Jean Stewart

Stewart - Jean Morag

March 10, 1947- October 31,  2026

With quiet resolve and knowing she would soon gain her eternal rest, Jean Stewart passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, October 31st. Jean was predeceased by her parents Graham and Agnes Stewart of Glasgow, Scotland. Counted among those who mourn their loss are beloved long-time Scottish friends Catriona Breen and Mairi Dunbar along with their families, her loved Orpheus theatre gang, her devoted friend and caregiver, Jaye, her dearest church family where she was a retired elder and member for 13 years at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Richmond Ontario, a long-term elder in St Giles Presbyterian Church Ottawa, and her neighbours, friends, and Euchre pals on Laurier Avenue

Jean trained as a teacher in Scotland and, after emigrating to Ottawa, Canada in 1969, guided many students through their early teen years in several middle schools until finally retiring in1999 due to an ongoing, long-term battle with multiple sclerosis. Although she had retired, she still enjoyed monthly lunches with the Retired Teachers’ Association, swapping stories and enjoying memories.

Jean kept in touch with many of her students over the years and loved to hear about their adventures. She was thrilled to belong to the Orpheus family and spent many a year in the painting and prop shop at Orpheus House. Jean was a lifelong financial contributor to Orpheus and always was ready to take her seat on opening night and share with her friends at the reception afterwards and at lunchtime gatherings with the OOFS.

A true Scot, her heart always belonged in her country of birth. She travelled many times “away hame” to visit her mum and those friends she loved. Her Facebook posts were often memes about “Heeland coos” and Scottish humour. Though Jean always said that she never cried, it was surely the death of her beloved cat, “His Nibs” that brought secret tears to this stoic gal.

Jean knew that MS could take her life at any time, but she had fought a number of health battles over the years yet always managed to rally around. God obviously had other plans and saw that she needed rest and care of her own.

Memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 3529 McBean St, Richmond, on Tuesday, November 17th at 11 am.  Those wishing may make memorial donations to MS Canada.

“Their spirit lingers, a gently breeze, a life well-lived, forever at ease”