Ann Stewart

May 3, 1941 – November 23, 2023

Email from Ann’s brother, Tom Stewart, Class of 1961

My sister died peacefully this morning.

For the past few years, she has been living in a memory care facility in Colorado, near the home of her daughter Betsy and her only grandchild Sammi. Her memory had declined dramatically beginning about five years ago, but her spirits and wit, and her ability to read remained strong until the end.

Ann's end of life came rapidly and unexpectedly. Three days ago she indicated that she was "not feeling well". The following day her physical condition worsened noticeably. She was taken out to a hospital where it was discovered that her kidneys had shut down entirely.

Ann had provided Betsy with very strong and clear end-of-life documents which made it absolutely clear that she wanted no interventions to extend her life. Betsy honored her wish and Ann was returned to the memory care unit for hospice care. It was expected that her end would come quickly, which it did.

I am beyond thankful today that I saw Ann just three weeks ago in Colorado along with her three children (Betsy, Jim, Tom) who were together with their mother for the first time in many years (both Jim and Tom had been in China). Betsy described during that reunion that Ann was the most animated she had been in a long time. On the last day of my visit, I spent a full day alone with her. As we walked around her facility, we found a book of "America's Favorite Songs" in a secluded "Chapel" room. I asked Ann if she would like to sing together. She said yes. We sat down side by side and spent the next half-hour singing several of the songs.

Ann was unresponsive for the past two days, but rested peacefully on pain medications. She "awoke" briefly once. Besty called me and I said some final words to my sister. She was unable to respond but I'm glad we had that moment. The last thing I did on that call was to sing her "Take Me Out to the Ballgame".

May her memory be a blessing.

xo