F. Lucille Stevens Obituary (1928

F. Lucille Stevens (Hood) age 97, with loving family by her side and after saying goodbye to her husband of more than 75 years, passed away on Thursday September 11, 2025 at Geneva Living Center South. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Wednesday (Sept. 24) 10am at the Cheney Funeral Home, 70 Main Street, Phelps. Rev. Colin Pritchard will officiate. There will be a reception immediately following at the Phelps American Legion Post 457 to break bread and share favorite Lucille stories. It is requested that any memorial contributions be made to the BrightFocus Foundation who funds groundbreaking research into Macular Degeneration. Mrs. Stevens' amazing life began on July 4, 1928 in Birdsall, NY, the daughter of the late Daniel and Madge Fox Hood. As a teenager growing up in Naples, NY, she actively participated in the World War II Aircraft Warning Service run by the US Army. After graduating from Naples High School, Lucille attended the St. James School of Nursing in Hornell, NY where she graduated as a Registered Nurse which led to her making the bold move to New York City and joining the iconic Bellevue Hospital. As an RN, Lucille worked in many departments, but was especially proud of the work she did in Obstetrics, helping many Rockette dancers deliver their newborns. Her love, courage, and dedication to others also showed up in her personal life, exemplified by her long hours and extra shifts to help support her husband, Robert Stevens, to attend Columbia University where he earned his Master's Degree in Architecture. Lucille was passionate about wildflowers and their natural beauty. She spent countless hours hand quilting unique designs, many that were contributed by her husband. She often immersed herself in sewing fashions for herself (many a Square Dance dress came off of her Singer Featherweight sewing machine) and her loved ones. Paper crafts, classical music, reading, visiting with her favorite people, telling stories about her younger years and commenting on Facebook posts were among her favorite pastimes. Above all else, Lucille's loving and humorous personality was charismatic to all that knew her. She is survived by a very large and love-filled family including her husband of 75 years Robert Gifford Stevens of Clifton Springs, along with children Bill Stevens of Newark; Katherine Vanderwall of Geneva; Rachelle (Harry Thomas) Havron of Lyons; Matthew (Sophia) Stevens of Geneva; Colin (Kathleen) Stevens of Seneca Castle; son-in-law Roger (Elaine) Peck of Ohio; along with 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and many adored nieces and nephews. Lucille was predeceased by her daughter Cynthia Stevens Peck; son-in-law Stephen Vanderwall; grandson Justin Vanderwall, and her sister, Marjorie Ellen Cook.