Eileen M Stevenson

 Eileen Mattie McPhierson Stevenson. Eileen lovingly called "Nana" was born to Emmanuel McPhierson and Esther Brown McPhierson on the lower Hill. She was educated in the schools of the Pittsburgh Roman Catholic Church, graduating from St. Mary’s High school.
She married the love of her life Kenneth Edward Stevenson Sr. To that union they welcomed 3 children, Drs. Kenneth E Stevenson Jr. (Mary), Linda Fleming-Heath (Wraynord), and Ret. Air Force Maj. Sandra Michele Johnson (Leonard Sr.). Eileen had many professional skills but settled in a career as a medical records librarian first with C. Howard State Hospital and the Children's Hospital. One of her greatest professional accomplishments includes helping to open Thesis Clinic on Burrows St; Montefiore Hospital, during her career she was a supervisor of the department. When Nana retired it was known as UPMC-Montefiore. 
In addition to her favorite roles as wife, mother, nana, aunt, and friend.  She was an avid crafter heralded by the words of the nuns, "idle hands are the devil's workshop". A skilled seamstress she adored her children (and many others) in her beautiful creations. She made gowns for 3 wedding parties including the brides; multiple goes for proms and many other celebratory occasions. "Nana" made books for babies and layette sets, rice packs, crocheted blankets, scarfs, slippers - you name it she could sew it. Even her canes were aptly attired to match her wares. 
With her camera at the ready and a bag ready for the next adventure Nana saw the world. People frequently would ask “where’s your Mom?" Knowing she may have been in another state or country. Her travels were as much about fun as they were about love. Traveling to Europe intent to present for birthdays, weddings and births of grands and great grands. Obtaining her driver's license in 1960, Mommy would pack the car with us - and any neighborhood children who could fit - into the station wagon and set off to Erie or Falling Water or any destination spot within 150miles of home! 
If you know Nana, you knew she was a mean cook.  through trial and error was able to remake the recipe for “Aunt Rachel’s Rolls”. Her rolls were always a hit at the annual church festival, if you weren’t early they would all be gone. Our childhood memories are full of wonderful meals, trying new recipes, and remembering the winners. Cookies, cakes, candy, pies, and other goodies. 
Mommy’s devotion to her family was a reflection of her devotion to the Catholic Church and to charity. Starting in 1956 she had been a member of Holy Rosary Parish (now St. Mary Magdalene Parish). Mommy actively served in bereavement care, as a Eucharistic minister for the homebound, Christian Mother’s, Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver, Parish Council, and counting the collection every other week. Somehow finding time to squeeze in her civic responsibilities by being a member of PALS, the Action Housing Board and the American Sewing Guild, and The Grandmothers Club! She received an award from Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese Manifesting the kingdom, for the work she did managing the food bank. 
She was preceded in death by her parents Emmanuel McPhierson, Esther (Brown) McPhierson Burgess; husband  Kenneth Edward Stevenson Sr.; grandchildren Nicole M., John W.III, and Todd D Fleming and Sean B Stevenson; son-in-law John W. Fleming Jr. In addition to her children and their spouses she leaves to mourn her passing her grandchildren: Jejchelle M Ortiz, of Waco, Texas;  Kenneth E. Stevenson III (Gina); Angela Madden, of Waco, Texas; Lt.Colonel Leonard W. Jr (Annika) of Warner Robins AFB); Steven M.(Susie) of Riverside, CA; Michele N. Johnson and Brianne E. Moreno; the blessing of 15 great-grandchildren; a dear cousin Margaret Ellen Black and sister-in-law Elke Stevenson., of Germany. Her blessings continued with 2 granddaughters and 2 more grandsons 6 great-grandsons and 1 great-great-grandson  She has many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. To know her was to love her and be loved by her. Nana Stevie will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her and carrying the comfort of her memory. 
 

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