Margaret H. Stevenson

Margaret H. Stevenson, 93, of Portsmouth and Prudence Island, RI, passed away on June 12, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late Frederick R. Stevenson Sr. for 60 years.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Frances (Stephan) Taylor. Margaret's journey took her to many places as a Navy wife as she stood at her husband's side throughout his distinguished Naval career. Their duty station in 1965 brought them to the ammunition storage depot on the Navy base at the south end of Prudence Island. The family soon fell in love with the island and decided to plant roots and call Prudence Island home. She gained a deep appreciation for the natural beauty all around her as her creativity flourished, getting great joy from making pinecone wreaths and shell mirrors from the treasures she found. She exemplified the spirit of independence and self-sufficiency as she owned and operated The Anchorage gift shop, a beloved landmark of Prudence Island, where countless island children would come to buy their "rope bracelet" for the summer and visitors found treasures and warmth. She and her husband established and ran Prudence Island Realty handling both sales and summer rentals as they shared their special island with others, then passing the torch on to their son Frederick Jr. She took great pride in her family and their accomplishments along with providing a loving home life. She cared deeply about her Prudence community and was a supporting member of the local organizations. Her unwavering support and love of those around her shaped her life and left an indelible mark on all who knew her. May she rest in peace, forever embraced by the love she so generously gave.

Margaret is survived by her children; Susan Stevenson, Sandra Gempp and husband Thomas Gempp Sr., her daughter-in-law; Karen Stevenson, all of Portsmouth, her grandchildren; Douglas Stevenson and wife Erin, of East Greenwich, RI, Ashley Gempp and husband Samuel Goodman, of Falls Church, VA, Thomas Gempp Jr. and wife Serena Zhang, of Annapolis, MD, Donna Stevenson, of Bel Air, MD; her great-grandchildren, Vivienne and Eleanor Stevenson, Grant and Ada Stevenson, and Claira Goodman.

Margaret is preceded in death by her husband, Frederick R. Stevenson Sr., her son, Frederick R. Stevenson Jr., her grandson, Bradford Stevenson, and her siblings, Marie Miller, Thomas Taylor, Julia Moran, and Charles Taylor.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with visiting hours from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 W. Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, immediately followed by a memorial service in the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Burial will continue in St. Mary's Episcopal Churchyard, E. Main Road, Portsmouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Prudence Island Historical & Preservation Society, PO Box 193, Prudence Island, RI 02872 Payable to PIHPS Note: Donation in memory of Margaret Stevenson.