Obituary of Dena Stevenson

“But, of course, it isn't really Good-bye, because the Forest will always be there... and anybody who is Friendly with Bears can find it." A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner Dena Stevenson, 83, born in London, England, died on April 11, 2016, in Thousand Oaks, California. She left England to live in Canada for several years before settling in the United States. Educated in England, she was employed as a secretary for many years. In England, she worked at the Royal School of Music. While living in Canada, she worked at the local college in Kitimat and later for author Kit Thorman. After moving to the United States, she worked for architect Cliff May and then the Tishman company, a high-rise real estate builder and developer, where she was promoted to building manager and served in that capacity until retirement. Dena was positive and loving and cherished her family above all. She was an avid reader, art lover, and gardener. She enjoyed travel and took great pleasure in planning trips near and far, including Spain, Morocco, New Zealand, and England. Although she made her home in and loved the United States, England remained in her heart. She enjoyed daily cups of tea, following news of the Royal Family, and all things British. She had a wonderful sense of humor, embraced whimsy, and was incredibly insightful when it came to people. She had a radiant personality that won the hearts of all who knew her. While still in England, Dena married Peter Wilson and adopted two children after moving to Canada. The family later moved to the United States, where the couple divorced after slightly more than 20 years of marriage. Dena then married Gordon "Steve" Stevenson, the love of her life, with whom she has spent the last 40 years, and who has lovingly and unfailingly remained by her side. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in her early fifties, Dena suffered for many years before bravely opting for experimental brain surgery, which was highly successful in alleviating her symptoms but not a cure. During the nearly 30 years as a Parkinson's patient, she had multiple fall injuries, and despite enduring ever-increasing physical limitations that included mobility, hearing, vision, and speech, she remained positive and never complained. She died at home with comfort measures in place surrounded by her family. Dena is survived by her beloved husband Steve, stepdaughter Deborah Stevenson, daughter Joanne Morris, granddaughters Devon Morris and Katherine Morris, son Mark Wilson, sister Stella Condor, nieces Susan Condor and Judith Condor, and nephew Stephen Condor. The family deeply appreciates all the expressions of sympathy they have received. Many have asked about a service and have expressed the desire to send flowers or some commemoration. No formal service has been scheduled. The family expects to have a celebration of Dena's life in the future, but the date and details have yet to be established. It will likely be a small, private, informal family gathering. Please know that your kind words are the most helpful thing you could give at this difficult time. However, as many have asked, should you feel moved to do so, in lieu of flowers, a donation to the UCLA movement disorder clinic managed by Dr. Bronstein, who was the principal investigator for the deep brain stimulation (DBS) study that positively changed the quality of Dena's life, would be deeply appreciated. https://giving.ucla.edu (Category: UCLA Health Sciences; Fund: Parkinson's Disease Research Fund) Cards or letters may be sent to: 4210 Beaucroft Court Westlake Village, CA 91361