In Loving Memory of Dorothy Margaret Stewart born April 6, 1930 at Maymont, SK, passed away August 28, 2016 in North Battleford, SK. Survived by her loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Murray (Judith) Stewart of Yorkton, SK: Mitchell & Sarah Stewart – Sadie & Lily of Calgary, AB, Hilary Stewart of London, England; Kent Stewart of Regina, SK; Karen (Jim) Nichol of North Battleford, SK: Christie Gerein – Aspen & Logan of Unity, SK, Carly Nichol of Martensville, SK, Todd Nichol of North Battleford, SK; Margo (Bob) Wilson of Calgary, AB: Lynsey & Marc Wight – Alivia & Kenzie of Langdon, AB, Tyler & Janell Wilson – Andi & Linden of Okotoks, AB and Alayne Stewart of Edmonton, AB; sister, Phyllis Johnston of North Battleford, SK; brother, Murray Gray (Valerie) of Maymont, SK; nieces, nephews and dear family friend Bob MacKay of North Battleford, SK. Predeceased by her husband, Craig Stewart and by her parents, Robert & Vera Gray. Service Of Celebration And Thanksgiving For The Life Of Dorothy Margaret Stewart was held on Friday, September 2, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. from Third Avenue United Church, North Battleford, Saskatchewan with Officiant Rev. Frances Patterson & Guest Minister Rev. Fred. J. Tinio. Scripture Readings: Psalm 91 : 1-6 – Christie Gerein; John 14 : 1-6 – Lynsey Wight. Shared Memories were presented by her son, Kent. Music Ministry: Musician – Patricia Deibert, Knox United Church, Saskatoon, SK; Third Avenue United Church Sanctuary Choir & Friends, Director – Ilene Wettergreen: ‘Hallelujah! By and By’& ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’; Duet – Catherine Richardson and Robert MacKay: ‘River In Judea’; Processional – ‘Praise, My Soul, The God Of Heaven’; Hymn Selections: ‘How Great Thou Art’ – ‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah’; Commendation – ‘Auld Lang Syne’; Recessional – ‘Joyful, Joyful We Adore You.’ Honourary Pallbearers were Bridge Club Members. Urn Bearers were Mitchell, Hilary, Christie, Carly, Todd, Lynsey and Tyler.
Shared Memories Dorothy Stewart
"She Gave us Everything"
On behalf of all our family, I say thank you for being with us today to celebrate Mom's life; a life well lived. As difficult as it may seem, I feel honored to say a few words about Mom. She played for and attended many funerals in her day and one of the things that she would often comment "it was a beautiful service but the shared memories was too long". So today, I will respect those sentiments. Dorothy Margaret Gray was born on the family farm south of Maymont, a younger sister for Phyllis and eventually an older sister for brother Murray. As with many farm families, they had many challenges but enjoyed the farm and community life that is so typical in Saskatchewan. She attended public school in Maymont and took her final year of high school in North Battleford; "commercial" which focused on stenographic skills needed to enter the work force. She started her working career as a stenographer at A. A. Stewart and Son Insurance and as fate would have it, she fell in love with "the son", her boss, Craig Stewart. They were married in 1950 which was the start of a very special relationship that lasted 58 years and thus, the beginning of the the Stewart family. The union produced 4 children, Murray born in 1951, then twins Kent and Karen born in 1953 and then Margo (Miggie) born a year and a half later. It's hard for me to imagine caring for 4 children, three years and under; all in diapers, all having different feeding routines, unique personalities and needs. Truly, the woman was a saint!" As we grew, an important focus became family activities; music lessens for all of us, dance lessons for the girls, swim club, sports for Murray, junior choir, and Sunday School. In our home, piano practice started at 6:30 each morning, Mom supervising each of us while catching a bit of sleep in the chair beside us. Murray recounts her saying "some day you will thank me for this". So today, I say thanks Mom, you were right. Saturday night meant Hockey Night in Canada intespersed with baths for all, and the girls enduring getting their hair pin curled (ouch!) in preparation for Sunday morning church activities. In addition to family activities, she was a member of the Royal Purple, Kinsmen/Kinettes, member of the North Battleford Allied Arts Council, long time Treasurer for the North Battleford Music Festival Association and she was a member of the team that saw the purchase of the city's grand piano. I think it safe to say that during festival week, we became orphans surviving on frozen stew dinners, which we usually burnt. Mom also managed to develop an interest and skill in golf and over the years excelled, becoming club champion at one time. She was an accomplished bridge player and developed many very special relationships as a result. A large part of her adult life revolved around Third Avenue United Church, particularly the music. She served as organist for some 42 years and in this capacity, developed a very special bond with choir directors Sheila Obsorne and Ilene Wettergreen. Most important however was the partnership that developed between Karen and Mom as organist and pianist. ÌýDidn't they make a great team? She also spearheaded a number of fund raising activities including the roof repair and organ refurbishment. Do any of you recall her mounting the organ bench wearing a yellow hard hat to raise funds for the roof repair or the sale of notes to "Bless this House" in support of the organ refurbishment. We will also fondly remember her contribution to many wonderful and fun cabarets over the years. We all have very special memories of Mom. Karen and Margo will long remember the annual pre-Christmas shopping excursions to Edmonton; girl time! Murray will treasure his common connections with Mom; music and golf. They enjoyed many rounds of golf at the old golf club amongst the tumble weeds, mosquitoes and meadow larks; both training to be champions. Nephew Todd describes Murray as "the king of the Stewart golfers" but in truth, Mom was "the champ". How forunate it was that Mitchell, Sadie and Lily had a visit with Nana only several weeks ago. To Hilary who will most likely hear this in London, England, we miss you and we send our love. Margo and family will remember her trips to Calgary and Phoenix; family gatherings, Bob's great BBQs and quiet times curling up in front of the fire place. She enjoyed special times with Lynsey and Marc, Tyler and Janell and the children. Margo and Mom seemed to share a common interest in "shopping". Given her location to Mom and their common interests, Karen developed a very special relationship with Mom; yes daughter, but more important her friend and support throughout the years. Nana also enjoyed a close connection with Christie and family, Carly and Todd. Our family owes Karen and her family, a debt of gratitude for all they have done for Mom and we acknowledge that the transition will be difficult but Karen, please know that your brothers and sister have your back! From a personal perspect, Mom was my biggest fan and supporter throughout my life and career. "My buttons are popping" was a favorite phrase she used as she followed my work life. These sentiments will continue to sustain me. I will miss our time together particularly at Thanksgiving and Christmas when she supervised the food preparation! Thanks Mom, I think I have it right now and yes, I too can even make tomato aspic! To all the grandchildren and great grandchildren, you all have very special memories of Nana and GG. She treasured her time with you and watching you grow and develop. Most important however, remember the gifts that she gave you as they will comfort and sustain you throughout your lives; respect, love of family, kindness, values and a zest for life. We have all been blessed. Keep a special place in your hearts for your Nana and GG. So, it is time to say farewell. From all of us, a very special message of thanks for a job well done Mom. Although we will all miss you, we take comfort in the knowledge that your struggles are over; breath easy. Rest in peace Mom, we will be O.K. armed with the gifts you have provided us. Love you Mom, til we meet again. As Murray so aptly put it "you gave us everything". And as Dad would say, "Carry On". P.S. I have a special message from Mom. Sing with great gusto and keep the hymns at a good clip. She specially selected the anthem as a piece of joy and happiness. I'm not big on church tradition particularly at a time like this but if the spirit moves you, please clap along; she would love that.
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Interment was at City of North Battleford Cemetery, North Battleford, SK. Memorial Donations are requested to Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation Inc., Box 1358, North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8 or to Third Avenue United Church, 1301-102nd St., North Battleford, SK ÌýS9A 1G4 (Designate to the Church Sound System) Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service.
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Words of Thanks
On behalf of the Stewart family, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks for the support that has been shared with us throughout this difficult time. We extend our sincere thanks for all of the kind gestures that we have received including numerous phone calls, cards, visits, food and more. To the medical staff and nurses in the ICU and Palliative Care Units at Battlefords Union Hospital, special thanks for their professionalism, but most important, their care, comfort and compassion. To Reverend Frances Patterson from Third Avenue United Church we send our sincere thanks for her support and comfort throughout Mom's illness and her leadership in preparing and conducting the beautiful celebration of her life. Thank-you Reverend Tinio and the Bridge Club Members, for your friendship and participation. To the combined choir under the direction of Ilene Wettergreen and to organist Patricia Deibert, very special thanks for your music ministry which was simply wonderful and no doubt, Mom would have loved it! To our friend Bob MacKay and the staff at Battlefords Funeral Service, Ìýwe send a special thank-you for your support and professionalism throughout this difficult time. The Song Has Ended But the Melody Lingers on…………
Warm regards
Murray Stewart, Kent Stewart, Karen Nichol and Margo Wilson and families.
