Daphne Elizabeth Rose Stephens passed away on July 27th in Medway, Massachusetts in the presence of family and friends. She was 89 years of age. Daphne was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, the daughter of Robert and Kay Stephens, the sister of Nigel Stephens (Canadian figure skating champion), and the sister of the artist, Joan Watson. Daphne earned her B.A. at the University of Toronto and her M.A. in Music History at Yale University. She was an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto (piano performance).
She was married to Howard C. Hanning and, then, Thomas L. Briggs. She has three children, Ruth Hanning, Charles (Chuck) Hanning, and Akale Weld, and six grandchildren including: Jacob Hanning, Kiernan Roche, Aedan Roche, Mateo Roche, Yididiya Weld, and Tinsae Weld.
Daphne taught courses in music history at Empire State College, LeMoyne College, and Syracuse University. She was, also, a Counselor for adults returning to school at LeMoyne College and Syracuse University.
The mass of the resurrection will be celebrated at All Saints Parish in Syracuse, New York on September 12th, 2026, at 11a. There will be a viewing at 10a. All are invited to come to a reception at the church following the mass to honor Daphne’s spirit and share memories of her life.
Interment will be held at Beachwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Canada, where she will be laid to rest beside her parents.
Daphne gives thanks for all the encouragement, hope, and love, given to her by so many people during the course of her lifetime. The journey is not over…
Local funeral arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home in Medway (ginleyfuneralhomes.com).