STEWART, MARYL ELAINE
(1944 - 2010)
Maryl passed away on February 21, one day after her birthday. Predeceased by her parents, Cam and Betty Stewart of Comox and nephew, Ben Stewart of Victoria, Maryl is lovingly remembered by sister Anne (Alex), of Bamfi eld, and brothers Sandy (Edie) and Donald (Elizabeth) of Victoria, David (Diane) of Kamloops and Cliff (Ann)
of Vancouver; nieces and nephews David, Angus (Danita) and Eric (Katrina), Morgan (Andrea), Cathy (Eric) Nordgren and Shawna (Dale) Melvin and Georgia; great nieces and
nephews,Charlie and Laney, Ella, Ainsley, Fynn and Annika and Isabelle and Olivia. Born in Quesnel, Maryl grew up in Comox, graduated from UBC and then studied in France. Returning to Canada, she taught for fi fteen years in the Halifax area before coming home to the West Coast in 1982 and teaching for 24 years at Hillside Secondary
and at West Vancouver Secondary where she specialized in French and English as a Second Language. As a teacher, Maryl was legendary for her particularly unusual, creative
and practical assignments. While at West Vancouver Secondary, her work with students outside the regular class room was influential in creating a student interest in Amnesty International and other service opportunities
for youth. Her sponsorship of many student trips from Halifax and West Vancouver, both within Canada and overseas, and her leadership in the Multicultural Week at West Vancouver Secondary both had their roots in her lifelong belief in promoting international peace through knowledge and friendship. As a consequence of this work, Maryl was the recipient of a/ Unity in Diversity/ award from
the Baha’i Community of West Vancouver for “promoting understanding and respect among students of diverse races, cultures, genders and social class.” Maryl was much loved and very active in the West Vancouver First Church of Christ, Scientist, where she held many leadership roles in the spiritual life of her Church family. In lieu of fl owers, Maryl’s brothers and sister ask that donations go to
the Harvest Project (201 Bewicke Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 3M7) where Maryl was an active volunteer and supporter. A celebration of Maryl’s life will be held at
1:00 pm on Saturday, March 27, in the Hall at Shaughnessy Heights United Church, 1550 West 33rd Avenue. Maryl saw the best in all people and enhanced many lives. Th e
ripples from her example and quiet, loving wisdom will continue.