of Donnie may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the I.W.K Hospital, or the Diabetes Association. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com
A very heartfelt thank-you, and much love, to granddaughter Carolann Morrow for her care and support throughout Dad’s life. To say he doted on her, doesn’t quite cover it! Many thanks to the Jordan Life Centre for all the support and care they have given Dad this last year.
