Lifetime rooted in Chicago; services set for July 15
Ruby Stephens, born July 27, 1927 in Chicago, died on July 4, 2026 at the age of 98. A daughter of Albert and Marie Bashara (née Leonard), Stephens spent her life connected to the city's neighborhoods and to faith communities that will now gather to remember her.
Her family has arranged a visitation and Mass at Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Ave., and she will be interred at St. Joseph Cemetery. Those arrangements are being handled through Smith-Corcoran Funeral Homes; the family has suggested memorial gifts instead of flowers.
Service times and burial
| Event | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Visitation | Wednesday, July 15, 2026 — 9:30 a.m. | Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Ave., Chicago, IL 60646 |
| Mass | Wednesday, July 15, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. | Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Ave., Chicago, IL 60646 |
| Interment | Following Mass | St. Joseph Cemetery |
Family and community connections
Stephens was the former wife of the late David Stephens and was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Norene Borowski. She is survived by a niece and extended family in California who were noted in the family's announcement:
- Pattie Marie Corey (niece)
- Moses (grand-nephew)
- Zain (great grandnephew)
- Zoe (great grandniece)
"Ruby passed into God’s arms on July 4, 2026 at the age of 98."
The notice also mentioned many cousins and cherished friends who survive her. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be considered to the Sisters of Christian Charity or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For additional information, Smith-Corcoran can be reached at 773-736-3833 or via their website.
What this means for local neighbors
Queen of All Saints Basilica, one of Chicago's notable neighborhood churches, will host the visitation and Mass. For neighbors in the Sauganash and Jefferson Park areas, the services provide an opportunity to offer condolences in person and to support Stephens' family. The suggestions for charitable donations reflect a preference for memorial giving that benefits both a religious order with local ties and a nationally known children's hospital.
The funeral notice provides the concrete details that friends and parishioners need to attend or send remembrances: visitation at 9:30 a.m. and a 10 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, July 15, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery.
