Ann Estelle (Gonya) Stevenson (aka Mrs. Peabody)

   Ann passed away on June 14, 2022. She has born to Estella and Harold Gonya on August 6, 1931 in Worcester, Massachusetts. She graduated from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts High School in 1949 where she enjoyed being in all the musicals. At 15, she won a contest to become a model on Filine’s High School fashion board, was on the first closed circuit tv in Worcester, Mass. (She has a card saying she is a tv pioneer.) At 17, she applied and was accepted at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, but when they found out she was not 21, they dismissed her and told her to come back when 21.

   Ann’s love was always dancing-she loved tap dancing and did so into her 80’s. She was active in local musicals for Iznette Productions as Mrs. Peabody.

   On May 23, 1953 Ann married Ronald (Steve) Stevenson and ten days later Ron was shipped overseas  for 18 months on a tour of duty for the U.S. Army.

   Ann worked for Mass. Protective Association in Worcester, MA. When Ron returned, they moved to Miami, FL to finish his education in aviation. She was a private secretary at J.E. Hanger, Inc., where they made artificial limbs and braces. It was quite an education!

   In 1956, Ann and Ron moved to South California, where Ann worked as a private secretary to the Assistant Superintendent of Riverside County Schools. In 1970, they took over, owned and operated the 32 Unit Sunny - Cal Motel in San Gabriel, CA for ten years. 

   In 1979, Ron and Ann found a lovely little town called Longville, MN. They fell in love with the people, the surroundings - especially the privacy - close to nature - after living so close to Los Angeles.

   Ann was a Deacon at the Longville Community Church, member of the Eastern Star, VFW 772 Longville American Legion, YAH Club and the Longville Community Foundation. 

   Ann is survived by her two children, Linda (Kip) Jenson and Mark (HAHN) Stevenson, six grandchildren: Danny, Derek, Matthew, Mitchell, Joy-Ann and Elise. Special friend Chet Bandemer.  

   Ann is as preceded in death by her parents, husband Ronald and seven brothers and sisters.

   Lastly: At the age of 80, Ann went skydiving.