June 9, 2022
With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our mom, grandma and great-grandmother Esther (nee Jackson) Barr Stephens of Kereomes on June 9th, 2022.
Esther was born the first of four children to Wes and Olive Jackson in Lac Vert, SK. She studied nursing in Three Hills, AB and enjoyed nursing for 32 years. Her nursing took her to Tofino, BC where she met and married her first husband, R. David Barr. Together they had two children, Marvin (Avril) and Marian (David). They co-owned a trucking company and a motel (Lone Cone Motel). Tragically, David was killed in an auto accident in 1974 and Esther sold the businesses and moved to Nanaimo, BC.
Esther then met her second husband, Douglas Stephens Sr. at a party held for her 40th birthday. They married in 1983 and continued to raise the "Brady Bunch" of kids (Doug Jr. (Kathy), Darlene (Steven), Daniel (Shelley), and Diana (Stan).
Esther faced numerous health issues in the past few years but she continued to fight with her strength and independence, even when her beloved son (Marvin) passed away suddenly in October. Her health deteriorated rapidly since then.
Esther is survived by her husband Doug, daughter and stepchildren, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. We would like to thank Orchard Haven in Kereomes for the wonderful care of mom.
"A mom's hug lasts long after she lets go" (Anonymous).