Joyce Elizabeth Stewart

Obituary

Passed on

 With family at her side, Joyce Elizabeth Stewart passed away peacefully, November 29th, 2025, at Stonewall’s Rosewood Lodge. She lived a full life over 91 years, filled with strength, joy and love of family.

She was the devoted wife of Alex Stewart until his untimely passing in 2014. The two married in October 1958 and built a life together in Balmoral raising four children Wendy Lillies (Kimo), Rick Snell (Marg), Jim Stewart (Lee) and Lori McEwen (Terry). She cherished her nine grandchildren Cindy (Murray), Gord (Amy), Geoff (Leslie), Kristle, Don, Eric, Dan (Kelsey), Jodie (Tyler), and Shawn (Steph) as well as her 11 great grandchildren.

Mom was vibrant, generous and ambitious. She delighted in the company of others and welcomed anyone who came to the door, no matter what the hour. The hospitality and baked goods were shared with a laugh and a cup of tea.

In her early years, she attended Brant-Argyle School and we would marvel at the stories she would share about travelling by horse and buggy, plowing fields with horses, milking cows and cutting wood. Mom willingly pitched in on these physical tasks on the McCulloch homestead working alongside her Dad, Howard. Her mother, Isabelle, was an excellent cook and Mom perfected the recipes of scones and shortbread handed down for many generations.

Mom was the youngest of three girls with sisters Irene Pearson and Bernice Fraser (deceased 2000). Life was not without heartache, but she forged ahead with two young children following the death of her first husband Gordon Snell in April 1957.

She found work rewarding in the Rosewood Lodge kitchen and excelled in the social aspects of working in the Hallmark store. Her true passion was the farm in Balmoral, where she raised her family. The grandchildren visited often and her rolling pin was the busiest. She worked tirelessly tending to the garden, preparing meals and helping anyone in need. Mom thrived in the kitchen. It’s where she beamed with delight in serving another family meal. Those gatherings would bring the beautiful chaos of all the grandchildren together and the aroma of freshly baked buns. She was our family matriarch and a passionate community volunteer. She had a great appreciation of music, dance, and singing along to her favourite tunes.

In Balmoral, Mom and Dad were avid curlers enjoying the company of neighbours, playing cards, following sports teams and making special memories. In 2008, life slowed down some as they gave up grass cutting and moved to a house in Stonewall. Phone calls kept her connected to family friends and the Free Press filled her mornings. Then word of a baseball or hockey game, home renovation or any celebration meant grabbing something from the freezer and hitting the road.

The grandkids were extra special to her and she valued each relationship. The most dedicated fan, she was always proud to be present to cheer at a sporting event or celebrate a milestone. We were so grateful for Mom’s resilience when she moved to Lion’s Manor in 2019 where she

continued to tend flower beds, deliver baked goods to neighbours and clear snow long into her 80’s.

She will be remembered for her outgoing spirit, kindness and unwavering support of family.

Mom embraced all the seasons along with the birds, challenges and beauty each would bring. Those sharing in our loss are the Snell and the Stewart Families, many nieces and nephews, and those gone before her and her dear friends.

You are missed every single day, for you were someone special, who meant more than words can say. By strength and courage, we love you. May you rest in peace.

Thank you to the caring staff at Goodwin Lodge and Rosewood Lodge for her exceptional care. A private family service will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Victoria Cemetery in Balmoral, MB.

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