Mary Hazel Afrookteh

On April 12, 2017, Mary Hazel Afrookteh (nee Stewart), beloved wife of the late Ali. H. Afrookteh, M.D.. Loving mother of Ali J. Afrookteh, M.D., David E. Afrookteh, Richard C. Afrookteh, Carol A. Hastings and husband Darrell. Devoted sister of Jessie I. Stewart. Loving mother-in-law of Brooke D. Afrookteh and Sue Sheain. Loving grandmother of Emma G. Afrookteh, Jared H. Afrookteh, Lane K. Afrookteh, Connor E. Hastings and Braeden S. Hastings. Family will receive friends at Sterling Ashton Schwab Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc., 1630 Edmondson Avenue, Catonsville, Maryland 21228 on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9pm. Services will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran church, 929 Ingleside Avenue, Catonsville, Maryland 21228 on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at noon. Interment is private. Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 929 Ingleside Avenue, Catonsville, Maryland 21228 and The Arc of Baltimore, 7215 York Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21212.

The daughter of Scottish immigrants, Captain James M. Stewart and Mary M. Stewart, Mary was born in Lossiemouth, Scotland while the family was visiting relatives. The family returned to their home in Brooklyn, New York where she grew up and she retained dual citizenship. Her father, Captain James M. Stewart made the supreme sacrifice for his country in World War II while aboard the Esso Bolivar.

Mary earned her degree in dietetics and met her husband, Ali, while interning as a dietician at Horace Harding hospital in Queens, New York, where he was an Associate Professor of Surgery. Mary, upon completing her internship, was hired as a dietician by the Waldorf Astoria in New York, New York. Dr. Afrookteh, was offered a position with the University of Maryland and the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1962.

Mary, in addition to helping her husband with his practice, was a tireless advocate for children with developmental disabilities, actively involved with The Arc of Baltimore, as well as being an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Catonsville serving in the church’s Stephen Ministry program, providing care and encouragement to the infirmed and housebound. Her family and friends were her true joy and treasure.