Mary B. Stevens, 83, Was a Founder of Arts Center

Mary B.M. Stevens, 83, of Hernando, Fla., died Saturday, Jan. 25, in Inverness, Fla. She had been a resident of Hernando for the past two and a half years, moving there from Martha's Vineyard. She is remembered here for her many years operating Featherstone Farm with her husband, William H.Y. (Bill) Stevens Sr., and for her role as vice president of Meetinghouse Inc. in helping to establish the Featherstone Center for the Arts on the 25-acre farm property.

Mrs. Stevens loved not only the arts, but also sailing and travel. She explored the world by air, land and sea, visiting such destinations as Italy, Scotland, Ireland, France, Guatemala, Hawaii and Bali. She traveled through most of the United States on camping trips, and also enjoyed sailing up and down the East Coast. She remained an active supporter of the arts to the end of her life, and recently wrote a children's book, Spot the Sky Dragon.

In addition to her husband of 61 years, Mrs. Stevens is survived by four sons, William H.Y. Stevens Jr. of Madison, N.J., Robert J. Stevens of Auburndale, Johnathan P. Stevens of Seattle, Wash., and Peter D. Stevens of Methuen; two daughters, Marylyn M. Stevens-Bugbee of Crystal River, Fla., and Sharon R. Stevens-Grunden of Oak Bluffs; a brother, Robert E. Miller Jr. of Newark, N.J., 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Featherstone Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 2523, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.