Mary Jeanette “Jeannie” Stewart

Mary Jeanette “Jeannie” Stewart

January 5, 1945  –  February 29, 2024

In loving memory of Mary Jeanette Stewart, “Jeannie.”

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mary J. Stewart, affectionately known as “Jeannie”, on February 29, 2024. Jeannie departed this world, leaving a legacy of love, kindness, and many sweet moments that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jeannie was born on January 5, 1945, in Hibbing, Minnesota. She grew up in Hibbing with her sister, Virginia (Jini), and her brother, William (Bill). Jeannie graduated from Hibbing High School and then took classes at Hibbing Junior College. She graduated from the University of Minnesota–Duluth. At UMD, she met the love of her life, Larry R. Stewart. Larry and Jeannie had a beautiful life together, were married for over 50 years and raised two daughters, Kirsten (Glenn) Galloway and Elizabeth (Paul) Foley.

Jeannie’s father, Bill Sr., passed away suddenly when Jeannie was just seven years old (1952). Her mother, Mary, lived a long and full life (1989). Jeannie’s beloved older brother, Bill, passed away recently, leaving behind a wonderful family in the Hibbing area. His wife, Mary Ellen, was a sister-in-law but also a friend. Jeannie’s sister, Jini, lives in Ashburn, Virginia, and her lovely children and their families live nearby.

Being married to Larry was the jewel in Jeannie’s life. Jeannie said not a day went by that Larry didn’t make her laugh, and that sums up what a sweet and wonderful life they lived. They started in Roseville, Minnesota, moved to Bloomington, and landed in Burnsville, where they raised their family. Larry and Jeannie enjoyed wonderful friendships. Spending time at Lakewoods Resort in Cable, Wisconsin, and then later living in Hayward, Wisconsin, brought them lots of fun and great memories of fishing, golf, spending afternoons at the 19^th hole at the Hayward Golf Club, dinners at Club 77, and lots of fun times with friends and family.

Jeannie was a gifted educator of young people. She taught elementary school early in her career and then moved into early childhood development at the Children’s Development and Learning Center (CDLC) in Burnsville. She brought her teaching expertise and love to all the students and taught in the Phoenix area and Minong, Wisconsin. She instilled a love of reading and learning in many young people.

Jeannie and Larry eventually moved full-time to Green Valley, Arizona, where they thoroughly enjoyed their life and community. Jeannie was significantly involved in the local Clay Studio, where she found an outlet for her creativity. Views of the Santa Rita mountains were Jeannie’s favorite, and the beautiful desert landscape brought them lots of joy.

The Galloways and Foleys considered Hayward as the home base for many years, and the grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed Grampa and Granny’s excellent adventures, such as fishing on the dock with Grampa, baking and crafting with Granny, exploring the woods, trips to West’s Ice Cream, Trembley’s Candy store, and Wilderness Walk. The magic of Christmas was extra special at the Round Lake house, and Santa Claus made many visits there. Every year, the troop would gather for Hayward’s annual Musky Days festival to run/walk/be carried in the 5k by Grampa, with Granny waiting at the finish line with donuts and lots of enthusiasm!

After Larry passed in 2016, Jeannie moved to Omaha to be closer to her family. She met lovely friends at Maple Ridge Senior Living. Living with Pickles so close to Liz and her family was a joy for her. The Foleys were just a mile away and took such beautiful care of Jeannie and everything she needed, from helping her with her flowers, taking Pickles for walks, setting up her Christmas tree, and ensuring she was stocked with Diet Coke.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her father, William E. Suhonen; mother Mary F. Suhonen; brother, William R. Suhonen; husband, Larry R. Stewart; and brother-in-law, Michael C. Short. She is survived by sister, Virginia M. Short; sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen Suhonen and Barb Cobey (John Gookins); daughters, Kirsten S. Galloway (Glenn) and Elizabeth J. Foley (Paul); and grandchildren, Lily Anne and Annabel (Annie) Rose Foley and Kylie and Connor Galloway.

No funeral or memorial service will be held. Jeannie’s friends and family are spread far and wide, just like the lupine flowers she loved so much. If you want to honor her, be extra kind to those around you. You can also donate to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation to help find a cure for the devastating disease from which Larry suffered.

Jeannie loved this quote from “The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost and had it framed and hung on the wall. She said it described her life with Larry:

 “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by.”