Ernest Chesley Stevens
Ernest (Ernie) Stevens peacefully passed away, at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House, on May 3, 2019, at 90 years old. Ernie leaves his beloved wife of 56 years, Lorraine (Nelson) Stevens, cherished children Susan Stevens and her partner John Donald, Christopher Stevens and his wife Amy, Michael Stevens and his wife Stephanie, and adored grandchildren, Mitchell, Bradley, Emma and Maggie. He also leaves a brother Bernard L. Stevens, brother-in-law Weldon Nelson, and his wife Naomi and niece Janice, who has been a weekly caregiver for both Ernie and Lorraine. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Irene (McDonald) Stevens and three brothers, John P. Stevens, Royce M. Stevens and Eldred W. Stevens.
Ernie was born in Glover, Vermont and was raised in Greenfield, MA. After graduating high school in 1947, Ernie joined the navy, following an honorable discharge, he began his studies in elementary education at Lyndon State College. Upon graduation, he began his teaching career in Vermont. Ernie moved to Arlington, Massachusetts in 1957, however, he considered himself a lifelong Vermonter. Ernie taught elementary school, grades 6 and 4, at the Bishop School in Arlington (1957-1969) and the Woodland Elementary School in Weston (1969-1987). Upon early retirement from teaching, Ernie had a career in banking.
In addition to his family, Ernie’s loves included theater, traveling and his church. He was a member of Arlington Friends of the Drama for over fifty years. In those years, Ernie not only “tread the boards” in many a leading role, but also produced, directed, served on the board of directors and, his true calling, stage management. Throughout the years, AFD was a family affair with Lorraine working behind the scenes, and the kids in tow (soon active members as well). Ernie and Lorraine loved to travel with trips to Turkey, Mexico, Scandinavia, and Ireland. But, among all, London was a favorite destination, with 25 trips made in the last 35 years. Ernie became a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in 1962. He was a faithful servant in many areas. However, his greatest gift to the church was his dramatic readings of the lessons at Easter and Christmas, most recently reading at the 2018 Christmas Eve service.
First and foremost, Ernie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He did not become a grandfather until the age of 70 and was thrilled to be blessed with four grandchildren. Ernie will be especially remembered for his love and support of his family.
A Celebration of Life, followed by a reception, will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 3:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 929 Concord Turnpike, Arlington, MA 02476.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ernie’s memory may be made to Camp Calumet Lutheran Ministries, 1090 Ossipee Lake Rd, West Ossipee, NH 03890 or St. Paul Lutheran Church 929 Concord Turnpike, Arlington, MA 02476.
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Our hearts and prayers go to all of you at this time. Had many good times with Ernie at parades and parties. Ernie is at peace and in a better place at this time. Will be missed god bless you Ernie ❤️
I am so very sorry for your loss.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Blessings for Peace and Grace
Beda Linehan and family
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Steven’s fondly. He was a kind, fun, friendly man. My condolences to the entire family. Sincerely, Peg (Frazier) Ballentine
Thinking of you all in this time of sorrow.
Dear Ms. Stevens,
I didn’t know your Dad, but I know he has left a wonderful legacy in you.
With deepest sympathy,
Peter Wolczik
Romans 8:38-39
Sue, I didn’t know your father but from the wonderful description it is quite obvious he lived a very fulfilled life. Thinking of you during this time of loss.
My condolences to the entire Stevens family. Now I see where Sue gets her love of theater.
Sue,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was clearly a remarkable man and you are a wonderful legacy to all of his passions. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Dear Sue and Family,
My sympathies in the loss of your beloved one. May the memories that you share, of the wonderful legacy left for your family, bring comfort to you now and always.
I’m sorry for your loss. May he rest peacefully.
So sorry for your loss..may you cherish the memories OF Ernie…..
So sorry for your loss. Loosing a parent is so hard! Peace and Blessings to you all!
Dear Auntie Raine, Susan, Chris & Michael, I am so sorry to hear of Ernie”s passing. I know this is a tough time for all of you. Your Dad is happy and free of pain & illness. Sorry I cannot be there to offer my sympathies in person. Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Love Sue & Dave
Dear Lorraine, Sue, Chris and Michael, you are and have been in our thoughts and prayers. We are thankful for his time with us and his dramatic readings of the lessons. Peace be wit you all. Ed & Beverly T.
So many of my fond memories of Lyndon Teacher’s College days involved Ernie. I enjoyed reading all he’s done since those long gone days; sounds like he hadn’t changed a bit. My condolences to you all. He has left you with many fond memories!
To Lorraine and family,
I am sorry for your loss of Ernie.
He was always so uplifting to be around when
I knew him in college. We often studied together.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I was with mom on Sunday evening after getting off a plane and she told me that the service for Ernie was just great and that St. Paul was packed. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there. Ernie was a good friend to the whole Ogren family (as he was to so many). How lucky we — all of Ernie’s friends — have been! My best to the whole Stevens family who are very sad these days, no doubt. I will be keeping Lorraine and in my prayers. Be good.
I was in Mr. Stevens’ 6th grade class in 1962 at the Bishop School in Arlington. I have fond memories of him. My sincerest condolences.
Robert Napolitano