Ethel Jean Stevens

DOVER- Ethel Jean Stevens, aka “The Dragon,” 83, of Maple Hill Loop, a resident of West Dover for the past 42 years, died peacefully Tuesday night, March 14,  in the comfort of her home following an extended illness.
Jean was born in the Littleville section of Chester, MA, on July 4, 1939, the daughter of Harry and Weltha (Griffin) Woods. She was raised and educated in Chester, graduating from Chester High School.
Jean went on to attend Cooley-Dickenson Hospital School of Nursing in Northampton, MA, where she received her diploma as an RN. She first was employed at Cooley-Dickenson Hospital and later at Noble Hospital in Westfield, MA. Upon relocating to Vermont, Jean joined the nursing staff at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital from where she retired following 31 dedicated years at BMH and 51 years in nursing.
Of her leisure time activities, Jean enjoyed bowling and was involved with a five-member women’s bowling team from Northampton.  The team competed in several national tournaments, and she was able to travel throughout the United States as a result.  She loved working in her garden(s), and the landscaping surrounding her home. She would spend hours with the waterfalls and ponds in her backyard.
During her youth, Jean was very active in 4-H and represented Massachusetts at the National 4-H Congress in Chicago. She also canned and exhibited vegetables at many agricultural fairs throughout the tristate area including the annual Big E in Springfield. With her sister-in-law, she was a blue-ribbon winner for several years. Jean also enjoyed crafting and exhibited at many local craft fair events including the Mount Snow Craft Fair.
Survivors included her companion of 46 years, Bruce Wyman, of Dover; two daughters, Frostine Katchis, of Chappaqua, NY, and Jennifer Lindsay, of Ashford, CT; two sons, Kyle Stevens, of Scarsdale, NY, and Dwaine Stevens, of Bennington; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews including a special niece, Stacy Whitmore, of Fairfield, PA.
Jean was preceded in death by a son, Daryl Stevens; and a brother, Clarence “Woodie” Woods.
In keeping with Jean’s final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. A memorial gathering will take place at a future date.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jean’s name may be made to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Road, Suite 107, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
To share a memory or send condolences to the family visit www.atamaniuk.com.