IVA STEVENSON -

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IVA STEVENSON 1908 - 2006 On February 22, 2006 Iva Stevenson died in her 98th year after eight pleasant years at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg. Iva was predeceased by her husband Harold Stevenson in 1986 and by her great-grandson Paul Mateer in 2002. Iva Hansena Hansen was born on July 25, 1908 in Pilot Mound, MB to her parents Einar Hansen and Ethel Stewart Hansen. Later the family moved briefly to Neepawa and finally to Wawanesa where they settled permanently when she was 4 years old. After high school, she worked for the MTS for several years prior to marrying the love of her life, Harold Frederick Stevenson in 1932. Together they raised their four children: June (husband John Holden) living in Orem, Utah; Marilyn (husband Ken Adam) of Winnipeg; Dale (wife Aida Jorge) of Navan, Ontario; and, Fred (wife Ann White) of Cranbrook and Clear Lake. There are 12 grandchildren: June and John's Shane (Doreen), Mark (Jane), Erica (Judd Pinegar) and Brenley (Eric Salmon); Marilyn and Ken's Kendra (Tim Goertzen), Heather (Peter Sdrolias) and Arlyn (Keon Filewich); Dale and Aida's Alissa (Harold Zapata), Eric (Marcy) and Jeremy (Amy); and, Fred and Ann's Leigh (Reagan Gruener) and Erin (Keith Morris). Iva also had 23 great-grandchildren as well as 4 great-great-grandchildren. Iva and Harold devoted their lives to their children, their church and their community. Iva was a lifetime member of the Rebekah Lodge. The Stevensons especially encouraged university education and excellence in sports and music; then it is no surprise that Iva regularly practiced the piano or later the organ until at 88 years of age she left her home. Moving to Winnipeg in 1961, where Harold continued his career with the Wawanesa Mutual, they enjoyed all the great cultural pleasures Winnipeg has to offer. For several years Iva worked in the catalogue department of Eatons, thrilled to be independent, talking to Winnipeggers and selling for her favorite retailer. Hence, Harold and Iva drove to work together, basking in their empty nest and economic freedom. Three generations often lunched together at the Grill Room. In retirement, Iva and Harold were regular movie goers. With hockey as one of the family's passions, having an NHL team here was the icing on the cake . However, they were not novices in the realm of hockey as together they supported the Canadian National team the NATS training here in Winnipeg. And, they followed them to two Olympic Games Grenoble and Innsbruck, an experience never anticipated or imagined when they were young. Later, Iva shared her home with several international students, each attending the U of M that was within walking distance of Wedgewood Drive. She especially enjoyed learning about women in other cultures and becoming a grandma to these sojourners. We would be remiss not to mention Iva's enthusiasm for fashion. Her mother was an outstanding dressmaker and Iva reaped the rewards. Consequently, Iva passed on fashion ideas to the women and girls in her life and enjoyed what others co-ordinated. The Stevenson grandchildren have so many happy memories of this unassuming special lady. She personified a cheerful, positive attitude and was admired by all who knew her lovely smiling face. Our family would like to thank the caring staff at Riverview's CD1. They called her Our Iva and they truly loved her. Thanks as well to her church members who continued to visit her over these past 10 years. Also, special thanks to The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company for their compassion over the years. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 45 Dalhousie Dr., Fort Garry. Flowers are graciously declined. Donations may be directed to a charity of your choice or Riverview Health Centre Foundation, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg R3L2P4 Arrangements by Glen Lawn: 982-7550. Interment March 1 at 4:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 25, 2006