Obituary of Elizabeth Mary Bass

Elizabeth Mary Bass (Stevenson) April 2 1944-March 20 2025

After several years of challenging health conditions and most recently battling heart failure, Elizabeth left this earth at the age of 80.  Special thanks to Dr. MacLean and nurse Alicia for ensuring her final moments were filled with compassion and peace.

Elizabeth was born in St. John’s Newfoundland to Margaret and Frederick Stevenson. Following the passing of her father, Margaret remarried Cyril Chafe and together they raised a blended family of 21 children.

Liz was predeceased by her husband David (2004) and is survived by her son Michael Bass (Cissy), daughter Maryann Vieira (David) and the two joys of her life, granddaughters Amy and Jessica (Brandon).  Liz will also be missed by her remaining brothers and sisters, numerous nieces and nephews across Canada, her dear friend Carolyn and her partner in crime Mary Layson.  Her passing will also leave a void in the Vieira/Medeiros clan as she had become an honourary grandmother to them.

Upon graduating high school, Liz was sent off to New York City to work as a nanny.  This was a culture shock to say the least but Liz was a tough lady and made a new life there.  This is where she met and married her husband David, they settled in the Bronx and had Michael and Maryann. 

Liz always missed Canada and her large family so in the early 1970’s her husband David agreed to make the move to Ontario where some of her family resided.  They spent several years in Welland, Hamilton and ultimately settled in Strathroy in 1999 when their daughter and husband made the move there.  Elizabeth was blessed to be very involved in raising Jessica and Amy.  She never missed a soccer game, dance competition or school play and was the loudest sideline coach there was.

Liz loved to play bingo and hit up casinos every chance she got, she spent countless hours with her sisters doing just that.  They had the best of times together, she loved her sisters tremendously, they were all the best of friends.  Before her health slowed her down, she would make her daily “rounds” to all the secondhand stores in town.  She loved hunting for treasures and had our yard filled with trinkets.  She was an avid gardener and made sure to tell her son-in-law David exactly how everything should be done.

We hope everyone remembers Liz with a smile. She was a character and although she had some tough times, most of her life was filled with joy, laughter and love, she was ready to go.  She was looking forward to being reunited with family who have been waiting for her at the great bingo hall in the sky.  She also missed her favourite Doc, David Sanders, who took exceptional care of her for many years.

We would like to thank the staff at Strathroy Hospital ER and 1South, the CCU team at University Hospital 5th floor particularly nurse Mel, Dr. Weisz and her team 6th floor.  Special thanks to Mike and the team at Bosson’s pharmacy, Susan Jurjevich and the entire office at Caradoc Family Medicine.  Susan’s support during these last days has meant the world to our family.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local food bank or Paws United Dog Rescue (not for profit). Our last dog Toby was adopted from this organization and Liz always felt bad for the pups waiting for their forever home.

Cremation has taken place. Liz’s ashes will be returned home to Newfoundland as per her wishes so she can be scattered in the place where her heart always remained.