Phyllis Jane Stevens

PHYLLIS JANE STEVENS

b. 07.14.1940 Oakland, CA (Phyllis Jane Russo)

d. 11.19.2025, 85, San Ramon, CA

~ Father, Frank Russo, d. 2002, 93, Oakland, CA

~ Mother, Philamena Russo, d. 2005, 90, Pleasant Hill, CA

~ Brother, Clifford Russo, 79, Henderson, NV (Sally, Tina, Frank)

Survived by her children and their families:

Jane Marie Blackburn, 65, Salinas, CA

David, Michael

Jack Emmett Stevens, 63, Benicia, CA

Kelly, Cecily, Ben

Jennifer Marie Plants, 61, San Jose, CA

Bill, Matthew

Jeffrey Francis Stevens, 60, Lebanon, IN

Kathy

James Christopher Stevens, 57, Dublin, CA

Heidi, Sunny, Penny

Joseph Michael Stevens, 55, Dublin, CA

Hanna, Sara

Jeremy Paul Stevens, 53, Daly City, CA

Anne

Julie Marie Stevens, 50, Concord, CA

Angelina, Alyssa, Eliana, Eli, Eric, Ember, Emerson

Jill Marie Stevens-Nappi, 48, San Ramon, CA

Mike, Amelia, Lucas

Phyllis lived in the Bay Area her entire life. She was raised in Oakland until 1959, when she married Jack Lewis Stevens (d. 2003, Ukiah, CA) on August 8. They lived briefly in San Leandro, then settled in Dublin in 1965 where they raised their 9 children.

The Stevens' house on Canterbury Lane was filled with love, laughter, and good food. It was a lively place to be in the 70s and 80s. All were welcome, any time of day or night, and many had extended stays. Visitors were treated to a basketball court out front, a Doughboy pool out back, homemade spaghetti and pizza, and fresh baked bread at all times.

If you had sewing needs ranging from hemming pants, to making a prom dress, to the creation of an entire wedding party (both sides), Phyllis was your first call. Not to mention if you needed a sweater, blanket, or quilt!

Phyllis was a devout Catholic and was an active member of St. Raymond Church in Dublin, Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill, and St. Joan of Arc Church in San Ramon - all for many years. She taught catechism to children, made vestments and banners for mass, made blankets for the needy, and, in recent years, she led The S.A.M. group at St. Joan's and was a member of The Wings group at St. Raymond's.

Although she had an aversion to taking credit for anything, to say that Phyllis had a grand impact on countless lives from one end of the Bay Area to the other is an understatement. Her loving memory and vocation for peace and caregiving will live on in the hearts and minds of her family, friends, and those whose path she crossed.

Services celebrating her beautiful, long life will be held at St. Joan of Arc Church, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, on Wednesday November 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

On her way out, Phyllis wished for a colorful Heaven. So while traditional black is fine, BRIGHT COLORS are definitely encouraged.

Just like her house in the 70s - ALL ARE WELCOME.