1937 - 2026
Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, Daphne was the daughter of the late Robert and Kay Stephens. She was the sister of Canadian figure skating champion Nigel Stephens and artist Joan Watson. A gifted musician and lifelong scholar, Daphne earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto and a master's degree in Music History from Yale University. She was also an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in piano performance.
Daphne was married to Howard C. Hanning and later to Thomas L. Briggs. Throughout her career, she shared her love of music and education by teaching music history at Empire State College, Le Moyne College, and Syracuse University. She also served as a counselor for adults returning to school at Le Moyne College and Syracuse University, encouraging countless students as they pursued new educational opportunities.
She is survived by her children, Ruth Hanning, Charles "Chuck" Hanning, and Akale Weld; and her six grandchildren, Jacob Hanning, Kiernan Roche, Aedan Roche, Mateo Roche, Yididiya Weld, and Tinsae Weld.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at All Saints Parish.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a reception at the church where family and friends are invited to share memories and celebrate Daphne's life.
Interment will take place at Beechwood Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her parents.
Local funeral arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home.
