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Vig Stevens

Image by Nick Andréka

VERA "VIG" STEVENS

October 9, 1929 - August 11, 2023

It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved Mom and Nana Vera "Vig" Stevens on Friday August 11, 2023 at the age of 93 years just 2 months shy of her 94th birthday.

 

Vera will be lovingly remembered by her son Mark (Curtis), grandchildren Samuel, Jordan, Chelsea, Tyler. Daughter Tracy Lebedeff (Dan), granddaughter Megan, her sister Eileen (Brian) of England, many nieces, nephews and very many friends. Vera was predeceased by her husband Harry of 54 years and her mother Rose.

 

Vera and Harry moved from London, England to Winnipeg, Manitoba in May 1959 and made it their home. Mark came along in 1963 and Tracy in 1966. Once they were old enough to look after themselves Vera got a job at Donald Drug store where she loved it and all the people she worked with over the years. Her next adventure was working for the PC Manitoba fund on Kennedy where she made lifelong friends with Maureen and Wendy. She was even known as the Queen of Kennedy by Gary Filmon due to her everlasting English accent. Mom was always the life of the party no matter where it was. She had a certain wit about her as well as divine stubbornness.

 

Mom loved all her grandchildren and was so happy to get phone calls or have them stop by that she would tell me for days about the visit or call. Mom loved her bingo which was only on Sunday evenings to start, then Tuesday evening and Thursday. She loved knitting and reading books but most of all just talking to people. This is how she met Bob, her next-door neighbor in December 2021. She just knocked on his door and asked for his help. Both Vera and Bob were very lonely while living on their own and not being able to socialize due to covid. They became fast friends and companions. Mom moved in with Bob in May 2022 and was so happy to be with him. As mom's dementia became worse it was Bob that cared for mom’s every need and he was with her every minute making sure she was healthy and cared for. Even while she was in Misericordia hospital transitional ward waiting for placement into a long term care home Bob would visit mom twice a day.

 

The last visit we had with mom was in Misericordia hospital and even though she could not form or say a word, she did manage to squeeze Mark and Bob’s hand as if to say it’s ok. I (Tracy) was the last to leave and while telling mom I loved her she smiled at me and squeezed my hand. This will be forever engraved in my heart.

 

As per mom's wishes, cremation has taken place, a private family gathering was held, and she is now resting beside dad.

Mom, you have touched so many lives over the years. We will miss you always. God bless and Rest in Peace! Forever in our Hearts!

Vera's family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Tracy Lebedeff

November 7, 2024 at 12:58 PM

Can't believe it has been over a year already since you left me. Mark has joined you and dad and hope you are all together watching down on all of us. I miss you so much and think of you daily. Love you all 💕💕💕

Mark Stevens

January 2, 2024 at 10:09 AM

We've started a new year without you with us!  Cheers to you and Dad, missing you daily and so very much! Love you both!!

Tracy Lebedeff

December 25, 2023 at 2:27 AM

This is the first Christmas you are not physically with us but you are constantly in my thoughts and not a day goes by that I don’t want to pick up a phone to call you.  I miss you more than you know and will raise a glass and toast to you and dad which I am sure you are driving nuts ( haha ).  I love mom !  ❤

Linda Sutton

September 30, 2023 at 12:26 PM

So sorry to hear of Vera's passing. Such a dynamic lady.  When neighbors in the Villa, we used to share puzzles - what a collection she had.  I will always remember Vera with special fondness. 

Mark Stevens

September 26, 2023 at 11:40 AM

They say it get easier with time, but that's not true.  I still miss our weekend visits and calling you to tell you how it's going.  I miss you and Dad so much.  You are always in my heart ❤️ Mom.  I love and miss you greatly!  

Bev

September 19, 2023 at 7:10 PM

I am very happy to of know Vera and enjoyed visiting with her in her apartment.  My sympathy to all the family  Bev at 105 in the villa.

Bob Tosczak

September 18, 2023 at 4:09 PM

I was very happy and honoured too have met, and was able to spend time with Vera.  She was a wonderful, lovely lady and when I think of her always I tend to cry.  I miss her so much and the pain in my heart is telling me how much I loved being with her.  I wish with all my heart she was sitting in her chair beside me and I was holding her hand as she is still in my heart and will be there forever. I still love her even though she’s gone. ❤

Michelle

September 18, 2023 at 1:30 AM

I’ve known you for 14yrs Vera. I’m gonna miss hearing your voice and how you greet me. You’re definitely one-of-a kind. May you rest in peace along side your beloved Harry. Say “HI” to him for me. Always ~Michelle~❤️

Betty

September 16, 2023 at 9:12 AM

I met Vera living at the Villa.  Neighbors by chance and friend by choice.  Always a smile and upbeat conversation with Vera.  She was a pleasant and happy sole.  A bit feisty too!  Rest in peace Vera.  We will miss you and remember you always😇❤️. Betty and Jan

Rita Galliford

September 15, 2023 at 7:14 PM

Geographic distances kept us apart for many years but we had some good times & many laughs when my Auntie Vera visited us when we lived at the beach in Grand Bend ON & later in Hope BC.  During my teen years when we shared the same house after first coming to Canada we spent many an hour upstairs with her & uncle Steve.  They were there for us when we lost our Dad and Steve gave me away when I married Roger.  So many lovely memories.  She will be in our hearts always,  ❤.  Rita

Wendy Dunlop

September 15, 2023 at 2:15 PM

I first met Vera when she was working at the Manitoba PC Headquarters on Kennedy Street. Vera was always the life of the many parties that were held there or when the gang went on road trips to the casinos in Winnipeg or in the states. One story Maureen and I both remember is when we got Vig very tipsy on Blow Jobs (the cocktail) then proceeded to take her home while she sang Knees Up Mother Brown all the way down the back lane. We leaned her up against the apartment door, rang the doorbell & left her for Steve (Harry) to deal with her. Another favourite story was when she and I went down the slide, fully clothed, into the pool at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Centre after their 50th wedding anniversary. One final story was when the gang at 23 Kennedy dressed up in non authentic ukrainian outfits to surprise Maureen on her Birthday. Vig was dresses in rubber boots, babushka, red lipstick on her lips and surrounding her lips - it was quite a sight to behold! I will miss our visits when I go to Winnipeg. Love you my friend and will miss you. R.I.P Vig and don't argue with Steve too much!❤.      

Mark Stevens

September 15, 2023 at 2:10 PM

Oh Mum, I miss you so much.  Its especially difficult on weekends not coming for my visits.  As I said in the hospital we love you dearly, always!!❤  Love Mark
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