Shirley Stewart

Shirley A. Stewart, 91, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at The Carriage Inn in Bryan. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Shirley was born on September 13, 1927 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the second child of Frank and Elsie (Schuessler) Schuchart. She lived in Cincinnati until her marriage to Paul Kappel, after which they moved to California, so that Paul could continue to work for his sister (Doris Day), who was a rising singer at the time. Because of the closeness of the family, Shirley’s sister Ginny and her husband, along with her mom and dad, eventually followed her and Paul to California.

Shirley and Paul had two sons, Steven and David, and had plans to have more children; however, Paul’s tragic death in 1957, changed all of that. With two young children to take care of, Shirley immediately went to work at Capitol Records and later became Doris’ private secretary.

Years later, through a close friend, she was introduced to Neal Stewart, a young electrical engineer, who was working for Hughes Aircraft at the time. Neal’s gentle and loving spirit toward her and the boys, was an answer to prayers and they quickly fell in love and got married. A few years later, she would start her second family, having three more sons, Kenny and Kevin, and then Robert.

In 1966, she found herself once again having to leave her family and friends, when she and Neal moved to Houston (Nassau Bay), so that Neal could continue his career in the space program. As was the case throughout her life, she always put her husband and children first.

Shirley and Neal enjoyed a wonderful life in Houston, where they made many friends. Shortly following Neal’s retirement in 1996, they moved to College Station, to be closer to several of the boys, yet still close enough to see old friends in Houston from time-to-time. Of course, they made many new friends in College Station and Bryan, who remained very dear to them.

After many enjoyable years of living in their home in Pebble Creek, which was the center of almost every family get-together, they moved into the Carriage Inn. However, shortly after that transition, Neal passed-away, which left a real sorrow in Shirley’s heart. Despite all of that, she continued to love those around her and was equally loved by those she touched.

Shirley will be deeply missed and will always be remembered as a truly loving wife, mother and a friend to all. She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Steven and Mary Caroline Stewart of Charleston, S.C., David and Carol Stewart of Leander, Kenny Stewart and Kevin Stewart of College Station, and Robert and Tabatha Stewart of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Cassandra Stewart, Michael Stewart, Kristin Stewart, Brooke Stewart, Hannah Stewart, Ben Stewart and Joe Stewart; great-grandchildren, Camden, Hudson and Rowan Stewart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 West 26th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803.