Mary Ann Stuart, 68, of Brookfield, died September 1, surrounded with love from her family, church members, and caregivers. Her passing was pain-free and peaceful, after a long battle with cancer.

Mrs Stuart is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Steve. Her daughter, Barbara S. Sibley, and her husband Rob, of Newtown; her son Stephen J. Stuart, Jr, and his wife Tru Love, of Los Altos Hills, Calif.; six grandchildren; and her loving siblings Louise Wanzer and Richard, Franklin, and Dudley Roski.

The Stuarts eloped in 1963 while in college. While raising two children, Mrs Stuart returned to school and graduated from Neumann College in Pennsylvania in May 1989, with a BS in business, summa cum laude with the Tau Award for highest academic honors. Earlier, in 1979 she also earned a certificate as a legal assistant with honors from Widener University in Pennsylvania.

Mrs Stuart served her community as a board of director member of the Rose Tree Media (Penn.) School District, from 1981 to 1989. She also served as chairperson of the Finance Committee and as president from 1986 to 1987.

She then turned her attention to service in education, working in development (advancement) for The Spence School in New York City, and as director of alumni affairs for Cornell University Medical College in New York City. After moving back to the Philadelphia area, she served as director of development for the Freedom Valley Girl Scout Council. Mrs Stuart’s last position before retirement was as director of advancement for The Key School, Annapolis, Md. As a result of her outstanding work, many millions were raised to further the education of children.

The Stuarts retired to Newtown and Brookfield to enjoy participating in the growth of their grandchildren. Mrs Stuart especially enjoyed her time with her beloved friends in the Newtown Quilts of the Heart group and the Brookfield Seniors Golf Group.

The loving care provided Mrs Stuart from Danbury Hospital, Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut, and the Bethel Health Care Center was deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten by the family. 

Calling hours are at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, on Thursday, September 5, from 5 to 7 pm. Inurnment for family only is Friday, September 6, at Newtown Village Cemetery. A service celebrating her life for family, friends, and church family is at Newtown United Methodist Church Friday, September 6, at 11 am.

To sign an online guest book, visit www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please bring end-of-life care to others in need through a donation in her name to Regional Hospice and Home care of Western Connecticut at www.regionalhospicect.org/donate.