Remembering Elizabeth Anne Stenson

Elizabeth Stenson

Born November 15, 1937, in Gravenhurst, Ontario to Frank and Hilda Stenson. Died peacefully on October 12, at Birchmere Retirement Home in Orillia just shy of her 89th Birthday. Pre-deceased by her parents and brother David. She was a Breast Cancer Survivor. Thanksgiving was one of Liz’s favourite holidays, often spent with friends or family, the Lennard’s, in Toronto, or at Lake of Bays.

Over the last year and a half Liz had a quick decline from Dementia, taking away her spark, and her ability to knit, read, email and talk easily. Her caregivers took care to ensure her favourite music was playing as this calmed her, John McDermott being a particular favourite.

Liz had an exceptional career in teaching at the Toronto District School Board, beginning at the Duke of York Elementary School to head office student assessments. During her career and into retirement, Liz published several children’s books, had various art businesses such as rubber art stamps, silverwork jewelry, felting. Proud of her English roots Liz was an enthusiastic cook, sharing recipes, hosting dinners and planning holiday cookie groups. She was one of the best self-starters you could ever meet.

A long-time member of Summit Golf Club, you’d never want to take too many practice swings when playing with Liz. She maintained a few of those friendships for many years – a Summit gal.

Through her other passions – learning the Irish Whistle, singing in the Orillia Vocal Ensemble, getting involved with the Mariposa Music Festival and the Lake Country Probus Club, Liz cast a wide net of friends and artists.

Aunt Liz and or ‘Liz-the-Wiz’ was drawn to young people, always curious about their interests, travels, schooling and more. Upon hearing of Liz’s passing, one of her grandnieces wrote “How lucky are we to have had a bonus Grandma in Liz.”

She would not be happy if we didn’t mention her love of felines…Liz always had a cat in her life from her beloved Tory to her beautiful grey British Shorthair, Bentley.

We’d like to thank her friends who kept in touch by mail or visits, Liz would come to life when a card was read, and her memory might return for a little bit. David Crysdale, Marilyn Pike, some of the Probus group, and Marg Gurr, to mention a few. The care Liz received at Birchmere was incredible and we’d like to thank Kimberley Bartlett, head nurse, Debbie, Alex and the entire PSW staff who kept her comfortable in her final weeks.

Liz will rest at Mickle Memorial Cemetery in Gravenhurst, near her parents. A Celebration of Life will be planned for July 2027. We hope you’ll remember Liz in your own way until then. Details to follow through Carson Funeral Home and Orillia Matters digital paper.

Arrangements entrusted to Carson Funeral Homes – L. Doolittle Chapel in Orillia

Online condolences may be left at www.carsonfuneralhomes.com