Ms. Lilla Stewart was born on August 4, 1931, in Port Limón, Costa Rica, to Euphemia Walters and Felix Augustus Stewart. From the beginning, faith was central to her life. She was dedicated to God at the local Baptist Church on October 24, 1931, later accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior, and was baptized on Pentecost Sunday, June 13, 1943.
Ms. Lilla grew up during difficult economic times, experiencing the challenges of rural life before her family moved to Limón so that she and her siblings could receive a formal education. She attended Rafael Yglesias Castro Elementary School and graduated from Colegio de Limón in 1951. Remarkably, she began working as a teaching assistant at age sixteen, helping support her family while discovering the vocation that would define much of her life.
Encouraged to pursue higher education, Ms. Lilla moved to San José and studied Education at the University of Costa Rica. There she was mentored by renowned educator Emma Gamboa-Boyer and trained in modern teaching methods. After graduating in 1955, she returned to Limón and continued her career as an educator at her elementary Alma Mater.
In 1963, Ms. Lilla married Reinaldo Maxwell Kennedy. Together they raised three children: Curt Kevin, Denia Euphemia, and Debbie Kathia. After the family moved to San José in 1970, Ms. Lilla continued teaching, most notably at the United Nations School, where she served children from diverse and often challenging circumstances. Her role extended far beyond academics; she became a counselor, supportive instructor, mentor, and source of encouragement to many students. Her distinguished teaching career included service at Escuela Napoleón Quesada in San José, the United Nations School, and later Escuela José María Castro Madriz.
After initially retiring in 1978, her love of education led her back to university studies and eventually to the classroom once again. In 1988, Ms. Lilla moved to South Florida, where she remained deeply involved in Christian fellowship and later devoted nearly eleven years to childcare, continuing her lifelong calling of nurturing the next generation.
Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. She faithfully encouraged them in the values of faith, perseverance, education, and personal growth.
Ms. Lilla completed her earthly journey peacefully, leaving a legacy of Christian faith, education, strength, service, and devotion to family.
She was predeceased by her parents, Felix and Euphemia, her brother Ivor, and her sister Vinette. She is survived by her siblings Gladwin and Greta; her children Curt, Denia, and Debbie; son-in-law Stephane Drolet; and her beloved grandchildren Jonathan, Sebastian, Nicolas, and Laura.
