Jean Isabel Stewart of New Paltz, formerly of Newburgh, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Thursday, December 7, 2023. She was 99.
Daughter of the late Wygant and Mary (Clark) Innis, she was born May 10, 1924 in Newburgh. She is survived by her children: Gregory Stewart of Marlboro, Robert J. Stewart and his partner Kim Carroll of Rifton, Kathleen Simonian and her husband Tony of Long Beach, CA, Anne Briwa of Pine Bush, and Ellen Sharpe and her husband Mike of Hyde Park; her cherished grandchildren: Taylor Briwa and his wife Crystal, Robert Briwa, Darcy Stewart and Sydney Stewart; and her great-grandson Bodhi Briwa. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including her devoted niece Mary Tighe Matey.
Jean was predeceased by her loving husband Robert Stewart in 2007; her daughter Margaret Stewart; granddaughter Kelly Moshier; two brothers, John K. Innis and Hugh W. Innis, and her sister Ruth Tighe.
Jean was – and is – a person whose life cannot be summed up in a few easy words. A lifelong area resident, she was a mother and homemaker, raising six children. She was a patriot, a nature lover, a fan of opera and orchestral music, and a bit of a fashionista. She enjoyed gardening and swimming in lakes, always donning a colorful bathing cap. She loved painting, writing letters, also keeping in touch by phone. Jean had a boundless curiosity, always learning more about the world around her. In all these things, Jean lived well.
Yet what makes Jean so special is that she lived with a kindness and strength that made her a pillar for family and community. She brought folks to her favorite Wanaksink and Orange Lakes for picnics, swimming, and fishing. She delivered soup and ginger ale to soothe countless sniffles and upset tummies. Jean cheered at graduations and flirted at weddings. She gave quiet words after hearing of a heartbreak and when she witnessed grief. Jean’s beautiful hazel eyes always sparkled when she watched family gather together through the years, whether it was in bright living rooms, warm kitchens, on darkened porches, or under blue skies by “the lake.”
Jean’s kindness, endless optimism and sense of humor endeared her to everyone she met. She was a truly extraordinary woman and Mom. She will be greatly missed.
From the Stewart Family – Over the last five years, we have been fortunate to work with a large team of dedicated people enabling us to keep Mom at home. Our sincere thanks go out to each and every one of you.
To all of the ladies who so loyally and lovingly took care of “Miss Jean” at home, especially the ones there with us in tough times, words cannot express our gratitude.
A special thanks to the amazing people from Hudson Valley Hospice for their help and support.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 2212 Rte 44-55, Gardiner, NY 12525.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jean’s name can be made to Hudson Valley Hospice at hvhospice.org.
Arrangements are under the care of White, Venuto and Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service., Newburgh.