Marian "Marianne" Jean Stewart

At a young age Marianne aspired to be a teacher, and went to Teacher’s College at Norwich, in the county of Norfolk. Upon completing her teacher training in 1967, she saw an ad in a paper that teachers were needed in Saskatchewan. Never having been to Canada, she took a chance and was hired by the Turtleford School District. You can imagine the impression this young English woman in a miniskirt made when she arrived in the small town of Mervin, Saskatchewan!

She soon met the love of her life, Dale Stewart. They moved to Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan where they raised two sons, David and Andy. Marianne started the first Kindergarten in Paradise Hill and was instrumental in creating the town’s public library. She taught Kindergarten and grade 1 for thirty years. Family vacations were always important to Marianne and Dale, whether heading west to Jasper or Vancouver Island, or overseas to England, to visit Marianne’s family. When their sons moved to BC, road trips to visit were always times of joy and celebration.

Upon retiring, Marianne and Dale moved to Victoria, BC, where their son Andy lives. Marianne always wanted to help those less fortunate. She was a board member at Gorge View Society, and volunteered with Out of the Rain to prepare meals for homeless youth. Marianne could not pass by someone in need without stopping to give a kind word, and whatever change she had in her purse.

Marianne received the greatest joy from spending time with her grand children, and all benefited from her love and wisdom. She loved to cook, entertain, dance, sing, read, write letters, do yoga, paddle board, garden and just spend time with family or her many dear friends. She loved Vancouver Island and its natural beauty. Dale and Marianne were often hiking the trails or picnicking on a beach. She was a member of Daniel Lapp’s Joy of Life Choir for many years, where she made many great friends.

Even after a devastating cancer diagnosis, she continued to do all the things she loved to do. Her positive attitude, love and support of her family, and her ability to see beauty in every day were an inspiration. She did not like to be called courageous, but she was so brave right to the end.

Marianne is survived by her loving husband Dale, son David and spouse Meegan, son Andy and spouse Nancy, and grandchildren Michael, Aidan, Kyleigh, Mathieu, Jordan, and Adam, as well as brothers Roger and David, and numerous nieces and nephews. She has left a hole that cannot be filled, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, Marianne asked that donations be made to Our Place Society, Victoria, BC.

https://www.ourplacesociety.com/donate