Margaret P. Stewart

Margaret “Peg” Stewart, 86, of Goodyear, Arizona, passed away peacefully, on June 23, 2026 surrounded by family, after a long battle with dementia; born on April 28, 1940, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Ernest and Mildred Padden, she overcame significant challenges to build a successful career, raise her son as a single mother, and create a life filled with learning, creativity, and devotion to family.

Peg grew up in the Norfolk area and graduated from Granby High School in 1958. She married William Foster in 1960, and the couple welcomed their son, Bill, the following year.

After her husband left the family, Peg raised her son on her own. Determined to build a stable future, she completed a bookkeeping correspondence course and began a secretarial career in the construction industry. Her hard work and dedication led her to become the full-charge bookkeeper for WFOG-FM radio station in Norfolk.

When the station was sold in 1974, Peg relocated to Boston to begin a new chapter. There, she worked as a full-charge bookkeeper for a brush manufacturing company and met Chuck Stewart on a blind date through a mutual friend. They married in 1977 and built a life together in Massachusetts. As her career progressed, Peg joined a bank leasing company, where she rose to the position of vice president and controller. While working full time, she earned an associate degree from Massasoit College and later graduated with honors from Lesley University with a Bachelor of Science in Management.

After retiring in 1994, Peg devoted her time to managing the family’s investments and pursuing many interests. She became an accomplished watercolor artist, served as president of the Dedham Art Association, studied classical piano, enjoyed gourmet cooking, and participated in a dining club.

In 2000, Peg told Chuck they had saved enough for him to retire, and he submitted his notice the next day. On Halloween weekend that same year, the couple moved to Goodyear, Arizona, where they spent many happy years traveling and making memories with family and friends.

Peg is survived by her devoted husband, Chuck Stewart; her brothers, Ernie Padden (Frances) of Chesapeake, Virginia; Mike Padden (Megan) of Norfolk, Virginia; and Steve Padden (Cindy) of Richmond, Virginia; and her sisters, Susan Clarke (Ken); Doris Higginbotham (Buck) of Chesapeake, Virginia; and Linda Lascara (Mathew) of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her son, Bill Foster (Holly); her grandsons, Griffin Foster (Maddy) and Jack Foster; and her great-granddaughter, Margot Foster.

Peg will be remembered for her resilience, intelligence, creativity, and devotion to family. She faced life’s challenges with grace and determination. Her warmth, optimism, and love enriched the lives of those around her and leave a lasting legacy.