Tribute

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Tuija L Stevenson who left us on July 1, 2024, after a swift illness. Born in Finland in 1956, Tuija was the beloved daughter of Eero and Terrtu, and later sister to Helen.

Tuija’s family journey took her from Finland to the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, Canada. Her mother and father built a stable and loving life for their family in Burnaby, which Tuija and her sister Helen recalled with fondness.

Her family moved to Fanny Bay on Vancouver Island. Tuija lived in Vancouver’s West End and enjoyed working and life there. In her mid twenty’s she moved to Courtney and helped her farther on his commercial fishing boat out of Ucluelet.

Tuija and Giles meet in Comox where they went sailing and enjoying the natural beauty of the Comox Valley. Tuija always was accompanied by a dog, at the time a feisty Schipperke. Despite the dog, Tuija and Giles got married with much support from the Stubbs family, especially Giles’ Aunt and Uncle the wonderful Liz and James Stubbs!

Tuija and Giles moved to Sidney BC where Tuija managed the bookkeeping for a plant nursery, Giles cooked at the Empress Hotel and started a small landscaping business. Plants and gardening were passion that Tuija and Giles shared in their seaside home in Sidney. Tuija’s young nieces, Elisse and Caitlin visited in the summer and can recall found memories and tall stories of their holidays there, which were so enjoyed by everyone.

In the early 90’s Giles went to work on a project in Surrey for BC Gas as reclamation specialist. Tuija came over (with her dog) an helped with the administrative work. It was a time of new beginnings and opportunities.

Tuija suffered pregnancy issues, which were hard to deal with. But, with great energy she pursued and helped pioneer the open adoption ideas championed by Joyce Masselick at Choices Agency. Tuija and Giles were lucky enough to be accepted as adopting parents to James in 1993 and Chloe in 1997. Tuija had great compassion and skill in managing the dynamics of feelings involved with open adoption. She continued as a board member of the Choices Agency and helped others navigate through the process of open adoption.

Tuija supported Giles’ decision to attend the University of Victoria as a mature student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program. And supported Giles with his chosen career in land reclamation work on pipeline and utility projects.

Tuija and Giles moved to their small farm in Glenora Duncan in 1995. Where James and Chloe were raised surrounded by dogs, sheep, chickens, and ducks. Giles was often away working on pipeline projects all over western Canada, but Tuija more that held the fort at home.

As James and Chloe grew up, the home became a happy and open house to all James’ and Chloes’ friends. Tuija will be remembered for her nurturing ways with children, and her enthusiasm and care for dogs and other animals.

Family and friends will miss Tuija greatly.

On August 24^th at 2:00 PM, the family will hold a Celebration of Life for those able to participate, at their home 3610 Glenora Road, Duncan, V9L 6S3.

In lieu of flowers, donations to www.cowichanhospice.org (250-701-4242) would be much appreciated.