Mrs. Beatrice Theresa Stephen

Always upbeat, gentle and humble, Beatrice passed away at Sunnybrook Hospital on Saturday, December 31, 2016. Among her many blessings, Bea lived a life through which she nurtured a close and loving family. Bea will be remembered always for her tender warmth, laughter, beautiful smile and generosity of spirit. Born in Moncton, New Brunswick on January 31, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Alyre Joseph and Katherine Marie (Murphy) Bourque. Bea, beloved widow of Michael and cherished mother of Chris (Lisa), Michael (Linda), Joseph (Theresa) and Andrea (Ron), adoring Grammy to Dominique, Michelle, Madeleine, Michael, Sarah, Erik, Joseph and Ryan. Loving sister of Yvonne, she was predeceased by two other sisters, Mary McAloon and Corinne Burlock.

Bea was a graduate of Bath High School in Bath, New Brunswick. She went on to attend Mt. Carmel Academy and pursued a nursing degree from St. Joseph’s Nursing School, both in Saint John. A registered nurse, Bea cared for the sick and the ill in hospitals in both Bath and Saint John. It was there she met and married her lifelong partner and best friend, Mike Stephen. Together, they raised four children who were the centre of their lives. Getting family together was a priority and a joy for Bea and the whole extended family. Bea and Mike created a strong family bond for us that we all cherish together and will have forever.

Throughout her life, Bea was a generous supporter of many causes and charities including Yonge Street Mission, Providence Healthcare Foundation and the Hospital for Sick Children. While living in Oakville, she was a faithful parishioner at St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church, a member of the May Court club, and a long-time volunteer for Birthright. She was also a Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and a founding member of Legatus Toronto.

The Stephen family would like to acknowledge and thank Bea’s wonderful caregivers for their kindness and support over the past several years.

Funeral arrangements have been made through the Trull Funeral Home, 2704 Yonge Street where visitation will be Thursday, January 5th from 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 24 Cheritan Avenue, Toronto on Friday, January 6th at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favourite charity.