Obituary of Hildred Madeline Stewart
Suddenly yet peacefully, Hilly died on Thursday, May 19th, 2016 at University Hospital in London at the age of 91. Wife, Mother, Grammy, Sister and Friend – she will be sadly missed but leaves our hearts filled with many happy memories. Predeceased by her husband Mervyn. Hilly cherished her three daughters and their families; Tara Shortly (Tim, granddaughters Bronwyn and Hayley), Beth Stewart (Russell Welsh, granddaughter Lucy), and Patti Boulianne (Dan, grandsons George and Henry). Predeceased by her brother William Hanna and sister Dora Hutchin; leaving her sisters Edith Elliott and Mary Wall. Born in 1924, Hildred (as her family called her) was raised on a farm in Shawville, Quebec. The family survived the depression with plenty of food on the table and one new pair of shoes per child each year. After high school, Hilly taught in a one-room schoolhouse for two years. Soon bored, she taught herself shorthand, moved to the town of Asbestos and got a job as a secretary at the mining company. In the summer of 1945, Hilly participated in the Victory-day parade in Asbestos, where Mervyn Stewart, having recently returned from serving in the RCAF in WWII, stood in uniform on the sidewalk and caught Hilly’s eye. As husband and wife, they moved to London in 1960 where Hilly lived the rest of her life. She loved her family and was a supportive wife, mentor to her daughters and role-model to her grandchildren. She was practical, intelligent, wise and kind and had a great sense of humour. Hilly had many wonderful friends in the community and bridge games filled a large part of life. She was a devoted member of Riverside United Church for 50+ years. A private family graveside service will be held where Hilly will be buried alongside her beloved husband, Mervyn. Friends are invited to a reception at the London Hunt and Country Club, 1431 Oxford Street West, London, on Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. to join us in a toast to our Mom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ivey Eye Institute (c/o St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation) or University Hospital (c/o London Health Sciences Foundation). Arrangements entrusted to Westview Funeral Chapel, (519) 641-1793.
