It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Stephanie Ahearn Carlson. She died quietly and peacefully in her home in Qualicum Beach, B.C. She was surrounded by the love of her daughters and dear friends, who are all so grateful to have spent time with her before she left.
She is survived by her ‘darling girlies’ Vanessa, Jessie (Ben Yardley), Nancy (Will Jones) and her adored grandchildren; Lily Watters, Lucy, Lila, and Townes Yardley; Cooper and Woodrow Jones, as well as her partner of several happy decades Doug Gordon. She is mourned by her countless friends and extended family members, especially her dear sister Louie.
Stephanie was born to Jean and Gordon Southam on February 12th, 1945. The third of seven children, she grew up in a large and happy home surrounded by invaluable antiques, an enviable art collection, countless cocktail parties and black-tie dinners. The happiest times in her youth were spent at the barn, where she excelled as an accomplished equestrian, winning so many trophies and ribbons that she needed a separate stall to store them all.
A true BC girl, she spent her summers at Qualicum Beach, a tradition that was started before she was born. She and her siblings would join their grandparents in their summer home on Judges Row. When she married Bruce Carlson, and had 4 girls herself, she would lean over the balcony of ‘the house on the hill’ every night at 5 o’clock and yell “girliiies, dinner time” so loudly that they would run up from the beach and sit down to a perfectly prepared dinner, always including fresh vegetables from the garden.
It goes without saying that all who knew and loved Stephanie would, at some point, comment on her beauty and humour. Even at her sickest moments she would have her girls in uncontrollable laughter with her razor-sharp wit and timing.
She was kind and generous, she gave so much back to the community and causes she cared about. A value she learned from her own family, and one she has passed down to her daughters. In 2015, she was given the Governor-General’s Caring Canadian Award for her work with British Columbia Children’s Hospital and Foundation, along with many other accolades both civically and provincially. She leaves behind a legacy of philanthropy and community service. She left an indelible mark on the communities and organizations that she lived in and served.
A celebration of Mum’s life will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, at 3:00 pm on Thursday April 4th, 2024. Doug and her girls invite everyone to join them at a reception immediately following the service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
43 Responses
So sad to hear of Stephanie’s passing. I was so fortunate to live and work for 2 years with the family in the mid 80’s. I have the fondest, indelable memories of Calgary winters & Qualicum summers. Rest in Peace, beautiful Stephanie.
Vanessa, Jessie, Nancy and all the family, my heartfelt condolences to all of you. I am so blessed to have had Stephanie as my employer and friend for so many years. Stephanie was such an incredibly beautiful soul, so giving, kind, caring, thoughtful, gracious every day of her life. She so loved you “girlies” and her grandchildren, you all were the love and sparkle of her life. A day wouldn’t go by without her expressing to me the love she held for you all. The many days we shared such laughter, as we were sure the universe would hire “us” to solve the world problems! So many good belly laughs we had together, I will miss her great wisdom and the years of blessed advice along with her witty humor, but most of all I’ll just miss her, it was truly an honor to know her and have had her in my life. Much love to you girls.
Holly xoxo
My sincerest condolences to all Steph’s family. The tribute is so Steph ~ surrounded by family and love – as it should be!
The last chat I had with Steph was on a walk along Judges Row early in the year. We reminisced on horseback riding on Qualicum’s beach back in the day, and attending horse shows on the lower mainland. Steph was a very accomplished rider and always well mounted.
Little did I know that this would be the last time we would share in the past.
She was lovely inside and out, it showed in her smile and the glint in her eyes.
My thoughts are with you all, hold the multitude of memories close.
My sincerest condolences to you all. I met Stephanie at Brentwood College years ago, she was always a pleasure to speak with. I will cherish the lovely pottery bowl she gifted to me even more now. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time.
Deepest sympathy to the family; in the short time that I knew Stephanie, I found her to be a kind, warm and genuine person with a sincere love for her family and loved ones. She will be dearly missed.
Jan Fuller
I had the pleasure of Stephanie’s friendship as her next door neighbor in Qualicum beach for the past ten years.
Stephanie had a way of making people feel you were so important in her life.
“ Summer” for our family really started when we saw Stephanie’s cottage “ come alive “ in July with her arrival and the anticipation of her girls and those “ darling grandchildren “ coming throughout the summer .
Our grandkids adored Stephanie and many mornings we had
to tell them that they could not go and visit Stephanie at 6:30 in the morning!
They quickly retorted “ but Stephanie said we could come visit her ANYTIME !!
As she struggled with her health and the family all had to go back to their homes, we had a standing date at 7 pm each evening to laugh, sometimes cry and always solve all the problems facing the world :
She was always so appreciative and made me feel that I was the favourite part of her day .
As I grew to know Stephanie more, I realized that she had the gift of making everyone feel that way!
I will forever miss this beautiful, tender, witty, compassionate neighbor and friend.
We remember Stephanie as warm, kind, generous and beautiful. She has a special place in our hearts and in our prayers. May she rest in peace with our love with her. Alan & Lindsay
Our condolences to the whole family. We will miss you dear Stephanie. I am smiling now, just thinking of you. Rest in peace dear friend.
No one could make me laugh like Steph. Our mothers were great friends so our friendship goes way back. Also every fall for about sixteen years a group of us walked in the UK, France and Italy. Those were such special times and Steph was always there to bring laughter and fun to the group.
I will miss her.
My condolences to the “ girls” and to Doug and Bruce.
Dear Stephanie – I will always cherish your loving friendship, humour, generosity and all the adventures we had in our lives.
Just so you know, I will be there for your Girlies and Louie … much love always, Lynn ❤️❤️