Stephanie was the daughter of the late Ivan “John” and Maria (Eleniak) Zwarun who emigrated from Krasne, Ukraine. At three and one-half years old Mom arrived at Pier 21, Halifax on March 18, 1934 with her mother and two sisters, Julia and Millie. Waiting for them in Glace Bay was her father who had been recruited to work in the Glace Bay coal mines.
Stephanie is survived by her two daughters Colleen and Yvonne Campbell, Glace Bay of whom she was very proud. Mom is also survived by sister Celia (Roger) Laverdure, Repentigny, Quebec; brothers Steve and Fred, Glace Bay; special nephew Ed Spalding and special niece Linda Tabor both of Washington; and many nieces, nephews, cousins in Canada, the USA and Ukraine.
Mom was predeceased by her husband Colin Campbell and then by her second husband Gerald Byrne; sisters Julia Troicuk and Millie Spalding; brothers Bill, twins John and Peter, and Mike “Ike”.
Never one to be idle, Mom worked two part-time jobs to help provide for her family. As a young woman she worked for Gordon Brothers’ Grocery Store where she was head cashier. Mom could add up the columns of grocery costs faster than anyone – at that time there were no automatic cash registers! Mom took part-time classes which eventually resulted in her teaching business courses at night at Central School. Most of Mom’s career was as a medical secretary for several Glace Bay doctors. She also worked a term position as a secretary for the then Minister of Health, David Dingwall.
Mom was a socially active woman who loved her shopping sprees to the “Boston States”, her weekly Thrift Card Club that met for over two generations of ladies, bowling for many years, as well as playing cribbage for 30 years in a local League at Branch 3 Legion. One of her many curricular activities was wood working. Several of her beautiful pieces adorned her home.
Until its closure, our Mom was a member of Saint John the Baptist Parish in New Aberdeen where she served as Eucharistic Minister. When she could no longer physically attend Mass, Mom watched TV Mass everyday and quietly prayed her Rosary.
Funeral directions have been placed in the care of Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St, Glace Bay. Visitation will be held on Saturday May 18, 2024 from 11am-12pm, Chapel service to follow with Fr. Dan Boudreau officiating. Burial in Greenwood cemetery.
Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Bridgeport or Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church, Whitney Pier.
Mother
Your arms were always open
When we needed a hug.
Your heart understood
When we needed a friend.
Your gentle eyes were stern
When we needed a lesson.
Your strength and love have guided us
And gave us wings to fly.
By Sarah Malin
