LINCOLN – It is with deep sorrow in our hearts that we share with you the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother “Nana,” sister and aunt, Loys Emily Stevens, Dec. 1, 2010, at the home of her loving daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Galen Thompson. Respecting her wishes, she spent her final months surrounded by the tender, loving care of family, friends and the compassionate caregivers of Beacon Hospice, Inc. Although we grieve our loss, we pause to celebrate and give thanks to God for Nana’s abundant life of 91 years! She was born Feb. 24, 1919, the eldest daughter of Mandel and Loretto (Libby) Bachelder. She graduated from Mattanawcook Academy in 1937. After graduation she married Vinal Stevens of Lee, the father of her three children. Throughout her life, she performed a variety of jobs which included dorm mother at Lee Academy for 15 years and activities director at Phillip Strickland Home, Bangor, where she worked until she retired in 1986. She was a dedicated employee and a kind, respected caregiver to the elderly. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Lincoln, Penobscot Valley Hospital Ladies’ Auxiliary, and Caring and Sharing Support Group. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading and rummaging through the garage in preparation of her next yard sale. A favorite summertime “get-away” was the family camp on East Grand. It was on this rocky shore, in a one-room cottage, that many cherished memories with Nana were created. She was completely devoted to her family and considered them God’s greatest blessing. “Thank God for my family,” were a few of the final words she spoke. Until that amazing day when we will meet again, memories of Nana will kindle in the hearts of those she leaves behind: her three children, Larry and Nellie Stevens of Lee, Galen and Sharon Thompson of Lincoln, and Mary Stevens Miller of Lincoln; a sister, Betty Harper of Ontario, N.Y.; two nieces, Susan Eckert of Seattle and Jane Cordaro of Ontario, N.Y.; eight grandchildren, Glenda, Bryan, Glenn, Dawn, Junior, Donald, Aaron and Jonathan, and their spouses; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by twin great-great-grandsons, Derek and Owen Tozier. Visitation will be private for members of the immediate family only. A graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Methodist Church of Lincoln, 16 Lee Road, Lincoln, ME 04457 or Beacon Hospice, Inc., 304 Hancock St., Bangor, ME 04401. For an online register book, please go to www.clayfuneralhome.com.
LOYS E. STEVENS
