Maria Rosario “Charito” Lozada Stewart

September 25, 1923 – October 30, 2024

It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of, Maria Rosario “Charito” Lozada Stewart, who left us peacefully due to complications with her heart on October 30, 2024, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. She was 101 years old and will forever remain in our hearts as a cherished mother, friend, and guiding light.

Born on September 25, 1923 in Barili, Cebu, Philippines, Maria was the fourteenth (14th) child of sixteen (16) to Justo dela Cerna Lozada and Damasa Villaflor Ricablanca. From an early age, she showed the kindness, strength, and an unmatched devotion to God, that became the hallmarks of her life. She spent 3 ½ years in college before World War II interrupted completion. Despite that disruption Mom pursued a career in finance, ultimately working for The World Bank in the Operations section for the Western Hemisphere, where her dedication and passion left a lasting impact on everyone around her.

During that timeframe she met the love of her life, John T. Stewart, Jr. getting married on February 12, 1962. Maria’s life was filled with love and devotion to her family. She was our pillar, our confidant, and the heart of our family. Maria instilled in us values of “generosity, resilience, integrity”, which continue to shape who I am. Her laughter, warmth, and wisdom made our home a place of unconditional love and joy.

A true lover and student of languages and flower arrangements, particularly Ikebanna – Japanese flower arrangement – in which “made flowers come alive,” Maria found joy in the simple things that brought comfort and beauty to those around her. Her talents and hobbies reflected her nurturing spirit, and she shared them with grace and generosity. Maria was an active member of Kenwood Golf & Country Club where she vigorously pursued and was competitively successful in golf and bowling.

Maria was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, which served as the guiding light throughout her life. Her spiritual journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to prayer, service, and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. She found a spiritual home in her parish at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Chevy Chase, where she was an active and cherished member of the parish community. Maria dedicated countless hours to supporting the parish’s mission, participating in liturgical celebrations, and contributing to various ministries and charitable initiatives. Her selfless service and steadfast faith were an inspiration to all who knew her, embodying the virtues of humility, compassion, and grace. Maria’s involvement with the Shrine reflected her deep love for God and her commitment to uplifting those around her through faith and fellowship.

She is survived by her son, John Kelly Stewart (Alyssa Hoard) and grand-daughters Kathleen “Katie” Stewart and Alicyn Stewart of Leesburg, Virginia. Maria is now reunited with her husband John T. Stewart, Jr. (Passed November 30, 1991) and the 15 brothers and sisters who passed before her: Francisco "Paking" Lozada, Rafael Aniceto "Faeling" Lozada, Trinidad "Trining" Lozada, Manuel "Manoling" Lozada, Luis "Nene" Lozada, Constancio "Tanciong" Lozada, Carmen "Mameng" Lozada, Anita "Niting" Lozada, Perigrina "Nena" Lozada, Fernando "Nando" Lozada, Esterlita "Ester" Lozada, Antonio "Tony" Lozada, Pedro Florencdio "Pete” Lozada, and Teresita Lozada.

A Roman Catholic Mass to celebrate Maria’s life will be held on November 30, 2024 at 11:00 am at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 5949 Western Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20015. A reception will follow at 1:00pm at Clyde’s of Chevy Chase. Maria will be laid to rest on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11:30am at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to The Priests of the Sacred Heart , a reflection of her giving heart and compassion.

Mom’s legacy of love and kindness will live on in each of us, and we are grateful for every moment we shared. We will always hold her close in our hearts and remember her as the loving mother she was.

“Ave Maria, gratia plena,

Dominus tecum.

Benedicta tu in mulieribus,

et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei,

ora pro nobis peccatoribus,

nunc et in hora mortis nostrae.”

Amen.