Theadora L. Klein Stevenson
July 17th, 2022
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Theadora (Teddi) L. Klein Stevenson
Born July 2, 1926
Died July 17, 2022
Epitaph
By: Kathryn Mary 1972
Another Day
Stored away –
Wasted, if not for memory.
Waiting for your return –
Time, ebbing into an eternity
Bidding only to be endured
Until once again,
Our Happy Hours.
LITTLE RED WAGON
By: Kathryn Mary 1972
Little Red Wagon, what joys
You bought us!
Remember the endless hours of play?
Times were happy and our imaginations quick to contrive a game
And, as always,
Our versatile piece of treasure
Was ready to take her name.
Bolstering the commodities of your trade,
You were useful for the well-being of our youth.
We were the little waifs
Whom you carried through the corridors of life
Disclosing the world of wahine princesses and
Opening doors to the mysteries we longed to possess.
Laughing, singing, crying,
You held each one of us.
Your small, black wheels shouldered our burdens
And consoled our yearnings.
How strong your little frame
Withstood the petitions of your girls and boys!
With Love and respect, I wrote this poem and dedicated it to my mother, Theadora (Teddi). She was my “Little Red Wagon” throughout my entire life. Yes, there were times we had our ups and downs, but I always loved her, and I knew she loved me….and my brothers and my sister…she had plenty of love to share and she shared our burdens, our sorrows, our joys from the beginning of our lives to the end of her life here on Earth.
Mother had a magical and creative nature about her. She could make something great out of nothing. I remember the beautiful “stain glass” art in our large picture window at Christmas; Jimmie and I always had beautiful new formals designed as we imagined and sewn by Mother, as well as our wedding dress (or suit in my case). We all had new clothes and new shoes for our first day of school every year. Coming home from school was a real treat, as you could smell fresh baked cookies or bread as we entered our house. Mom was an excellent cook—although, at times, she could be a messy cook. Sundays after Mass, we usually had a large Sunday meal and the four of us cleaned up the dishes, pots, and pans. Saturdays were house cleaning days. Mother didn’t complain too much when we skated in our socks across our wood floors to polish them or used a vacuum cleaner nozzle as a “microphone” to sing. But we were expected to finish our chores.
Mother was also an artist. All of her children’s homes are filled with her art. Her grandchildren are beginning to adorn the walls of their new homes with her paintings as well. Her paintings are priceless memories for each of us.
We were fortunate to have Mom in our lives. We were fortunate to celebrate her 96th birthday this year on July 2nd. We had a ZOOM party for those who were unable to travel to Canada. Almost 16 people. Mom loved it. It was to be our last party with her.
Mom left this life to begin a new life with Our Lord and yes, with Alice …
Thea is survived by her four children: Kathryn Mary Bizzell, Ronald Suttle, Jimmie Lea Groves and Steven Suttle. Mom has 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, plus 2 sisters, Ann Fogg and Irene Legacy; a host of nieces, nephews and their families and many friends all of whom are scattered over Canada and the United States.
On behalf of my brothers, sister and our families, we extend our sincere appreciation for all the love and assistances my mother received throughout her life and especially these past 10 years. Mom was where she wanted to be—with her mother and with her siblings.
We will miss Mom, but we can take comfort in knowing that she can once again enjoy her happy hours.
Many Blessings to all of you.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Mary Bizzell
Without a doubt, I am sure that Alice embraced Mom from the moment she left this life to enter into another life filled with eternal peace and happiness. Once again, they are hand-in-hand with each other to forever enjoy the happy hours
Service: Father Matthew, Pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, presiding for Mom’s (Teddi) graveside service.
Date/Time: Friday, August 5, 2022, at 2:00pm
Location: Maple Ridge Cemetery
21404 Dewdney Trunk Rd.
Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Section 3, Lot 9
(2nd road—or first paved road—to the right, mid-section on the left)
Reception: Immediately following Graveside Service. Please join us for coffee, dessert, and an exchange of fond memories.
Location: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (Parish Hall)
22561 121st Avenue
Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
* Parish Hall is located to the right of the church
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
Thank you.
Kathryn Bizzell and Ronald Suttle
Daughter and Son of Thea (Teddi) Stevenson
Messages:
Dear Kathryn, Sending our deepest condolences for the loss of your dear mother. We know this is a difficult time and we pray that God surround you with His peace, comfort and strength. Your beautifully written words in memory of your mother were especially touching and your poems are wonderful. There is no doubt that your mother’s creative spirit lives on in you. Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute with us. We know you will dearly miss her. Thinking of you. Kevin and JoAnne
Kathy, Ron, Jimmie Lea, & Steve, my deepest condolences to you and your families. What a beautiful tribute to your mom. It has been some years since I last saw "Aunt Teddi", but mom (Irene) has always kept us up-to-date. On those occasions when we did get to visit her, Thea was forever gracious & welcoming, and genuinely glad to see us. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you as you remember her life.