Born on April 21, 1931, Dene died on January 6, 2012 in Vernon, BC after losing a battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Dene has gone to be with her Lord and Saviour in Heaven and will be dearly missed by her entire family.

Dene was born on the family farm in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, eventually moving with her family to Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island where she attended high school. In 1951, she married James Steven and in 2011 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Dene graduated with honors from UBC as a pharmacist in 1953 and practiced pharmacy until 1987, although she continued to be a wise and studious resource on medical issues for her family and friends. As part of Dene’s desire to help people find healthy solutions for life, she was very passionate in her Christian ministry and service for over 50 years.

Dene was very close and dear to her three younger siblings: Dennis Sackett (Anne), Lorraine Jacklin (Buzz), and Suellen Dodd (Alan). Dene was the much loved wife of James Edward Steven, and wonderful mother and friend to her four children, Douglas (Cindy), Debbie, Rik (Ralph) and Janette (Dean). Dene leaves behind her five grandchildren, Shelby (Dan), Courtenay (Morgan), Tyrel, Roxanne, Mathew, and four great-grandchildren, Emily, Avery, Rowan and Wentworth.