Renee Bonynge Stewart

Renee Bonynge Stewart of Bethesda, MD passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 29, 2025, shortly after celebrating her 80th birthday. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Renee's life was marked by a distinguished early career in politics and a lifelong commitment to her family and the equestrian world.

Born in Montclair, New Jersey in 1945 to Robert and Marie (Mayer) Bonynge, Renee's childhood was filled with horseback riding and cherished summers on Lake Waramaug in CT, alongside her sister Corinne. She graduated from Montclair High School in 1963, then earned a degree in Political Science in 1967 from Goucher College, followed by a Master's degree in Political Science from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University in 1968.

Renee’s independent spirit led her to drive cross country during college, turning her equestrian skills into a memorable summer working on a Wyoming ranch. This same spirit propelled her successful career in politics, beginning with the 1968 campaign of Congressman Thomas Meskill (CT). Joining his Washington, DC staff as press secretary and speechwriter, she played a pivotal role in his election as Governor of Connecticut in 1970.

Following her marriage in 1971 to Wyatt Alva Stewart, III, Renee was appointed Director of the Washington Office for the Governor of Connecticut. In this capacity, she shepherded President Nixon’s nomination of Governor Meskill to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals and subsequent confirmation by the US Senate. Her skill and success led Governor James Holshouser of North Carolina to name her as Director of the State’s Washington Office in 1975.

Renee also possessed a generous spirit, readily mentoring young individuals, particularly women in the Lake Waramaug region, who aspired to careers in politics or government, guiding them towards opportunities in Hartford, CT and Washington, DC. None benefited more from her guidance and support than her family.

After dedicating herself to her career, Renee embraced the role of a loving wife and mother to Margaret Stewart Nagle and Wyatt Alva Stewart IV. Her passions would be reflected in and fed by her family. She supported her husband’s DC career, remaining close to politics. A lifelong equestrian, she showed several hunters to numerous championships and wholeheartedly supported her daughter's own accomplished equestrian pursuits.

In DC, Renee cultivated a deep love for baseball, initially cheering for the Washington Senators, then the Baltimore Orioles, and ultimately the Washington Nationals. But she always cheered loudest for her son’s little league, high school, and college baseball teams, rarely missing a game.

Renee’s legacy of love and dedication lives on through her beloved husband of 54 years, Wyatt Alva Stewart III; her children, Margaret (husband Paul) of Washington DC, and Wyatt (wife Ryan) of Chevy Chase, MD; her cherished grandchildren, Agnes and Anna Nagle, and Lee Robert and Wyatt Alva Stewart V; and her sister, Corinne Green.

A visitation for Renee will be held Thursday May 15th, 2025, from 4:00PM to 7PM at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016. A funeral service will occur at 10AM on Friday May 16th, 2025, Joseph Gawler’s Sons, followed by a procession to and burial at Congressional Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in her memory be made to the American Heart Association or the Parkinson’s Foundation.