JOCELYN STEWART

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JOCELYN STEWART It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jocelyn Stewart (nee Matthews) at the Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg on August 14, 2014, at the age of 90. Jocelyn, (known affectionately as Jo or Joy) was the beloved wife of the late Henry "Hank" Stewart. She is survived by her children, Erin (Donald) and Patrick (Christine), her brother Frank Matthews (Margaret), her sister Rosemary Dominy, grandson Lindsey (Noelle), precious great-grandson Rupert, and granddaughter Maria. Jocelyn is also survived by her brother-in-law Herbert Stewart and sisters-in-law Girnith Stewart and Gloria Stewart, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers-in law Grant Dominy, Lawrence Stewart, and Dennis Stewart. Born in Winnipeg on September 24, 1923, Jocelyn was the first child of Sydney Evelyn Matthews and Eleanor Jeanette Matthews (nee Faulkner). Her grandmother Orpha Amanda Faulkner was a strong influence and a great support in her early years. She was employed with Trans Canada Airlines where she met her husband, Hank, a cargo agent. They were married in 1949. Their daughter Erin, was born in 1953 and their son Patrick in 1958. Hank's career took them to Montreal in 1954. The family developed many enduring friendships during this period. In 1970, Hank was transferred back to Winnipeg with the airline and the family settled in Westwood. In 1983, as retirement approached, Jocelyn and Hank designed and built a home at Hillside Beach on Lake Winnipeg. Two short years after moving into their new house, her beloved Hank was stricken with lung cancer. Jocelyn nursed him through the illness for two years. After his passing, Jocelyn stayed on at the lake, remaining active in the community. She formed a writers group, where she shared her love of writing and became a member of the Victoria Beach Seniors Centre. In 1997, Jocelyn returned to Winnipeg in order to be close to her family. Most recently, she resided at River East Personal Care Home. Jocelyn was a published author, collaborating with Sam Ateah on his book "Memories of Victoria Beach." She became editor of "The Cottager" magazine, and several of her short stories were aired on CBC radio. Jocelyn loved learning. As a teenager, she attended Kelvin High School and was an excellent student. She fulfilled a lifelong ambition to attend University, starting as a mature student in 1970 alongside her daughter Erin. She continued to take courses on a part-time basis, eventually joining her grandson Lindsey as he began his university studies. She focused on English literature and the classics, and loved the professors she encountered at the University of Winnipeg. She loved fast cars, fine art, and travel to new destinations. Gardening was a passion. She created gorgeous and expansive rock gardens, designed and built from scratch by Jo and a bulldozer. Her designs were intricate and meticulous, but fitting with the environment in a beautifully organic way. She could coax the most reluctant plant to life. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Jocelyn's life will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at River East Personal Care Home for their excellent care in her final years. Donations in her memory may be made to the Stewart Family Scholarship fund at the University of Winnipeg. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 23, 2014