It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Michele Jane Stephens at LHSC – University Hospital, on Saturday, October 28, 2023. She will be forever missed by many people.
Cherished daughter of Joan and the late Donald Stephens. Dear sister of Craig and Jean Stephens, and Jill and Jerome Major. Fondly remembered by her nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Michele was a Special Education teacher in Kingsville for over 30 years. She will be dearly missed by her colleagues, her students and her dogs. Having recently retired, Michele enjoyed travelling, photography, being a collector and taking a cruise in her convertible.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation & Celebrations, Arva (519-963-4003).
Donations to London Health Sciences Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Matt says
Michele was always my “cool” aunt. Introduced me to music which became influential in my life, like David Bowie and the Talking Heads. I remember looking forward to the thrill of riding on the back of her motorcycle. And her quick sharp wit. These memories stick with me still. You will be missed Aunt Michele.
Lawrence & Carol Amos says
Lawrence & Carol Amos
Joan & Family
Our sincere sympathy to each of the Family. May your Cherished Memories and Special Times together surround and comfort you at this difficult time.
Barb Rosser and Chuck Daigle and family says
Joan and family, our sympathy for the sudden loss of your dear Michele. It sounds like she impacted alot of lives in a profound way 💔
Larry & Elsie Coulthard says
To The Stephens Family: We offer our sincere condolences.
Melanie says
Michele was not only a co-worker but a dear friend. She will be greatly missed, especially her shinning smile, quick wit and caring heart 💜. Thank you for always listening to my rants in the mornings and giving me the best advice. But most of all, thanks for letting me serenade you even though my voice was squeaky! My song for you was always “The Best” by Tina Turner, oh how fitting that was for you! You truly were “simply the best” 💜 Rest easy my friend
Tyler Major says
One thing that will always come to mind when I think of my aunt Michele is peter pan, she always told me that while she may grow older, she will never grow up. Truly an inspiration to many, she will never be forgotten.
Katie Willms says
I went to Kingsville Public School and I had Miss Stephens Grade 6 two years Grade 7 and grade 8 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Nicole (Bickford) Pezzotti says
A true inspiration! Michele was my associate teacher 25 years ago. I learned so many valuable things from this amazing teacher. Not only to teach the children but to connect with them as individuals and teach with expectations and rules ad they will thrive and succeed. Thanks for being an amazing role model and sharing your love of teaching. You will be missed. 💔
Kim Mulligan says
In every conversation, lengthy or short, Michele left others smiling and laughing. It was her gift.
She also had such an inclusive way of dealing with everyone she encountered. She was one of a kind with her genuine, tender heart.
Sending sincere condolences to her friends and family.
Keri Kaufmann says
Getting to know Michele was a gift. Years and years ago, we found ourselves in a shared ward room at the hospital, not knowing years later, we would spend many years together at KPS.
Michele inspired me to lean in and see people’s beauty and potential. Her gift of pulling the magic out of her students came from her own magic. She offered the world so much through her heart- a scared gift she quietly shared. Michele was more than just an educator to the students who passed through her room, she was their cheerleader, their advocate, and their voice… she knew they were capable, and she would stop at no end to support them in reaching their potential.
Her acts of kindness were always so meaningful. How do you explain to someone the experience of someone singing you a song with the word “sun” in it every day for an entire school year- simply because you reminded her of a ray of sun? The effort and thought were beyond what most ever give.
In loss, there are so many lessons- with Michele, so many lessons came before this loss. Yet I can’t help but reflect on her impact. So many of us changed forever- wishing I could just tell her about that impact on my life. As I move forward, a part of her will guide me to continue to lean in and see the beauty and to choose radical kindness.
Katie Willms says
You were a great teacher
Kim and Andrew Reid says
She changed my sons life with her knowledge and kindness and acceptance. You will never be forgotten!! Love Andrew and Kim.
Sue Lansue says
Joan, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Many hugs my friend.
Linda DaPonte says
My sincere condolences to Michele’s family. She was such an inspiration to her colleagues as well as a wonderful teacher who shared a special bond with all her students. Rest in peace, Michele ❤️
Sherry DaSilva says
Sending sincere condolences to Michele’s family and friends. She was such a shining light! The world is going to miss her!
susan cosford says
She was always an upbeat person. She had a great sense of fun and helped many students through her long career. May she rest in peace!
Sherry DaSilva says
I have heard it said that there are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone the light remains. This is so true of Michele. All of the students in her care were lucky to have had someone as caring and dedicated as her. She was sincerely loved by so many! Those of us who worked with her consider ourselves lucky to have been her colleague. Always ready to spread cheer, she made us laugh! Sit by Michele at a staff meeting, and it won’t be a long, boring affair! We are going to miss her genuineness, her Wilma and Ellen stories, and well, Michele just being Michele. I hope that she has Lola and Phoebe with her now.
Rest in peace dear friend. Thank you for the light that you shared with us.
Michelle Riess says
All who knew Michele Or “Stephens” is sadden to hear of her sudden passing. Working across the hall from her classroom for the many years at KPS was always so fun! Hearing the laughter and cheers as her students accomplished goals and milestones was a daily occurrence. Her dogs were her pride and joy and we heard lots of stories about them. Every student that she ever taught, learned so much from her dedication and compassion. We are all better people because of you !
Rest easy my friend, your zest for life will shine down on us forever !
Riess
Heather Brown says
Michele,
Thank you for being the welcoming voice I got to hear each morning as I arrived at school! I loved our early morning chats, and would giggle if somehow I could beat you into the building.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, and showing me the latest gadget you bought, for sharing a story and always a good laugh.
You were one of the best, and you will be missed by so many.
To your family and friends, I offer my sincerest sympathies, keep all those beautiful memories of Michele close to your heart.
Rest now, my friend
Love Heather
Cindy Loop Snyder says
Michele will be so missed. Her quirkiness, sense of humour, one liners and fierce independence were equalled only by her love for her kids at school and her dogs. Michele had a magic that was so infectious with her Guess a Sketch that went viral and her random pop ins that would get everyone laughing. We would never know when she’d just show up in class with something to say or to check in on us or one of her kids who was working with us. All we knew was that we were all smiling when she popped back out. This fly by visiting was not just for school, she’d show up at our house with a bit of news or most often to take us for a spin in a new vehicle. Again laughter was what was left behind. You will be so missed. Rest in peace friend.
Rachel Shepley says
The only thing more beautiful than Michele’s smile, was her gentle heart. I will miss her wit, I will miss her spunk, I will miss her love for me.
She once told me her word for me was “shine” and made me a little sign to keep. Ironically enough, it was HER, when she was with me, SHE made me shine – the world is a little dimmer without her.
Rest peacefully until we meet again 🩷
Steve says
We will miss her quick wit and great conversations. Michele kept us informed on the newest political stories and we enjoyed her honesty and common sense opinions. She loved her students. She always wanted to be a teacher and she was so right for the job. Her other love, was her many dogs that she took into her home over the years. She was patient and a constant warrior for their care.
Our sincere condolences , she will be missed.
Steve and Sue Rock
Donna Long says
Michele was not only my partner of 14 years at KPS but my dearest friend. We laughed, cried, shared life’s moments with each other. I will always remember her sense of humour, her uniqueness. There will never be another like her.
Rest my friend, until we meet again.