Margaret (Midji) G. Stephenson

Margaret (Midji) G. Stephenson was born August 23, 1952, in Billings, Montana, to Michael G. and Catherine M. Stephenson, and left this life in Tucson, Arizona, April 4, 2024. Midji was predeceased by her parents and sister Judy Stephenson. Survived by sisters Edie Stephenson, Teresa Stephenson (Richard Stein), brother Jim Stephenson (Brenda), and nephew Ryan Moreno. She also leaves her dear companion Lynn Bevill (Mr.), along with many beloved relatives, friends, colleagues and kindred spirits.

Midji was raised on a farm near Roundup, Montana, attending school in Broadview before enrolling at Eastern Montana College in Billings, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1974 (English Major, Library Science Minor).

From 1974-76, Midji served as Teacher-Librarian at Doncaster High School, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia. In 1977 she returned to Montana to pursue graduate studies at Eastern Montana College.

Midji moved to Tucson in 1978 to attend the University of Arizona's Graduate Library School, completing her Master of Library Science in 1980. A career with Tucson's public library system followed from 1981 to 2003, and she filled many positions from Children's Librarian to Branch Manager.

These were years of expanding library services and facilities throughout Pima County; Midji took leadership roles in these changes and participated in departmental long-range planning. During this time Midji developed her interest in Pilates, becoming a certified instructor, which became a full-time pursuit for many years after leaving the public library system.

Midji continued to foster a love of reading throughout her life with teaching, library service, following the traditions of storytelling through Tucson's Teller of Tales group, and by authoring children's books featuring the natural history of the Southwest. She wrote two books that were published by the Grand Canyon Conservancy ("Whose Tail on the Trail at Grand Canyon?" and "The Ravenous Raven").

Midji traveled often to visit family and friends in the western U.S. and Europe. She and Lynn also traveled for many years on the highways and byways and in remote places throughout the American West with archeological study and photographic pursuits as their primary interests.

Midji wished to be cremated and her ashes will be taken to places dear to her. No funeral or memorial services are planned. Please consider a donation in her memory to the Pima County Library Foundation or the Arizona Oncology Foundation.

Loyal friend, connoisseur of sunrises and sunsets, appreciator of fine writing, good books, well-mannered horses, wild flowers and wild places, a gatherer of berries, maker of jams, baker of shortbread, and inspiration to many with her adventurous and joyous spirit, Midji will be remembered and missed.