With heavy hearts, but also with thanksgiving for a
long life well lived, we announce the passing of Evelyn
Jean (Crook) Stewart, age 95, of Gables Lodge, Amherst,
N.S. and formerly of Dartmouth, NS. Evelyn passed away peacefully at
Gables Lodge on September 9, 2021, with her niece, Laurie, by her
side.
Evelyn was the last surviving member of her
immediate family. Born and raised in Dartmouth, NS, she was a daughter
of the late Helen (Cameron) and Andrew John (“A.J.”) Crook.
Beginning in childhood and throughout their lives together, Evelyn had
an especially close relationship with her younger sister, Marguerite
(“Margie”).
After high school, Evelyn went on to complete
nursing training at the Halifax Children’s Hospital, proudly
becoming an R.N. in 1948. She never had children of her own, but
devoted her career to caring for the children of others as a pediatric
nurse. She was the supervisor of the outpatient/emergency department
at the IWK in Halifax for a number of years, and also worked at the
Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto for several years earlier in her
career. In 1968, Evelyn graduated with a B.Sc. in Nursing from Mount
St. Vincent University.
Evelyn was a devoted daughter, who was the primary
caregiver for her mother, Helen, at home for many years until her
passing in 1979. Evelyn was also a long-time member of St. James
United Church in Dartmouth. Faith was very important to her throughout
her life.
In June 1990, shortly after her retirement from
nursing at the IWK, Evelyn married Rev. Gordon Stewart, a retired
United Church minister. She and Gordon enjoyed many happy years of
married life, including many family events and the opportunity to
travel extensively, to numerous parts of the world. They both remained
actively engaged in life until well into their later years, always
enjoying a good game of Scrabble or a good conversation.
Evelyn is survived by her husband’s
children: Moira Stewart of Toronto, Wendy (Chris) Potter of England,
Dr. Keir Stewart (Joanne) of Halifax, and Dr. Graeme Stewart (Denise
Gaudet) of Sackville, NB. Also survived by her husband’s
grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Amy, Daniel and Tamsin Potter of
England; Carmen, Alana and Tea Stewart of Halifax; and Liam, Marshall,
Lucy and Isabel Stewart of Sackville, NB.
Evelyn will be greatly missed by her niece, Laurie
Terris (Gilles Leger) of Sackville, NB, to whom she was like a
“second mom”. She is also survived by several other nieces
and nephews: Linda Foote, Anne Murphy, Christine Merritt, Michelle
Ward, and Cathy, Bryan, Jamie and Cameron Crook. Also survived by
Melaina Mirosevic of Austria, whom she considered to be her niece as
well.
Predeceased by her husband, Rev. Gordon Stewart, as
well as her brothers, Kenneth, Andrew and Allan Crook, her sister,
Margie Terris, and her husband’s grandson, Rory Potter of
England.
Evelyn was a strong, intelligent person and a
natural leader. She was also very kind and generous. Her sister
described her as having a “heart of gold”. A niece remembers
Evelyn making “the best lunches”, and never leaving
Evelyn’s home without being given something to take along,
even if it was a piece of fruit for a snack on the way home. Evelyn
was very kind to animals, and whenever one was near, she always wanted
to give them a special treat.
Evelyn will be forever missed, but her legacy will
live on in the lives she touched, both personally and professionally.
“Do not cry because she has passed away. Smile because she
lived!”
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation
to the staff of Gables Lodge in Amherst, NS, who so lovingly cared for
Evelyn, and to all healthcare providers who have assisted Evelyn and
her family.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of
Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street,
Sackville, N.B., 506-364-1300. Funeral details will be finalized at a
later date and will be communicated via the Jones Funeral Home
website.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to
the family by visiting Evelyn’s online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca, or through the
funeral home Facebook page.
Donations in Evelyn’s memory may be made
to Gables Lodge, St. James United Church, Portland St., Dartmouth, the
IWK, or to another charity of the donor’s
choice.
“Devoted wife and family member. Dedicated
nurse. Friend to many.”
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Evelyn Stewart RN 1926 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sackville, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick