In loving memory of
Lorna Florence Stephen
March 12, 1944 – August 29, 2026
Funeral Service with Live Stream
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Northside Christian School
Vanderhoof, BC
Vanderhoof, BC
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Lorna Florence Stephen Obituary
Lorna Florence Stephen passed away peacefully on August 29th with her devoted husband and family by her side. Lorna was born in Vancouver on March 12, 1944, to Allen and Florence James. Prior to graduation from Kitsilano High School, Lorna made her choice to serve God. In 1965, she moved to Vanderhoof. Lorna married Ron in November 1968 and subsequently welcomed Ian (1970), Lee-Anne (1971), Dave (1973) and Scott (1975). They started their life together in Fort St. James, then the family moved to Prince George, before ultimately returning to Vanderhoof in 1983.
Lorna focused on raising her family and in 1987 she returned to work in the Vanderhoof School District. Over the years she supported students and staff in many schools, including Prairiedale, Sinkut View, Evelyn Dickson, and W.L. McLeod, eventually completing her career as the Human Resources Manager for School District 91.
During her retirement, Lorna traveled widely with Ron and their siblings, spent time with her children and grandchildren whom she adored, supported Dave and Scott as they developed Stephen Bros. Contracting, and created a home where everyone felt welcome. Ron and Lorna’s home became a place of refuge for many over the years.
Lorna enjoyed sitting down for a good conversation with her family and friends, and she was always there to listen and share her thoughts and offer help where she could. Lorna loved the fellowship meetings at her home and at the homes of others. Lorna lived her life with quiet strength, deep faith, and a generosity that touched everyone around her. Those fortunate enough to spend time with her felt the warmth of her kindness and her unwavering support, and they will carry those memories with them always.
Lorna is survived by her husband of 58 years Ron Stephen; her children and grandchildren Ian (Debbie), Taryn (Rylan Smaha-Muir), Hayley (Kevin Craig), and Zoe Stephen; Lee-Anne (Marko Jalava) Stephen; David, Treyken, and Jayce Stephen; and Scott (Connie), Kyler, Chloe, and Cheyenne Stephen; her siblings Les (Barb) James, Ed (Audrey) James, Velma (Claus) Flemming, Alvin (Carol) James, and Carol (Kevin Schinz) Heinekey; her sister in law Doreen James; her in-law siblings Linda Bambauer, Maryalice (Murray) Wood, Sheila Stephen, Fran (Ron) Delaney, Ruth (Craig) Johnson, Vivian (Maurice) Gouliquer, and Alden (Jenine) Stephen; and many nieces, nephews and close friends. She is predeceased by her parents Allen and Florence James, her brother Allen and sister in law Irene James, and her father and mother in-law David and Marjorie Stephen.
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Thinking of you all at this time; thanks for sharing the wonderful memories and messages.
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So many good, good memories of you all there..!
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I have just watched this very touching service. Lorna has been a Canadian Mom to my daughter Meryl Perry for many years. And I had the privilege of getting to know Lorna & Ron when visiting Meryl and her family. Those times are amongst special memories of my visits to
Vanderhoof, when I was able to travel.
Memories of those days will remain as long as I live.
Audrey Greenwood
Palmerston North, NZ
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What a beautiful funeral! Lorna will be missed by so many! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ron and family! Coming your way for Union Meetings was always a very special, looked forward to, day! We cherish those memories!
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Denise and I are thinking of you Ron and family! I’m so thankful for all the times we spent together. Lorna was a quiet, kind, lovely lady.
She will be missed.
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Ross and I are thinking of you Ron and family! I’m so thankful for the time I lived with you and your kindness to me. Cousin Lorna was a quiet, kind, constant, faithful, steady, trustworthy lovely lady you will miss her so greatly!🤗
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A beautiful service for a very special lady !! I first meet Lorna when she was only about 11 she was a pen pal to my sister Betty !! Thinking of you Ron and family and know you will know Gods comfort today and in the future days . So glad for our times in Maui in later years ! Precious
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I wish I could’ve been there, I’m so grateful I was able to watch from Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Even though Lorna wasn’t my biological grandma I always saw her as my grandma. She was always so kind and generous. I’m going to miss her beautiful spirit. Lots of love to the Stephen family🫶🏼🫶🏼
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Lovely to join in Lorna’s service today. We’ve had lots of conversations of fond memories and stories since hearing of Lorna’s passing. We feel sad for your loss Ron.
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Lorna , I’ll miss you so very much , all the long visits we had. I will miss curling up on your lovely soft couch . And just talk. All our after school coffee room visits . The flowers ohh you loved them I tried helping you . Remember how we alway tried different diets but then guess the food won us over. We walked together for a few miles . We would have a neighbourhood get-together for super and good old Visits
Sorry Ron we didn’t, make the service ,but we did watch it on our computer God Bless all of you ill miss my dearest friend Myrna John Bailey
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Glad to be able to watch and listen to the service. It was a very touching service. Appreciate the part of her grandchildren too.
Lorna was a cousin of mine (Norman) and we spent many weekends with them at the farmhouse when we would be travelling to or from Kitimat. They were always very hospitable and had an open door. We had a lot of great visits and meetings, and then would head for home. Thanks for being steady, immovable and true
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So glad to get acquainted with Ron & Lorna two years ago. She leaves us inspired.
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A beautiful service for a beautiful lady! She was an inspiration.
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We will miss Lorna. We loved how she treated our family as an extension of her own. The children felt like she was a “bonus” grandma. Her kindness was always appreciated. Condolences to Ron and family.
Love from Karlene Wilson and children
Aaron Mataya and Janae
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So, so many good memories of special times together..
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My deepest sympathy to Ron and family. I have very fond memories of the James family, from when I was young.
Donna (Webb) Munro
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Such a beautiful service. I am so thankful for Ron and Lorna and their open home as well. I loved Lorna sense of humour. She will be very missed
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Thankyou for the meeting in your home
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I am thinking of you all today, The Stephen & James families in your loss of Lorna.
I know that God is strong on your behalf and the comfort you have because of her faithful life and finish.
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So sorry I couldn’t be there. Thinking of you all as you navigate the next while. Lorna’s love for God and family is inspiring. She will be missed by so many.
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Thinking of you all, In Tasmania with you in spirit, a faithful well lived life
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Sending all the love and strength to Lorna’s family. Big hugs to you all! I will miss her very much.
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I will be thinking of you all today. I have great memories that started with Lorna coming to Vanderhoof to teach school., when I was a student there..
Don Savard
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Dear Ron and family …. Thinking of you and praying for you . I will be listening here in Chile … your love for God and Korna’s love for God encourages me to stay in the place God gave me here . Much love to each one . It was special to have a visit last year , Gail
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My heart goes out to the Stephen family. Brother Dave, deepest condolences.
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Such a lovely lady! I lived upstairs in her parents home for a number of years and enjoyed getting to know Lorna during her home visits. She was a very solid, happy lady and had a wicked sense of humour. I know her family will really miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all today.
Love Wendy Murdoch
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Thinking of you folks & will miss your dear one…thankful for her faithful life & loving heart for her family, friends, community, and God. Love to each of you..
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We appreciate Lorna and Ron”s balance. Lorna will be missed for sure.
Paul
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I was so sad to hear of Lorna’s illness and passing.
I am Meryl Perry’s mother and very much appreciated the fellowship at Ron & Lorna’s when I was there, but even more their constant and unswerving support to Meryl through some difficult times.
Lorna was a true Mother in Israel
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Lorna’s sweet influence will be missed but it lingers each time we think of her. Our love goes out to her family in these days.
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I remember well the love and care of Lorna, her gentle spirit and constant smile. Sincere condolences to Ron and the family.
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Lorna is the best kind of friend a person to have and like a mother to me many times. I loved the times we shared talking of the things we loved. Her care was incredible for me and l heard and saw the care she had for loved ones
I can never repay her or Ron for their goodness to me
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Thinking of you all with the loss of Lorna …. my dear friend whom I will miss so much. Lorna had a way of finding the positive and unique in the people around her . Keeping a sense of humour always! Hearing her at a typewriter with an incredible speed and taking notes in shorthand. So talented and smart. The biggest heart and deep love for her family.
Condolences, Lenore