Tribute

At home, with family near and in all our hearts, on December 27th, Stella Rose Marie Radford passed away at the age of 75. Stella lived many years with chronic illness and her spirit is now free of pain. Stella is survived by her partner Ray, sons Kevin (Robin), Preston (Ollie), daughter Trina (David), and grandchildren Sibyan, Regan, John and Soleil. Stella will also be missed by her sisters Charlotte Bowman, Carmen Douglas and brothers Laurence Huet, Maurice Huet and Bernie Huet as well as their beautiful families. Stella cared deeply for all of her extended family (Radford, Huet and everyone within) and thought of them often. She was predeceased by her parents Noella Rose Huet and Andre Laurent Huet of Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan as well as her dear brothers Laurier Huet, Dennis Huet and sweet sister Marie Jeannie Podratz (Huet).

Stella was born to a large boisterous family in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and was raised in Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan. Her mother Noella was a strong matriarch of the family and Stella spoke often of a childhood filled with gardening, supporting siblings and spending many hours at the lake (after the large garden was weeded). Stella moved to British Columbia nearly 59 years ago and fell in love with it. She spent most of her free time exploring all of its parks, lakes, and campgrounds mostly in the company of her enthusiastic husband and somewhat enthusiastic children. Stella also returned to school as a mature student, graduated from high school, went to college and found a career she loved, working in finance, with the Provincial Government. Stella greatly enjoyed working many years in Forest Districts across the province until her first attempt at retirement. She then worked with the Alberta Government in Natural Resources until she moved closer to her mom in Prince Albert, SK. Stella’s last position was the Military Family Resource Centre in Shilo, Manitoba, which was also greatly enjoyed mainly due to the close proximity to her son Kevin and his family. When they moved back to BC, she followed as well. Stella settled in the Southern Okanagan where she rekindled her relationship with Ray and made many dinners for her son Preston, also close by. Stella made the most of these last year’s spending time with her children and on short adventures with Ray.

Stella loved gardening, she was an amazing, passionate cook (which she passed on to two of her children), she loved creating and crafting with grandchildren and there wasn’t a bingo too far away or a jackpot too small for her to attend. She was a strong, independent (and a bit stubborn) woman with a soft heart and warm soul. She will be deeply missed and forever be part of our lives. Her canned beets, recipes and laughter will live on.

Deep gratitude to the Palliative Program through the South Okanagan General Hospital as well as Home & Community Care for their support of Stella and her family in her final journey.

There will be no service. Ray will take Stella home to Christopher Lake when time allows. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stella’s name may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada – JDRF.

Love and Light Stella.