Mary Kay Stewart, age 68, departed for her final adventure on January 30th, 2023, at her home in Denver, Colorado. She was a graduate of the VHS Class of 1973.
Mary was born August 15, 1955 at Dakota Hospital in Vermillion, South Dakota to parents Jack and Glennis (Hood) Stewart. [Glennis had been a nurse at Dakota Hospital for 37 years]. Mary studied business accounting at the University of South Dakota and then transferred to the University of Iowa and earned her master’s in business administration in real estate/finance at the University of Denver in 1984.
Mary lived every day as if it were her last, active in many clubs, from skiing, biking, book, and dinner clubs to her many travels and adventures around Colorado, beyond borders and across the globe. No (Spirit) Mound was too high, or distance too far for Mary to travel to support, to connect, to celebrate the people in her life. The only thing Mary ever said no to was breast cancer and melanoma. Likewise, she was one to whom very few ever said “no.”
At the heart of both her personal and professional life, Mary was about the service of others. She used her business background working at Mercy Housing for nine years in Denver. She also served as a financial consultant with the Good Samaritan Society, to help with financing for affordable senior housing.
Mary is remembered for her contagious laugh, her love for adventure and spontaneity but also meticulous planning, her candor and compassion, and her knack for always having a coupon. She leaves behind many who mourn her loss, yet fondly remember the time shared with her – as a sister, niece, cousin, aunt, friend, godmother, ski/bike partner, and sister in faith.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her two sisters, Linda (Stewart) and Tom Van Bruggen of Park Rapids, MN, and Julie Stewart and Kevin Bliss of Vermillion, SD. Mary’s legacy is also remembered through her six nieces and nephews and a very close network of family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at the University of Denver on April 10th, 2023. A memorial weekend and tribute walk of Spirit Mound will be held on September 23, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations benefit the Spirit Mound Trust -Mary Stewart Memorial. Checks can be sent to Spirit Mound Trust, PO Box 603, Vermillion, SD, 57069.
Commented