AVA STEVENS

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AVA STEVENS Peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2009 after a brief illness, Ava Stevens, formerly of Calgary, Alberta, passed away at the Grace Hospital at the age of 86 years. Left to cherish her memory is her beloved sister, Joyce Allen of Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her parents, Eric and Edna Stevens and two sisters, Enid and Orla. Ava was born in Kelliher, Saskatchewan. At the age of 18 she enlisted in the Armed Forces and during the Second World War was Administrative Secretary to General Crerar in Ottawa. After her service in the army she moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to attend university to become a lab technician. Ava interned at Hamilton General Hospital and later worked at Calgary General Hospital. While in Calgary Ava decided, once again, to return to university to obtain her teaching degree. Her third and most fulfilling career was teaching mathematics and science at Colonel McLeod Junior High School. In addition to Ava's academic achievements, she was a talented crafts person and artist. She painted in every medium, created works of art in stained glass and knitted and crocheted endlessly for those less fortunate. Cross-stitch, hardanger, sewing; there wasn't a craft she couldn't excel in. Ava had a love for travel. She purchased a Volkswagen bug in Germany and travelled Europe for one year absorbing the history and countryside. China, India, Greece, Turkey, the British Isles, Israel and Russia were countries she travelled with the same enthusiasm she lived life. Being the traveller that she was and with her outgoing personality, Ava developed many lasting friendships around the world, in Calgary and in Winnipeg. Her memory will be cherished by all. Sincere thanks to all the staff at Grace Hospital for their care, kindness and support. As per Ava's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. Her ashes will be interred in the family plot in Kelliher, Saskatchewan. If desired, donations may be made to the Deer Lodge Hospital, the Lung and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2009