Matilda Darlene (Babe) Stevenson

MATILDA DARLENE (BABE) STEVENSON

Prairieburg

Matilda Darlene (Babe) Stevenson, 96, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 14, 1922, in Prairieburg, Iowa, to John Rudolph Lawrence and Julia (Lasack) Lawrence. On Sept. 19, 1939, she married Cyril Stevenson, who preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 1964.

During their time in Iowa, Matilda worked at Collins Radio and at the Prairie Moon Ballroom. In 1960, because of Cyril's health, the family moved to Arizona with $100 to start their new life. A year later, Matilda and Cyril put $25 down on a $11,400 home. Because of his health, Cyril was unable to work, and Matilda found positions as a waitress. In the mid 1960's, Matilda went into partnership in My'a House Italian restaurant until she sold it and went to work at the bakery at St. Joseph's Hospital, where she retired in 1986. In addition, for more than 25 years, Matilda sold Avon.

Matilda loved babies, was an avid Phoenix Suns fan, always could be found surrounded by her numerous flowers and her affection for chocolates. She had a vast collection of angels that watched over her day and night. Matilda always will be remembered for her personality and her quick wit.

Throughout her lifetime, her focus and priorities were to care for her family and she was the best wife, mother and grandmother. Matilda leaves behind her brother, Lucien (Lois) Lawrence of Central City, Iowa; and seven children, John (Arlene) Stevenson of Glendale Ariz., Mary Anne (Marty) Martinsen of Peoria, Ariz., Jerry (Judie) Stevenson of Houston, Texas, Marilyn Stevenson of Glendale, Ariz., Keith Stevenson (Maureen) of Gilbert, Ariz., Kathy Siragusa of Glendale, Ariz., and Garry (Cathy) Stevenson of Pagosa Springs, Colo. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren and 28 great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Cyril; her sisters, Marie Holub and Philomena Stevenson; her brother, Anthony; her half-brother, Mike Blahnik; her granddaughter, Tracy Stevenson; and her great-grandson, Kevin Schemers.

Family and friends whose lives were touched by Matilda are welcome to join us to celebrate her life and reminisce all the laughter, joy and love she brought to all of us.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a rosary at 6 p.m., at Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W Thunderbird Road, Peoria, AZ 85381.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at St. Helen's Catholic Church, 5510 W Cholla St., Glendale, AZ 85304, at 10 a.m., followed by a small reception. Burial will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008.

Memories and condolences can be shared at https://www.heritagefuneralchapels.com/obituaries/obituary-listings.