Stephen Lewis Carew

It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we the family announce the passing of Stephen on December 2,2014 at the Dartmouth General Hospital with family and friends at his side. Born on October 20th, 1937 to Johann McKenna and Stephen O'Neil Carew, Stephen's early years were split between Dartmouth and Halifax. He was educated at St. Peter's school in Dartmouth, where he would later go on to pursue a higher education at St. Mary's University. In time, Stephen felt a call to become a priest. Stephen was ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of Halifax in 1965. Stephen would go on to hold bachelor degrees in Theology from Laval University and Divinity from Holy Heart. Stephen would also complete his Masters in Pastoral Counselling at St. Paul's University in Ottawa. His ministry would include the parishes of St. Theresa's and St. Thomas Moore. As a priest, his congregations benefited from his gifts of compassion and his musical and artistic talents. Stephen had a genuine interest in every person he met, often going out of his way to be generous and kind. He was always there to offer advice, but just as important, Stephen was there to listen. In 1973, Stephen met his future wife, Maureen Heafey, and were later married in 1974. Stephen went on to be an employee of the National Parole Service for a decade. Stephen's greatest work accomplishment was when he joined the O'Regan's Automotive group in 1985, where he would go on to serve as Vice President of Human Resources. The staff benefited from his communication style and counselling. Stephen knew many of the employee's families on a personal level. Stephen retired in 2002. Stephen generously shared his talents and gifts in every personal encounter, making people feel at ease and important. If you only met Stephen briefly, chances are he left a lasting impression with you. Stephen's smile would light up a room. Stephen was a true Irishman who would love to sit down with a drink and share a stories with his friends, particularly his good buddy, Mike (Gar) Aucoin. Stephen had a great love for Dartmouth. Stephen was never afraid to speak his mind and fight against any injustices he encountered. We are all better people for having known "Big Steve." He is survived by his loving wife, Maureen, with whom he recently celebrated 40 years of marriage; His sons, Stephen(Jennifer), Paul(Elizabeth), and Danny(Ja Hong); His precious grandchildren, Liam Thomas and Connor Patrick; His brother Christopher. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Jane. Visitation will be held on Friday December 5, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8pm in A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth. Funeral mass will take place 9:30am Saturday December 6, 2014 at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, 10 Maple Street, Dartmouth. A reception will follow at Brightwood Golf and Country Club. Memorial donations may be made to Feeding Others of Dartmouth: Margaret's House, 43 Wentworth Street, Dartmouth, (902) 464-2919, or a charity of choice.To view or place an online message of condolence please visit www.mattatallfuneralhome.com