Alice Elizabeth Stewart, 88, passed away on April 30, 2026. Born December 29, 1937, in Stratford, California, she was the youngest of seven children and remained, throughout her life, a steady and cherished presence to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed every day.
Alice attended school in Lemoore, California. After graduating from Lemoore High School, she continued her education at the College of the Sequoias and later graduated from Fresno State with a degree in Education. She devoted more than 30 years to Fresno Unified, teaching at Birney Elementary School—where both of her children also attended. Alice especially loved teaching second grade, and she remained in that classroom until the day she retired, leaving behind a legacy of care, patience, and dedication to her students and colleagues.
While beginning her teaching career, Alice met Ricky Stewart. They married and made their home in central Fresno, California, sharing nearly 50 years together and raising two children, Richard and Cynthia.
Even in retirement, Alice continued to embrace life with energy and purpose. She enjoyed her weekly Thursday evening teachers’ bowling league well into her retirement, stayed active through golf, exercise classes at the Senior Center, and Tai Chi, and—during Covid-19—learned to take classes virtually. Many Sundays were happily spent at Rodger Rocka’s Dinner Theater with fellow teachers, along with outings to Community Band and Second Space.
Alice’s devotion to her family was unmistakable, and her involvement in her grandchildren’s lives will be remembered for generations. She was loved dearly by her five grandchildren and was present for countless moments—birthdays, dance recitals, prom photo sessions, horse shows, soccer games, graduations, and even 21st birthday celebrations from Vegas to San Diego. If she was not seen at an event, she could often be heard cheering from the stands, a familiar and encouraging voice that will be dearly missed.
Alice was preceded in death by her husband Rick; her parents, Antone and Catherine; and her siblings, Irma, Catherine, Rosie, Margaret, Tony, and Mary. She is survived by her two children, Richard Stewart and Cynthia Stewart (Jones), and her five grandchildren, Taylor Stewart, Hunter Stewart, Cassidy (Jones), Nicole (Jones), and Miranda (Jones).
Visitation with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, 202 North Teilman, Fresno, CA 93706, on June 1, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 2140 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93703, on June 2, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A Committal Service will follow at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave, Frenso, CA 93706, on June 2, 2026, at 12:00 pm. The family also invites friends and loved ones to a luncheon immediately following the burial at American Legion Fresno Federal Post 509, 3509 N. First St. Fresno, CA 93726.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered in Alice’s honor to Birney Elementary School, where she taught until retirement. Donations of school supplies, books, and gift cards (Target or Foods Co) would be greatly appreciated, care of Carlos Corona, Community School Coordinator ([email protected]; 559 248-7000 ext. 81641). A donation box will be available at the luncheon, or Carlos may be contacted directly. St. Jude Children’s Hospital was also a favorite charity.
Special thanks from Richard, Cynthia, and family for all welcomed prayers, support, and condolences. Speaking her name brings back cherished thoughts and memories they hope to carry forward. With gratitude and love, Richard, Cynthia, and family.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Psalm 23:1,6
