Florence Kilda Stevens' Obituary
Florence Kilda Stevens, who entered into eternity on May 19, 2024, was born in Rochester, NH to Laura LaRochelle Bisson and Arthur Bisson on July 4, 1924. She lived in Rochester until 1956 when she and her family moved to Lakeland, FL. In 1973 she and her husband retired to Crystal River, FL. She returned to Lakeland in 2019, where she resided amongst new friends at Azalea Park.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lakeland and St. Benedict Catholic Church in Crystal River where she was a Church Angel, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Council of Catholic Women.
Florence was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a great cook, although she never thought so herself. She loved nature, swimming and boating on Crystal River with her beloved husband, Harold. She liked to read, play cards, crochet, and knit. Every year she gifted knitted slippers to family and friends. She took great joy in visits from Bentley, her grand dog. But most of all she loved her God and His Blessed Mother. She spent much time daily, even to her last days, praying the rosary and meditating on the cross. She was loved by family, friends, and caretakers for whom she always had a smile and a thank you.
Florence was predeceased by her parents, brother Roland Bisson and sister Madelyn Bisson Tillery, Rochester, NH and her husband Harold W. Stevens.
She is loved and will be missed by her sons, Rick Stevens (Maryanne) Lakeland, Rod Stevens (Barbara) Crystal River, Granddaughters Connie Meyers (Dean) Casselberry FL, Michelle Chown (Steve)Deltona FL, Grandsons Daniel Stevens (Elizabeth) Newark DE, Brian Stevens (Tiana) Lakeland and 14 great grandchildren: Jared Chown, Washington D.C. and Olivia, Logan, Angeline, John Paul, Oliver, Felix and Zelie of Newark DE, Elizabeth Ann of Boston, MA, Halloran, Christiana, John, Dorothy and Florence of Lakeland. In addition, she enjoyed watching grow, her two step great grandsons, Josh Chown (Layla), Deltona and Julian Meyers (Buffy), Orlando.
Florence is also survived by her nephew and niece from Rochester, NH, John Tillery (Dee) and Karen Tillery Tufts (David) who she loved and cherished.
The family is grateful to the staff of Azalea Park and the angel caretakers who assisted Mom during this past year. Thank you Iraida, Melody, Genevieve, Capricia, and Doll. She loved you all.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 455 S. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, Florida 34429–9:30 AM Rosary recitation followed by 10:00 AM Mass.
The family will receive friends and family in Hilgert Hall for a reception after the mass.
Interment will be held on June 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Holy Rosary Cemetery, Brock Street, Rochester NH 03867
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