Terry Elaine Stevenson

Terry Elaine Stevenson, maiden name Nicholas, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2023 in Walnut Creek, CA. She was a loving and devoted mom, wife, sister, grandma, aunt and friend. 

Terry was born on January 31, 1952 in Hayward, CA to Anthony and Grace Nicholas, she was the second of three children. Terry grew up a Bay Area native, spending her younger years in Ashland, CA. The family eventually made the move to Dublin, CA where Terry spent the rest of her adolescence. Terry grew up spending a lot of time with her family. This time would consist of weekend trips around the Bay Area and hosting weekly family dinners that would include all the grandparents, aunts, uncles and kids of the family. Terry attended Amador Valley High School where she was nominated as homecoming princess during her freshman year. 

Terry met her other half, Richard Stevenson, while working at Kmart together. In August 1979 they married in Pacific Grove, CA surrounded by their adoring family. Over the years they raised their four children and many pets. In the years to follow Terry lived in Southern California and Oklahoma, always making trips back home to see her family. Terry, Rich and their two kids, Gloria and Michael, found their way back to the Bay Area and set down roots in her hometown of Dublin. After she came back home she was blessed with two more children, Mary and Kaila. She worked tirelessly to provide a loving and safe environment for her family and ensured her kids always knew they were loved. Throughout her life Terry was a dedicated and hard worker. 

After raising her four children Terry went back into the workforce and started working for the Dublin Unified School District. After many years of supporting the local schools and watching groups of children grow she officially retired in 2015. 

Terry had a long-time love of music that spanned all genres and eras. She could recall lyrics and artist information from a song released in the 2000’s or a song released in the 1950’s. The Beatles held a number one position as her all-time favorite group. She loved getting lost in the unique and magical worlds books created or spending a random Tuesday watching movies in the theater and snacking on popcorn. She enjoyed the fall and winter seasons the most and celebrating the holidays within those months. Truly each season held a special place in her heart, with the exception of the hotter days of summer. Terry found true delight in spending time outside in the sun listening to the birds sing, smelling the sweet aroma of flowers and sipping on her home brewed sun tea. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and laughing a good belly laugh. Terry’s laughter was infectious and her empathy was unmatched. She had a hippie soul and a heart that was filled with so much love. The loss of Terry will be felt deeply by all those who knew and loved her. 

Terry is survived by her four children, Gloria DeVore, Michael Stevenson, Mary Galván (Erick), Kaila Stevenson, sister Audrey Renda, niece and goddaughter Karen Renda, nephew Anthony Renda, aunts Sharon Cummins and Loretta Cruz, cousins Cecily Melendez and Bart Cummins, and two grandchildren Sierra DeVore and Savannah DeVore. 

Terry was predeceased by her husband Richard Stevenson, brother Gary Nicholas, niece and goddaughter Rhondalyn Whitehead, cousin Sheryl Cummins, and parents Grace and Anthony Nicholas. 

A celebration of life will be held on March 16, 2024 at 1:00pm. We invite her family and friends to come and share their love and stories of Terry. 

Location: Oak Park Hills Chapel 3111 N Main St, Walnut Creek, CA 94597