Joseph Stephen

With saddened hearts we the family of Joseph H. (Laba) Stephen announce his passing.  At the age of 91 he passed away peacefully with Family by his side after a long and courageous battle with multiple health challenges.

Joe (Giddie) is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Della (Savoy) their children Stephen J Stephen, Kay (Moreland) Wayne; Barbara (Cormier) Kimberly, Gary; Wendy (McDevitt) Darlene Schryer; Blake (Bo) Lynda Derochie; Pete; 13 Grandchildren and 26 Great Grandchildren.

Joe worked for many wonderful years at Service Coin LTD from there he was employed at Saint John Shipbuilding until he retired.  Joe was the youngest son of Lebanese immigrants George Sharbel Laba (Stephen) and Sheeha Giris Bushaban Nihira.  Joe was predeceased by all of his 17 siblings.  An amazing husband, son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather (Giddie) and great grandfather (Big Giddie). His love for family knew no boundaries. His babies were his greatest love.

The Family would like to acknowledge Dr David Bewick, Dr. Nessa Gogan, Dr Gareth Van Niekerk an Dr Patrick Omotoso for the unwavering belief that dad could continue. You gave us so many more years with our rock.  We can not express enough our appreciation to the Saint John Reginal Dialysis department where he was a frequent flyer. Your encouragement and love meant so much to Joe. He told you every day he loved you all and he really did.  To the staff at 3C South after dad broke his hip twice you nursed him back although he fired quite a few of you while coming down of his meds I can assure you he loved you all.  The beautiful people on 5C North were amazing. Dad landed there on June 16/2023 and How many of the staff did he say I love you to. He really did love you all. Many of you shed tears when he was in a bad way. How could anyone not love our father?

Oh, he is known as the fussiest man in the Lebanese community. Mayonnaise was not his friend and he let everyone know. At 91 it was too late for him to change.  Dad’s final 14 hours on earth were spent in Palliative care. He had a peaceful end to a beautiful life.  To all the medical staff in Saint John Reginal, we thank you all!  Thank you to the extramural CARE Program who diligently attended to Dad's in home care, making the apartment, safe & assisting in finding his perfect aids & treatments.  He loved you all.

I will say it for him I love YOU. I love YOU!

Our family LOVES you all!

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB, (506-646-2424).  Family and friends will be received on Thursday, October 5th, from 2-4 & 6-8 pm and Friday, October 6th , from  2-4 & 6-8 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Stella Maris, 201 Bayside Drive, Saint John, NB, on Saturday, October 7th at 10:00 a.m.  Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery to follow. 

A recording of the service can be viewed by clicking here and selecting Mass of Christian Burial on the top right of the page.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Stephen, please visit our floral store.