LUCY STEPHENSON

1937 - 2016

Emily Lucille (Lucy) Stephenson Lucy Stephenson passed suddenly and unexpectedly the evening of May 24. She embraced life with enthusiasm and optimism - serving others in her community, church and family. Lucy was a CPS and worked for Boeing for many years as an executive assistant, assisted international students at PLU through IELI, was an active volunteer as a Master Gardener, led Bible Study Fellowship, taught Sunday School, played piano and organ, served two terms as an Elder at UPPC, and compiled countless cookbooks, telephone directories, newsletters and many other resources for a wide range of groups including University Place Presbyterian Church and the Anderson Island Historical Society. Volleyball, golf, tennis, and bowling are just some of the many sports she excelled in and taught her children. Her family includes two sons, John and Tom; their wives Jeanette and Annette; their children Hailey, Andrew and Douglas; and her loving husband and best friend of 62 years, Ed Stephenson. Lucy was the oldest of 4 children - her surviving siblings Arnette Jackson, Laverne Hainline and Dick Laughter will miss her dearly. Born in 1937, she grew up in Southeast Texas. Lucy met Eddie in Beeville her freshman year of high school, where they were in band together. They married while in college. Lucy worked as a secretary for a few years before becoming a mother - when she directed her focus and energy into raising her family and serving others through volunteer work. Once her boys started school, Lucy worked a few hours each day at their school and expanded her volunteer role. She took organ lessons and developed Sunday School curriculum for a large 6th/7th combined class with 60+ students and 5 teachers for many years and facilitated games and refreshments for the Boys Choir as well. The trunk of her car was a filing cabinet of resources and materials ranging from books, games and curriculum to refreshments, helmets and first aid supplies. Lucy was Eddie's dearest and closest friend. Their strengths were complementary and together they could accomplish, overcome or tackle anything. They had so much in common - and they modeled what a close relationship looked like for their children. Their faith and commitment to God was even stronger. And with that foundation they lovingly served others - family, friends, community, congregation and even those they had just met. Lucy was a friend to all and was always willing to help. Having been so active for so long in two communities separated by a ferry, two celebrations of life will be held to simplify scheduling for her many friends and family. The first will be at University Place Presbyterian on August 3rd at 2:00pm, with a second on Anderson Island August 4th at 1:00pm at Fellowship Church. Memorial donations may be made to the Anderson Island Historical Society, where she served in several capacities including Director of Archives & Education, Island History Research & Writing, and lunch preparation for ongoing Archival Building work parties.