Tribute

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Stephanie (Stella) Lacey announce her passing on February 27, 2022, at the age of 100. Predeceased by her husband Ossie in 2014, she leaves behind Merle (John), Dennis (Necy), and Bryan (Judi), eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, as well as her sisters, brothers, and all of their families to mourn. Stephanie was born in the district of Eldorena, Alberta to John and Tilly Kulchisky. One of twenty children growing up on the farm, Stephanie learned the meaning of hard work at an early age. Skills she developed during her early years continued to serve her throughout her life. Stephanie was an accomplished seamstress and cook, working in a boutique dress shop in Vancouver and cooking in forestry and construction camps around BC. It was at a sawmill in Telegraph Cove that Stephanie met Oswald Lacey. Fresh from London, England, and landing in the isolation of northern Vancouver Island, Ossie wished to leave the area immediately, however, there was no boat until the following week. As fate would have it, Ossie stayed in Telegraph Cove, and he and Stephanie were married two years later. After a brief time in Vancouver, BC, the family settled in Powell River in 1956. Stephanie continued to sew and worked briefly cooking in logging camps around the coast. Her cabbage rolls and perogies were second to none! They moved to their last home together in Wildwood in 1962 making friendships that would last a lifetime. A person of strong faith and conviction, her church became, and remained, an important part of her life. Mom never lost the pull of the family farm and would travel back to Alberta most every year spending cherished time with her parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. These visits were important to mom and seemed to rejuvenate her, especially in later years. We would like to thank her friends Dina and Frank Sirach, Helen Evans and Don and Daphne Schmunk for all the kindness and friendship they showed Mom, especially in her later years. We’d also like to thank the staff at Willingdon Creek and Dr. Watson for all their support and care.