Barbara-Jane 'BJ' Stevenson

Barbara-Jane ("B.J.") Earle Mercer Stevenson, aged 81, passed away peacefully, gracefully, and surrounded by loving family on April 25th, 2024.  

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, April 30th from 6-8 pm, at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow.  A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be conducted from Trinity United Church, New Glasgow on Wednesday, May 1st at 2 pm, the Rev. Donna Tourneur presiding.

BJ was born in Sydney, NS and lived in Sydney and Ottawa before her family settled in Halifax where she attended the Halifax Ladies College and then Dalhousie University.  She received her Bachelor of Nursing Degree and later became an instructor with the nursing program.  She was a committed student and athlete, excelling in field hockey and basketball.  It was while studying at Dalhousie that she met her partner for life, William (Rod) Stevenson. This August would have marked 59 years of marriage.  

BJ was active in her community and her church. She loved being with people. She spent time teaching adults to swim and to read.  She worked with others to initiate the palliative care service in Pictou County and was a founding member of the Shepherd’s Lunchroom.  She volunteered with the Red Cross and later worked with Rod at the Westville Medical Clinic.  She was a skilled seamstress.  For many years she made her own clothing and that of the children. She was creative.  She excelled at rug hooking, designing many of her own rugs and dying the wool to hook them.  Her artwork could be found on her walls and those of her family and friends.  She was fit and strong.  She sailed, golfed, played tennis, was an accomplished skier, and she loved to dance!!  She lived every day as if it were a ‘blue beach glass’ day.  Rare and special.

Above all, BJ put family first.  She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She was a strong and loving presence in the lives of those around her and instilled in all an awareness of the ‘riches’ life has to offer. She believed in others and encouraged everyone to be the best person they could be.  She had a good sense of humour and an infectious smile. She was firm but with unconditional love.  She gave the best hugs - and they only got better as time went on.

BJ was a sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother.  She is survived by her loving husband Rod; her sister and brother-in-law Margaret-Ellen and Tom Disney; her three sons and their partners: Kurt and Rayleen, Colin and Catherine and Michael and Tanya; and her favourite daughter, Sarah, and her husband Dale Letcher; grandchildren, Olivia, Rhys, Keely, Joshua, Blayse, Spencer, and Capo; and her many nephews and nieces, all whom she loved and touched deeply.  She was happiest when surrounded by the noise, laughter, and chaos of family life.  

BJ’s family wishes to thank the incredibly nurturing staff at Ivey’s Terrace Nursing Home who treated B.J. with so much love and respect and allowed her to keep her dignity.  We are forever grateful. 

Family flowers only.  If you wish to remember B.J. with a donation, we suggest Trinity United Church and its many outreach programs.