Theresa Dawn Jacqueline Stephen's Obituary
Theresa Dawn Kayal Stephen (nee Wakim)
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Theresa Kayal Stephen on Friday, May 15, 2020, in Miami, Florida.
Theresa was born in Saint John, New Brunswick to Arthur and Emma (nee Emin) Wakim on March 8, 1931, the youngest of eight sisters and one younger brother. The Wakim family was well regarded in Saint John for their business and social acumen and as a God-fearing force within the cluster of Lebanese and Syrian families. Their presence contributed significantly to the quality of life and dynamics of the community.
Theresa had a great sense of adventure. Early in her career, Theresa accepted a transfer from Fraser-Brace Engineering Company that saw her move from Saint John to Chicago, Indianapolis, and Detroit. She returned to Saint John, and in 1955 accompanied her Aunt Josephine and Uncle Frank on what would become a fateful winter vacation in Florida.
It was in Miami that Theresa met the love of her life and husband to be, Eugene N. Kayal. They were married in Saint John at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on November 10, 1956. Theresa then began her new life in Miami. The couple enjoyed a beautiful and loving relationship and blessed with three sons whom they adored. Tragically, Eugene suffered a massive heart attack and passed away in 1966, leaving her to raise three sons that ranged in age from 10 months to 8 years old, alone. In 1969, Theresa moved back to Canada and continued raising her family in Saint John.
In 1971, Theresa made an unexpected reacquaintance with Joseph Stephen, a widower whose wife passed away in 1965. Theresa and Joe were married in February of 1972. Joe would become a fantastic father to her sons and a beloved family member to both the Kayal and Wakim families. Joe adored Theresa, and they travelled to Lebanon, cruised the Caribbean, and visited many cities in Canada, Europe, and the United States. Joe built a summer cottage in Shediac, NB. It became the site of many happy days—and bountiful Lobster eating sessions—that are cherished by their immediate and extended family of siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. Shortly after Joe retired, they moved to Toronto, where he passed away in 1987.
After Joe’s passing, Theresa began her quest to become a Bridge Grand Master!! While she never quite reached that goal, she was able to meet a genuinely nice group of people from the Japanese Cultural Centre and Taylor Place. Two of her closest friends, Peggy and Alex (Alex has since passed) remained very close and active in her life, even after her playing days subsided. Theresa’s three sons are incredibly grateful for the love, friendship and special care Peggy and Alex showed their mother.
When there was gap in her Bridge schedule, Theresa enjoyed cruising and traveling to visit her children and grandchildren in Canada and the United States. Although her mobility suffered over the last few years, Theresa remained lively and spirited. Theresa was happiest hearing her grandchildren telling her about their adventures, cheering them on towards their goals.
Theresa especially enjoyed special outings with her nieces “Boo Boo”, Toni, Julie and Maryanne in Toronto; Michelle, Renee and T-bear in Miami; and Paula Benson (nee Hatty) from Saint John. Another great love for Theresa was browsing in a mall with her sister-in-law Loraine or with one of her daughters-in-law. Apparently there where bountiful opportunities wherever she looked. And if it didn’t work out, Theresa also liked the concept of returns!!
Theresa was also a great lover of food—she never met a rib or piece of chocolate she didn’t enjoy!! Like all great chefs, Theresa could never stand her own cooking. Those of us who benefitted from her kitchen skills never had an occasion to complain. No one knows that better than her brother Sam. She, like her other seven older sisters, would drop everything to cook for him, whatever or whenever he wanted.
Theresa was loved by all that knew her and adored by her family. Theresa is survived and will be dearly missed by her sons Eugene J.A., Brian, and Bruce; daughters-in-law Hoda (nee Wassef), Sandra (nee Gadala-Maria), and Jennifer (nee Gillespie); grandchildren Alexandra, Eugene W., Emma Rose, Sasha, Victoria, Joseph and Robert; surviving siblings Sam Wakim and wife Martin (nee Robertson), Mary Wakim, and Helen (Albert Haddad); brother-in-law Raymond J. Kayal, Sr. and wife Loraine (nee Sirgany), and her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews.
Theresa is predeceased by sisters and brothers-in-law Annie (Phillip Saab), Catherine, Madeline (William Rudowicz), Cecilia (Thomas Shannon), Germain (David McLorie); brother-in-law Michael Kayal (Rebecca nee Purato); nephews Dr. Gordon McLorie, Dr. Vincent Shannon, Richard Kayal, Daniel Rudowicz and Albert Haddad Jr.
Theresa will be interned in Woodlawn North Cemetery in Miami, next to her husband Eugene and beside mother- and father-in-law Rose and Joseph Kayal. The family requests in lieu of flowers that a donation to your local Heart Foundation be made in Theresa’s name.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, internment is limited to the immediate family. The family will have a memorial mass and celebration of her life at a future date when public safety restrictions allow.
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