STEPHENSON, M. Marilla
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Margaret Marilla (Kavanaugh) Stephenson, R.N., of Eastern Passage. Marilla, 86, died in the arms of her beloved husband on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, in the Dartmouth General Hospital, after a brief illness. She was a kind, compassionate woman, known for her integrity and grace, whose life was grounded in her faith, family and community. Born in New Waterford on December 22, 1933, Marilla was the daughter of the late Alexander Ronald “Rannie” and Margaret Alice “Peggy” (McCuish) Kavanaugh. She is survived by her husband, of 63 years, Michael E. “Mick” Stephenson; daughter, Marilla, Halifax; sons, Greg (Carolyn), Enfield, Bill (Tara), Fort McMurray, Dan (Patrick), Dartmouth, Colin (Marta), Fall River; brother, Clarence, Calgary; sisters-in-law, Rita Kavanaugh, New Waterford, Isabel Kavanaugh, Dartmouth. Mum was happiest surrounded by her entire family. She provided encouragement and loving support to her dear grandchildren, Tim (Siobhan), Ian, Lauren (Jordan), Brock, Ben, Abbie; and was blessed to be great-grandmother to Nolan and Olivia. Marilla was loved and will be missed by Mick’s brothers, sisters and their spouses; many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family; several cousins. She was predeceased by her youngest and long-missed son, Ron, in 1992; brothers, Ronald, Donald; sister-in-law, Mat Kavanaugh. She was a graduate of Mount Carmel High School and trained as a Registered Nurse at New Waterford General Hospital School of Nursing. Following their marriage on November 10, 1956, Marilla and Mick moved to Dartmouth; she continued her nursing career at the former Halifax Infirmary, Imperial Oil Refinery, and Ocean View Manor. In 1959-60, they worked side by side to build the home on Ocean Lea Drive where they raised their family in what would become their life-long community of Eastern Passage. First and foremost, she was the devoted wife and constant companion of her husband. One name was rarely mentioned without the other. Known for her warm smile, Marilla was a respected and loving anchor for her family and a loyal, dependable confidant to her friends. She was a dedicated parishioner of Saint Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church, and a 50-year member and past president of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Women’s League. For 15 of those years, the dynamic trio of Marilla, Audrey and Shirley travelled to CWL national conventions across Canada. She studied music during her school years and later sang with her church choir for 17 years, leaving only so that Mick would no longer have to sit alone in church. A modest recipient of recognitions honouring her community work over many years, she held quiet pride in her heart as a longtime member and founding president of the Eastern Passage-Cow Bay Benevolent Society, which assists local families facing medical challenges. She was a consistent volunteer for many local initiatives, including the Community Christmas Boxes program. Mum enjoyed quilting, cooking, and bowling with friends. Her loving hands created delicious baked treats that were enthusiastically devoured by family and friends. She was a supportive hockey mom over many years. During retirement, for 10 years they travelled to Gulfport, Fla., after Mick’s hockey season ended, enjoying late-winter escapes with the “Cape Breton Sunseekers.” She was a loyal and valued neighbour and will be best remembered for her compassionate caring for others. The family is grateful for the immeasurable love and support provided by our large extended family, many cherished friends and neighbours. We are thankful for the tender care provided to Marilla by healthcare professionals, especially in recent weeks. Cremation has taken place; arrangements entrusted to Eastern Passage Community Funeral Home. At this time she would expect us to be protecting each other, therefore a funeral Mass and gathering will occur at a later date when we can come together to honour the life of this remarkable person. Online condolences by visiting: www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca.