Marilyn Louise Stewart

Marilyn Deitz Stewart passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, surrounded by the season she loved. She will be remembered as an adventurous spirit, a gifted musician, a devoted volunteer and teacher, a loving wife, and a proud mother.

Marilyn was born in Covina, California, in 1933. A lifelong lover of learning and music, she graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Pomona College, majoring in music with a minor in economics. She went on to earn a master’s degree from Claremont Graduate School. While pursuing further graduate studies in music at the University of Michigan, she met Irv Stewart—beginning a partnership that would shape the rest of her life. As Marilyn liked to say, she earned a “Mrs.” instead of another master’s degree.

Marilyn and Irv made their home in Montgomery, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, where they lived for 38 years and raised their family. During that time, Marilyn devoted herself to education and music, teaching seventh grade, music, and chorus for more than twenty years. She also shared her musical gifts as a church organist and pianist, performing in recitals and enriching the lives of many through her talent.

Gardening was another shared passion for Marilyn and Irv. Their carefully tended yard was once featured in the Greater Cincinnati Garden Show—remarkably, the only garden in the show not designed or maintained by professional gardeners.

Together, Marilyn and Irv traveled extensively throughout the United States and around the world, often exploring by RV. After Irv’s death in 2002, Marilyn continued traveling on her own, driving the RV across the country with her beloved dog, Peanut, by her side. Her annual trips to California eventually convinced her that this was where she wanted to be.

In 2008, Marilyn moved to Casa de Mañana in La Jolla, where she spent the rest of her life surrounded by music, culture, and community. She embraced life at Casa wholeheartedly, serving in many roles including Trading Post Manager, Casa Club Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and pianist for the Casa Chorale.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Kim Stewart, Karen Ethridge, Karilyn Fallat, and Kent Stewart. She leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, kindness, service, and music that will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.