Obituary of Stella STEPHEN

STELLA STEPHEN (nee Piasecki) March 6, 1930 - March 28, 2009 Mother, Angel, a Child of God. Peacefully, with her children at her side, our mother Stella passed away Saturday March 28, 2009 at Seven Oaks Hospital after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Stella was predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Magdalena, twin sister Josephine (Josie) Korchak, brother Ted Parker, and sister in law Margaret Piasecki. Stella and Josephine (Josie) were born March 6, 1930 into a loving family, raised in the North End on Aberdeen Ave. Mother attended Machray School and then St. Johns Tec. Stella and Josie were given mandolins at age six and thus began a love of music and dance which would last a lifetime. Mother was very caring and compassionate to all who knew her and to complete strangers whom she had just met. Mother made friends so easily. Her warm beautiful smile and gentle mannerism made it easy for anyone to feel at ease in her company. Mother was a devoted wife and mother of three children. With her nurturing, loving ways she raised her children into fine upstanding adults. Instilling in them the same passion for music that she was given as a child. Never once did she turn her back on her children. Always there for them through any low and high spots of their lives. Mother was a fine provider for her family, also taking great pride and joy in any and all accomplishments of her children. Mother was a success at what ever she attempted, business woman, business owner. Mother also loved good conversation with all people and was always aware of going's on in the world. She was a great believer in socialism and was most proud of prominent Canadian Social Democratic politician Tommy Douglas when he brought in Medicare for Canada. What a great country she lived in she'd say because of Medicare. Be kind to your fellow man and the world would be a better place she believed. Mother was also a "Fact Finder". When needed Mother had the tenacity of a pit-bull to find and have justice served for whatever the reason, occasion or need, and whether it be to help a family member or friend. Mother did have medical issues to deal with in her latter years, and she did so with the strength of an elephant, the heart of a lion and the grace of a dove. Mother was not a person to complain out loud about herself. Becoming ill early this year Mother kept it to herself. Suffering in silence as to not have to burden and worry her family, she did it her way. A short stay in the hospital, all too quickly gone but surrounded by her three children during her new journey after life. Mother loved her home and stayed in it until the time of her illness. She had recently celebrated her seventy-ninth birthday. Mother was very grateful for having son Rodney close by and around the house to help her as needed and for his companionship. Mother, Sister, Auntie, Grandmother, Friend Stella, leaves behind to cherish her life and memory, son Rodney Stephen, daughter Stacey-Jo Stephen, son Ross (Kathy) Stephen, brother John Piasecki, niece Tiana Korchak with whom mother had a special bond with, dear brother in law Bud Korchak, nieces Mia Kinal, Della Piasecki, nephews Terry (Jackie) Korchak, Jon (Linda) Piasecki, granddaughter Heather Stephen, grandsons Tyler and Scott Stephen, Simon the cat, aka: chairman meow, life-long friends Sylvia Derenchuk and Allice Smith. Stella's children would like to thank the Winnipeg Paramedic Fire Dept., and all staff at Seven Oaks Hospital who cared for Mother. The Emergency Ward, Dr. Warraich, Evelyn Mitchell, Erica Block and the nurses on the fifth floor units 5 and 2. Thank you all. At Mother's request cremation has taken place. A celebration of Mother's life will be held on Monday April 6th 2009 at 7pm at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stella's memory to the charity of one's choice or to Mother's favorite cause, the Manitoba NDP, www.mb.ndp.ca Have a Good Safe Drive Bus Route Mom. My Mother, an Angel, a Child of God.