STEWART, Marina - It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Marina Stewart who died peacefully and with loved ones at her side, on March 7, 2020, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, ON at age 81.
Marina is survived by her husband of 62 years, Charles Stewart, her children Glenn Stewart (Sveta), Mark Stewart (Jane) and Bonnie Stewart (Jay) and adored grandchildren Matthew, Brennan, Shannon, Erin, Jack and Kate, and sisters Joan Colbourne and Shirley Hammond.
Marina, born in Northern Arm, Newfoundland to Nathaniel and Janet Peyton on June 28, 1938, was the youngest of four siblings, Joan, Shirley, and Jerry (predeceased). The family moved to St. John’s, NL before moving to Ontario in 1951 where new roots were laid.
Marina met her beloved and devoted husband Chuck in 1957 while working together at then Workmen’s Compensation Board (WSIB). The two continued to work and commute together daily until their retirement in 1987.
Always avid travelers, Marina and Chuck explored the world over. Whether it was in their RV exploring many corners of Canada and the United States (often with stops in Nevada for some time in a casino or two), by plane or on many cruise ships, “We are going to see the world while our feet are still beneath us.” was Marina and Chuck’s motto. The harsh winters of Canada were traded for the sun, warmth, and beaches of Madeira Beach and Indian Rocks Beach, Florida for thirty years.
Marina loved to be active. She started many days on her treadmill, rode her bike on long rides in Florida, she climbed the Great Wall of China and Machu Pichu in her seventies, and would walk a beach if one was nearby, usually picking up shells along the way. Marina and Chuck adventurously cleared their own land by hand to build their home in Haliburton where they settled for many years on South Portage Lake, enjoying weekends, holidays, hosting parties and celebrations with their family and friends.
Throughout her life Marina enjoyed many interests and hobbies that kept her busy, including gardening, painting ceramics back in the 1970s and refinishing furniture. Sitting in the evenings Marina could be found knitting a mermaid tail blanket for a granddaughter, making a beautiful beaded Christmas ball decoration, or doing a cross stitch, if she wasn’t reading a good (and preferably juicy) romance novel (a Harlequin Romance back in the day, or Maeve Binchy were favourites).
Marina’s gentle, loving and supportive nature fostered a soft place to land for her children and grandchildren alike. Marina was nurturing of all her family; caring for her mother and other family members for many years. Marina always supported endeavors of her kids and grand kids, eagerly attending soccer practices and games weekly, dance recitals, plays, music concerts, and test tasting baked goods. Marina would happily fold a load of laundry or make a meal if it helped someone out. She was truly a most loving and kind soul whose absence will be felt by all who knew and loved her.
The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude for the outpouring of love, support and kindness from family, friends and co-workers who have shown their love and support over the past nine months.
In lieu of funeral services the family has opted for a small, private celebration of life.
In place of flowers, people wishing to honor Marina’s life are invited to make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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