Blanca Palacio Stephenson

Blanca Palacio Stephenson, 95, of Chesapeake and formerly of Monterey, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

She was born Blanca Rosa Palacios y Ramirez on March 25, 1928 in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, a daughter of the late Sindulfo and Maria (Ramirez) Palacios.

In 1944 she married Harold “Mac” McClurg, who was stationed nearby with the U.S. Navy. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Ohio, where she experienced her first cold and snowy winter while learning English using a Spanish/English dictionary. They had three boys, Harry, Jim and Roger. After being widowed for many years, she married Lucius H. Stephenson II and gained two more children, Winifred, and Lucius III. Luke and Blanca loved spending their summers in Monterey, where she enjoyed jogging the hills, working in her yard, or simply sitting on the porch with Luke. She was heartbroken when he passed away in 2009. Blanca was happiest when she was with her family including her nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Harold “Mac” McClurg and Lucius H. Stephenson II; and son, Roger E. McClurg; as well as her eight siblings (some who were never permitted to leave Cuba).

Mrs. Stephenson is survived by sons, Harry R. McClurg, James R. McClurg and wife, Susan, and Lucius Stephenson III and wife, Carolyn; daughter, Winifred Stephenson and husband, Eric Titcomb; nine grandchildren; as well as nine great-grandchildren.

A graveside funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 26^th in Monterey Cemetery with Father Joseph Daniel Pisano officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthews Catholic Church, 3314 Sandra Lane, Virginia Beach, Va. 23464.