Maria Teresa Stewart
1923 ~ 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Teresa Stewart, of Prince Albert and previously Swift Current.

Maria Stewart was born December 1st, 1923, in the village of Dornesti, province of Bukovina (at that time part of Romania) to Michael Chmilewski and his wife, Wilhelmine (née Nargang) of Polish/German ancestry. She passed away in Prince Albert May 9th, 2021.

Left to mourn her passing are her daughters Carol Stewart, Roses Stewart (David Stevens), Teri (Paul Zakus); her brother Alvin Kattler (Margret); her grandchildren, Stephen Mamchur (Shannon Rennie), Mitchell Mamchur (Jacelyn Little), Paul Zakus (Anne Kelly), Mark Zakus (Michelle Chan); great grandchildren Sean, Brendan, Markie (Paul and Anne) and a baby on the way August 2021 (Mark and Michelle).

Predeceased by her husband, Harry Campbell Stewart; her father, Michael, her mother, Wilhelmine, her stepfather, Karl Kattler, her brothers, Rudy Chmilewski and Robert Kattler, and recently, her one and only granddaughter, Melissa (Missy) Mamchur.

When World War II began, her family was repatriated to Forchheim, Germany. When the opportunity arose, her family purchased farming property in Essingen, Pfalz. After the war, she went to school in Berlin, following which she attended the University Hospital in Mainz and qualified as a midwife. Her interest in nursing brought her to Fort San, SK. She spoke fondly of the children under her care, who taught her English. While there, she met her husband, Harry Stewart. They began their married life in Swift Current where all three daughters were born. She always found great joy and satisfaction while working and creating with her hands. Gardening was a passion for her. Flower and vegetable gardens thrived in her care. She attended weaving and pottery workshops sponsored by the Swift Current Allied Arts Council and workshops at the Summer School of the Arts at Fort Qu’Appelle. She also studied batik, quilting, Ukranian egg dying and went on to teach classes in all of these throughout the province.

Maria was a member of the Swift Current Arts Council from its inception in the 1970’s until 2009 and was also a member of the Provincial Arts Board for many years. In 1992, she was presented with a Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in recognition of the significant contribution to her community. In 2007, Maria moved to Prince Albert, SK to live with Roses and David. Due to her dementia, she moved to Kopera’s Care Home. In 2009, she qualified to move to Mont St Joseph’s Home where she found joy and where all her needs were met. Maria continued to enjoy the arts and entertainment offered at the Rawlinson Centre in Prince Albert. Every month there would be one or two outings with fabulous entertainers. Maria would spend weekends with Roses and David helping to entertain friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held in Swift Current at a later date. Donations in memory of Maria Stewart may be made to the Saskatchewan Craft Council, or to any organization that supports local artists. Thank you to the Managers and Staff at Mont St. Joseph’s Home for their compassion and care for Mom during her time there. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/maria-teresa-stewart/67354 . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Don Moriarty, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2021-05-09
• Location : Prince Albert, SK