Charlotte Stephens

We announce with both sorrow and gratitude that God welcomed our beloved matriarch, Charlotte (Byrne) Stephens of Rochester Hills, Michigan, home on August 11, 2024, at the age of 92. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones and the prayers of those she held dear.

Charlotte, daughter of Joseph and Rosemary (Chittle) Byrne, was born on January 26, 1932, in their farmhouse in Woodslee, Ontario, Canada. As the spirited youngest twin in a family of nine siblings, her roots in a hardworking farming family shaped her into the resilient and tenacious woman we all remember.

Charlotte attended a one-room schoolhouse. She then moved to Windsor, Canada, to attend Hotel Dieu, where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse. Her adventurous spirit led her to pursue her career in Detroit, Michigan, working at Jennings Hospital—a decision that reflected her courage and independence.

In Detroit, Charlotte embraced the excitement of city life, from trolley cars to dances on Belle Isle. She was warmly welcomed into the home of her sister Julie and brother-in-law Frank McCarroll. Michigan brought many blessings to Charlotte, most notably the love of her life, Richard Stephens of Chicago, Illinois. They married on June 1, 1957, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Woodslee, Ontario, and welcomed five children—John, Rose, Michael, Richard, and William—in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, with love, laughter, and immense joy.

Charlotte’s life was marked by both joy and immense challenges. After marrying Richard, affectionately known as Dick, she embraced the joys of motherhood with the birth of their five children. Her world took a heartbreaking turn when Dick passed away unexpectedly at the age of 45, leaving Charlotte to raise their young children, the youngest just an infant. With immense strength and love, she worked double shifts and made countless sacrifices to ensure her children had everything they needed to succeed.

Charlotte loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. She was the keeper of family stories, tracing her Irish lineage with pride, and never hesitated to share her opinions.

Her home was always filled with laughter, lively card games, and the warmth of her hospitality. Charlotte had a particular love for euchre, and her quick mind made her a formidable opponent at the card table. She cherished the camaraderie that came with these games, which were always played with a mix of skill, wit, and joy.

Charlotte's passion for food was evident in her strong opinions, whether dining out or enjoying a home-cooked meal. She never hesitated to share her thoughts—both good and bad—on what made a dish delicious or where it fell short. For her, meals were more than just food; they were an opportunity to engage in lively conversation and enjoy the company of others.

Her discerning palate led her to appreciate not just good food, but also the company that came with it. Many conversations and memories were shared over a simple cup of tea, where stories were told and connections deepened.

Charlotte had an adventurous spirit that took her on journeys near and far, from the cobbled streets of Europe to the sun-soaked islands and everywhere in between. Some of her favorite trips were to Florida and Arizona to spend time with her children, but she was never afraid to embark on adventures on her own. Her independence and resilience ran deep and true. She loved exploring new places, embracing new experiences, and had a particular love for swimming and the water, always finding peace and joy wherever she went.

Her love for God and unwavering commitment to her Catholic faith were constants in her life, providing guidance and strength until she was joyfully reunited with Christ. Though a proud natural-born Canadian, her affection for the United States was profound. She frequently participated in rallies and events, remained engaged with current affairs, and was known for her sharp mind and insightful opinions.

Yet, perhaps Charlotte’s greatest gift was her talent for conversation. She had a remarkable ability to listen, share her views, and create a space where meaningful and heartfelt discussions could truly flourish.

Charlotte was many things: her love of life was deep and true, but above all, she was a beloved mother and simply our Nana. The love for Nana runs deep among her children, in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We each cherished her in our own ways, and she provided love in the ways we needed most. A true measure of one's life is the impact they leave on those they leave behind, and our Nana achieved that with a lasting legacy of love and devotion. She will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts, souls, and conversations.

As we say goodbye to our beloved Charlotte, we hold close the lessons she imparted: the value of hard work, the importance of family, the necessity of laughter, and the joy of living authentically. Her legacy is in the love, resilience, and courage that define the family she raised so beautifully.

Charlotte’s memory will live on forever through her children: Rose (Mark), Michael (Jill), Richard (Kelly), William (Keri), daughter-in-law Renee (wife of the late John); grandchildren Maureen (David), Natalie (Robert), Bridget (Angelo), Paul, Kevin, Stefanie, Blake, Kate, Roark, and Clark; and her six great-grandchildren: Lucas, Olivia, Cole, Mason, Adalynn, and Mikayla.

Charlotte was welcomed into His Holy Kingdom by Christ and reunited with her beloved husband Richard (Dick) Stephens, her son John Stephens, her parents, and her nine brothers and sisters.

The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice House of Troy, Michigan, as well as the staff, volunteers, and private duty nurses for the care and love they provided to our beloved mother and Nana, along with the prayers prayed for her.

United States

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday August 17th, 2024 at 10 AM (9:30 AM instate), at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church (Stone Chapel), located at 2215 Opdyke Rd, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Canada

An internment and prayer service will be held on Monday, August 19th at 1:00 PM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Cemetery located at 1688 County Road 46, South Woodslee, Ontario, Canada. A time for reflection and sharing memories will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Charlotte’s honor to Mark Van Den Branden (118 Waltonshire Court, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309) to be donated to the specific floor of Heart to Heart Inpatient Hospice of Troy, Michigan who took care of Charlotte during her remaining time with us.