Obituary of Ella Joann Evans Stewart

Ella) Joann Evans Stewart, of Westford MA, formerly of Cortland, died Saturday, January 16 surrounded by family. She was the wife of the late Donald H. Stewart. Joann was born in 1923 in Barbourville KY to Edwin E. and Myrtle Siler Evans. She was a graduate of Cumberland College and Georgetown College. Upon completion of college, she taught in Aurora, IN. In 1948 she married Donald H. Stewart. They traveled extensively in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. She attended classes at Drake University, the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, the University of the Americas in Mexico, the University of Muenster in Germany and Harvard University. The couple came to Cortland in 1956, where they lived until moving to Massachusetts in 2000. Joann was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and served on the Board of Trustees. She was a member of Church Women United, the Refugee Resettlement Committee, the YWCAs Y-Teens program, the Faculty Wives Club of SUNY Cortland, the Garden Group, the Ladies Literary Club and the Madrigals womens vocal group. She was a representative for First Investors Corporation for whom she sold mutual funds for many years. She loved to garden and was an avid Bridge and tennis player. Joann was a dear friend to many and a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She will be remembered for her strong, but quiet faith, her southern charm, quick wit, positive attitude and immense kindness. Joann is survived by one brother, Wilbert B. (Katsy) Evans, of Barbourville, one brother-in-law, Frederick H. (Harriet) Stewart of Des Moines, IA, two sons, Douglas E. (Cameron) of Portland, OR and David F. of Arlington, MA, two daughters, Deborah C. (Robert) Armstrong of Westford, MA and Donna Joann (Lawrence) Campbell of Dayton, OH, grandchildren Stewart and Spencer Campbell, Evan and Molly Armstrong and step-grandchildren joshua Armstrong, Rebecca Bean, Liz Starley, Jessica Stewart, Ashley Miller, as well as nine step great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. A Memorial Service will be held at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home in Cortland on Saturday, January 30, at 2pm. The Y-Teens was an important part of my life at that time when girls start to look beyond their family for role models. Mrs Stewart was beautiful and gracious, and orchestrated an interesting and varied program. She made a difference in the lives of many girls. Susan Corey We are so very sorry at the passing of Ella. May God Bless her and all of you. Kabanuk Family Dear Dave, Debbie, Donna Jo , Doug and families, Lou Ann and I are truly saddened to learn of your mom's death. She was a wonderful person. Some of my fondest memories are from times at your home. She always made her guests fell special. If the devil himself had walked in she would have had something nice to say. "Gosh it's so good to see you and your horns and tail have never looked better." We'll be with you in spirit as you celebrate her life today. I doubt my parents will be able to make it with the cold and ice but they send their love too. I have had a condolence card ready to mail on my desk since your father died but I need and address. Dave, when you get a chance please email me your address. Love, Dale and Lou Ann I remember Mrs Stewart well, during my adolescence in Cortland. She was part of my Y-Teens experience, and she sang with my Mom in the Madrigals women's group affiliated with the College. I found her to be a woman filled with Southern charm and good sense - a classy dame in every way. My condolences to her family for her loss - and for a life well lived... Carole Bahou