Barbara 'Barb' Lenore (Braden) Stevens

Barbara Lenore Stevens, 86, passed away on August 10, 2025, knowing she was loved and cared for. 

She was born at Mirror, Alberta on February 1, 1939 as the eldest child of Gordon and Gertrude Braden. 

When she moved off the family farm and made Alix her home with husband Peter Stevens, she came to be involved in that community and supported various local groups over time, including the figure skating club, St. Pancras Anglican Church, and the Wagon Wheel Museum. 

For a few years before retirement, Barb and Pete also lived and worked in Fox Creek, Alberta and formed many lasting friendships there. Following their return to Alix, Barb was an active member of the local golf club and volunteered for initiatives to share the region’s history – organizing a local fashion show and tea was just one of many highlights. After losing Pete in 2004, Barb found new hobbies – like buying several closets full of clothes, making countless puzzles, and convening “widows’ suppers” at the Pizza Pantry to help ensure she and her friends didn’t become too lonely. 

While Barb had become more of a homebody in recent years, she still loved to visit in person or over the phone, and enjoyed relaxing in her recliner. She could often be found watching TV (often the news, golf, or curling). 

Barb is survived by her son Gord (Cynthia) and daughter Rhonda (Adrian) Van Nieuwkerk, grandchildren Steven (Laura), Kelli, Dennis (Jessica), Kyle (Nikki), Bradley (Bettina), and Katie. Barb was excited to gain the title “great-grandma” and leaves behind Ruby, Lincoln, Issac, Braden, Deane, and Reid. She is also survived by siblings Jessie (Neil) Trace, Wesley (Holly) Braden, and Brenda (Leonard) Knight, as well as former daughters-in-law Jocelyn and Nicki. Barb is pre-deceased by husband Pete, parents Gordon and Gertrude, sister Joyce, nieces Melanie and Jan, and nephew Arnold. 

Family was very important to Barb, and there are many appreciated relatives not listed here – from nieces and nephews nearby, to cousins in Manitoba, and numerous friends and others along the way. All occupied a place in Barb’s heart. Barb’s family would also like to express deep appreciation for the caring staff who supported Barb for the last several months at Bashaw Meadows, St. Mary’s Hospital in Camrose, and Lacombe Hospital. 

A funeral will be held at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel in Lacombe on Monday, August 18 at 11:00. Burial will follow at the Alix Cemetery, and lunch at the Alix Hall. Donations are gratefully accepted to the Alix Wagon Wheel Museum. 

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