Annettie Louise Stevens, lovingly known as Nettie, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2026, at the Community Supports Beds at the Fort Macleod Hospital. She was 101 years young. Following a stroke on October 25, 2026, Nettie spent her final days embraced by the love and care of family.
Nettie was born on January 9, 1925, in Willowbunch, Saskatchewan, to Ernest Franklin and Eliza Mary Ann Burton. She was one of six children. Her family later moved to the Swan River Valley in Manitoba, where she attended school and eventually met Joseph Lounsbury. They married and together raised their six children: Ardy, Dave, Bev, Joyce, Dennis and Kevin. Their family also included three foster children, Randy, Larry and Patsy, whom Nettie welcomed into her home with love and care.
Their early years were spent partly in Birch River, Manitoba, followed by a brief time in British Columbia, before settling in Fort Macleod, Alberta, in 1967. Nettie and Joseph later divorced, and several years later she married Don Stevens.
Nettie’s heart was always big enough for one more. While raising her own children and welcoming three stepchildren, Pearl, Tracy and Terry, into her household, she also provided respite care through Social Services, opening her home to children in need of temporary love, comfort and care. Her nurturing nature and generous spirit touched many lives.
Once her children were grown, Nettie began a career as a custodian at W.A. Day Elementary School, where she worked for many years. Retirement brought some of her happiest adventures. Nettie and Don became snowbirds, packing up their truck and Airstream trailer and heading south to Rio Hondo, Texas, for six months of every year over a span of 14 years. They embraced the sunshine, friendships and adventures along the way, returning home each Spring with stories and memories to share. Those years were truly some of the best times of their lives.
Following Don’s passing, Nettie continued to enjoy the simple pleasures that meant so much to her: family and friends dropping by for coffee and a visit, a card game or two, camping adventures and, of course, sewing beautiful quilts for her family. Her quilts were more than handmade treasures; they were gifts of love that would wrap her family in warmth and remind them of her for years to come.
Nettie was also a devoted member of her church community, enjoying both attending and participating in church activities. She proudly held the distinction of being the oldest member of her congregation.
At 99 years young, in June 2024, Nettie moved to the Macleod Pioneer Lodge, where she quickly made new friends and found another place to call home. She continued to keep her hands busy with sewing, knitting and diamond-dotting projects. Friends and visitors often popped into her room to see what she had created next. Nettie took great pride in her accomplishments and loved the attention and compliments her beautiful creations brought. Her creativity, curiosity and enthusiasm for life never faded.
Nettie leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, generosity and countless cherished memories.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Joyce Lounsbury of Claresholm, AB; Larry (Caroline) Bilanchuk of Salmon Arm, BC; Kevin (Teresa) Lounsbury of Manitou Beach, SK; and her sister, Lydia Koop of Swan River, MB. Each will continue to carry a special piece of Nettie’s spirit in their hearts.
She is also survived by her stepchildren Brenda, Brian, Debbie, Pearl, Terry and Tracy Stevens, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members and dear friends.
Nettie was predeceased by her parents, Ernest Burton (1949) and Eliza Burton (1994); her first husband, Joseph Lounsbury (1989); her second husband, Don Stevens (2007); her brothers, Wesley Burton (2008) and Franklin Burton (2015); and her sisters, Connie Funk (2008), Rosemae Schweitzer (2021) and Ethel Kreklewetz (2024).
She was also predeceased by her children that she missed every single day: baby Shirley (1945), Dave Lounsbury (2014), Ardy Lloyd (2015), Dennis Lounsbury (2019) and Bev Erven (2021), as well as her stepson Donovan (2016).
A Celebration of Nettie’s Life
A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 220 – 20 Street, Fort Macleod, Alberta.
Following the service, family and friends will proceed to Union Cemetery for the inurnment, where Nettie will be laid to rest beside her beloved Don, reunited once again.
Afterwards, everyone is warmly invited back to the church to share refreshments, stories, laughter and memories while celebrating a life so beautifully lived. All whose lives were touched by Nettie are welcome.
Special Thanks
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at the Macleod Pioneer Lodge, where Nettie found friendship, kindness and a place she was proud to call home. Your love and care meant so much to her and to our family.
A special thank you also goes to Dr. Beekman and Nurse Judy Orr for their many years of attention, compassion and dedication. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Nurses and HCA’s at the Community Support Beds. We are deeply grateful for the care and respect you showed Nettie and our visiting family in her final days.
“In God’s hands now, safe at home in the arms of the Lord”