Obituary of Winnifred Mae Stephens-Wills

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of, Winnifred Mae Stephens-Wills, of Kentville (Lockeport/Jordan Falls) on April 12th, 2014. Born in Jordan Falls on February 14th 1938, Winnie was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Effie Harris. Winnie was a voracious reader, with a love for books and an affinity for poetry which developed into a career of over 25 years as a librarian with the Lockeport and Kentville branches. Winnie was a founding member of annual July 1st celebration committee in Lockeport and a correspondent, representing the Lockeport area, for "The Coast Guard" newspaper in the 1970s. Winnie was an avid volunteer in the community as a member of the New Minas Lioness club, the Salvation Army Thrift store in Kentville, and many women's groups throughout the years. She had a keen interest in women's issues which lead to her studying sociology at Acadia University throughout the 1980s. Winnie and Morley loved to travel, having taken many trips to visit family across Canada. They shared a love of English history and literature, traveling to England and Wales many times, discovering family history and new literary pleasures. She will be remembered as a lovingly devoted wife, mother, sister, friend and grandmother. She was truly a "pearl beyond price". She is survived by her husband, Morley Wills of Kentville; son, John Stephens (Eric) of Kentville; daughters, Doris (Percy) Stuart of East Green Harbour, Susan (Michael) Elliott of Jordan Falls, Mary (Richard) Smith of Shelburne; grandchildren, Matthew, Christian and Stephen Elliott and Chasidy, Travis and Adrian Smith; sisters, Marjorie (Richard) Wadge, Elizabeth (Albert) Dinel; many nieces and nephews. Winnie was predeceased by her first husband, Francis Thurber Stephens of Lockeport. Her family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Wadden and the emergency staff at Valley Regional Hospital. In keeping with Winnie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The funeral service will be held at 2PM on Monday, April 21st at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Jordan Falls, Shelburne County. Reception to follow at the IOOF Hall in Jordan Falls. Family flowers only, donations can be made to Chrysalis House (P.O. Box 356, Kentville, NS B4N 3X1) or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Annapolis Valley Funeral Home and Chapels (34 Coldbrook Village Park Drive) 679-2822.