Inger Stewart

Inger Stewart was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother (soon to be great grandmother) and friend. A resident of Surprise, AZ, she went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2023, at the age of 84 after a short hospital stay and battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer. She went peacefully late in the evening when there was no longer anything to miss out on (her daughter, Mette, and “3rd daughter”, Denise had been playing cards in her hospice room, listening to her favorite music, and talking to her all day long).

Inger is survived by her daughter, Mette Rasmussen of Surprise, AZ, sisters: Annette Jensen (Tommy) and Elsa Rasmussen (Poul Erik) of Copenhagen, Denmark, step-children: Vanessa D’Rand, Ralph Stewart and Marlene Stewart, son in law, Lee Walti, grandchildren: Bethany Ware (Kyle), Hannah De Oliviera (Jonathan), Jacob Walti, Elijah Walti (Sophie) and Abigail Walti. She is predeceased by her daughter, Jeannette Walti, and her husband, John Stewart.

Inger was born in Copenhagen on September 12, 1939 to Thorvald Olesen and Doris Olesen (nee Frandsen) and became a big sister at the age of 7. Inger helped her mom take care of the girls while attending school. Upon graduating high school, she became a book binder’s apprentice learning skills she would use later in life. During those years, she met and fell in love with Orla Rasmussen whom she married September 27, 1958. Her daughter, Mette, was born the following year. Three years later, the family set off on an adventure of a lifetime leaving friends and family behind for the opportunities awaiting them in the United States of America. Starting in Palmer, Alaska with family from Denmark, they moved down to Los Gatos, California, and eventually settled near family and welcomed their second daughter, Jeannette, in 1964.

Once both girls were in school, Inger went back to work in a print shop/bindery where her bookbinding skills were welcome. It was there she met and fell in love with John Stewart, whom she married in 1974. They opened their own printing business, of which she was very proud. After retirement, they moved to San Diego, CA where they enjoyed many years before heading to Surprise, AZ in 2003. They lived a wonderful life in Arizona Traditions where Inger joined and enjoyed participating in the Lady Putters and Hand and Foot card groups. She built a wonderful circle of friends that gave her many years of support, love, and laughs.

After John’s passing in 2010, Inger continued to enjoy AZ life with friends, family and frequent visits from her daughters and sisters. Her daughter, Mette, moved to Arizona in 2018, which was such a blessing to Inger as she had moved into an independent living apartment at the time. Inger and Mette became very close, talking every day and seeing each other several times a week. This was especially comforting when she lost her youngest daughter, Jeannette, to colon cancer in 2019.

Inger’s zest for life, positive attitude and “nosiness” kept her going through Covid and a move to Orchard Pointe assisted living, where she enjoyed both the residents and staff. She especially loved living close to her daughter, Mette and her regular visits that often led to many games of Rummikub. (Inger especially loved it when she could beat Mette). She also enjoyed seeing shows at the Arizona Broadway Theater with Mette and friends. Her favorite meal was Mexican (with a margarita, of course); brunch at Mette’s with smoked salmon on a croissant and a glass of Pinot Grigio came in a close second.

The best anecdote came after Mette shared the news that her illness was terminal and she had only days…there were some tears and then she said matter-of-factly, “Well, at least now I don’t have to go to the dentist!”. That was Inger, always looking on the bright side.

She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew and loved her.

Inger will be cremated and there are no services scheduled. Donations may be made in her name to Alzheimer’s (www.alz.org) or Hospice of the Valley (hov.org)