The Family of Louise Stewart announces the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt on Wednesday, May 11th.
Born to Angelo and Cecelia Piccinin on August 6, 1936, Louise grew up on Second Avenue in the coal docks of Port Arthur, protected by her older brother Oliver until five years later when her sister Helen, followed by her brothers Richard and Bobby came along. Louise lived her life for Family. The oldest daughter in an Italian Family; she thrived taking care of her three younger siblings. She loved to tell how as a child she played with her brother Ricky balanced on her hip while holding her baby brother Bobby in her arms. In turn, as they grew up together, her brothers & sister were absolutely devoted to Louise.
In the mid 1950s, as a student at St. Patrick’s High School, her best friend Carol Rosetti introduced her to Tom Stewart. It was then the Italian Princess from Port Arthur and her Farm Boy from Murillo fell completely and faithfully in love. Tom proposed marriage, Louise, renaissance woman that she was, said Yes, when I finish my education. For Louise believed every girl should get her education, her career and then get married. It was August 15, 1959, when she and Tom were married. In 1967 they welcomed their first child, David with daughter Kathy making their family complete in 1968.
Louise was a teacher for the Catholic School Board for many years and when she became a Special Education teacher she found her true vocation. Her years at St. Elizabeth’s were her most treasured until her retirement in 1996.
Her life took a devastating turn when her beloved Tom died in 1989. And it was her best friend and next door neighbour Judy Gerrie who brought our Louise back to us. It is a debt of gratitude that her children can never repay.
Louise was a devout Catholic, member of the CWL and long-time member of St. Agnes Parish in Westfort. She was head Eucharistic Minister and in charge of the Bake Table for Gold Rush Days. She was always so proud the Bake Tableraised the most funds.
She had an incredible group of girlfriends who found joy in Louise’s sense of adventure and love of travel whether it be Summer in the Park with Peggy Reynolds, bus trips with Sylvia Kayzer, Vegas trips with Carol Nadon or the East Coast, Florida and all points in between with Judy Gerrie. Louise found happiness in the company she kept. Her Golden Girls meant the world to her and she enjoyed their company only a week before she passed away. And the love they showed Louise is a true testament to friendship.
Louise lived a full and wonderful life. But anyone who knew her, knew that her grandchildren Justin and Amy Stewart kept her heart beating and what she lived for most. They were the greatest gift from God through her son David and his wife Karen. Louise Stewart was the epitome of humility until it came to Justin and Amy. They will always know how much their Grandma Stewart loved and lived just for them.
Louise’s Family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff of Suite 3 at Pioneer Ridge. The years Louise spent as a resident in your care, were truly amongst her happiest. She absolutely loved everyone who took care of her and became her trusted friends.
Louise was predeceased by her husband Tom, parents Angelo and Cecelia, beloved brothers Oliver and Robert, sister-in-law Linda Piccinin. She is survived by her son David (Karen), daughter Kathy Bruni (Dave), sister Helen (Wayne) Monsier, brother Richard (Dorothy) Piccinin, Elaine Piccinin, special nephew Bryan (Lori) Monsier and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 18 at 2pm at St. Agnes Church, celebrated by Rev. James Panikulam. Visitation to be held one hour prior to service at St. Agnes.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to the Helping Hands Auxillary at Pioneer Ridge or St, Agnes Parish Thunder Bay.
