Josephine Heagy Stewart

1928 - 2014

Josephine Heagy Stewart obituary, 1928-2014

BORN

1928

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Solon Springs Funeral Home

9005 E Biller Loop

Solon Springs, Wisconsin

Josephine Stewart Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 30, 2014.

Josephine Heagy Stewart, 85, of Solon Springs, WI passed away in an auto mobile accident Wednesday, January 29, 2014.
Jo was born July 7, 1928 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Russell and Jeanette (Heagy) Justice. Jo graduated from Indiana University with a teaching degree and taught English/Forensics Coach at Northwestern High School in Maple, WI till her retirement in 1987. In 1950 Jo was honored for outstanding actress in the University Theatre during the 1949-1950 season.
Jo met James Stewart during a blind date in college, and it wasn't with each other. They married on June 7, 1952 at the Duane Metropolitan Methodist Church in Greenwich Village, New York City. They spent 51 years of marriage together. After Kay and Tom were born Jo and Jim did lots of moving around from New York City, Massachusetts, Rochester, MN and Wisconsin. Jo loved writing stories and articles that captured the imagination of many readers.
Jo was a long-time member of the Solon Springs Presbyterian church, the St. Croix Writer's Group, Theta Alpha Phi (national dramatic fraternity), and was a big part of the Laughing Group in Solon Springs.
Among those who survive and gratefully shared her life are her son Tom (Debbie) Stewart of Solon Springs, WI and their children Chelsea (Justin) Garay and Aaron (Jackie) Stewart, and daughter Kay (Brian) Lavey of Nekoosa, WI and their children Jenna and Ian; two great-grandchildren; five nieces; one nephew.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jim in 2004.
Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Solon Springs Community Center in Solon Springs, WI with Pastor Rich Blood officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Spring inurnment will be held in the Evergreen Cemetery in Solon Springs.

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February 6, 2014

Dear Jo, we were truly blessed by your friendship and love. Your kindness, generosity, never-ending optimism and incredible sense of humor have touched our lives and lives of so many people. We missed you greatly! Love, Katya, Marina, Julia, and Dasha (Moscow, New York, Monterey)

February 3, 2014

Beth Good

Dear Jo--I only knew you for a short time. In that time, however, I saw the many lives you touched through your humor, your stories and your grace. Carry on, my dear.

February 2, 2014

Melba Bentley

Jo and Jim were our neighbors when we lived in Solon Springs. Such a lovely lady and I enjoyed her readings in the Duluth News Tribune about the weather, birds, animals and everything else that she noted. She will be greatly missed.

February 2, 2014

Demitra Gilbertson

My darling Jo, thank you for being my mentor, director, literary critic, and one of my dearest, dearest friends. You planted the seed that allowed me to grow. I will miss you. Warmest thoughts to Kay and Tom. - Demitra Gilbertson, nee Breider (St. Louis Park, MN)

February 2, 2014

Kevin Hoyt

It took me quite awhile to even begin to know what to say. While I am terribly saddened by the loss of such a wonderful spirit, there is no way to think back on Jo Stewart that wont bring a smile to your heart. A more loving and joyous person I have never met. She will live on in every life she touched.

February 1, 2014

Dear Jo,
Thank you so much for bringing joy and laughter into my life. Your spirit will always be in my heart. Solon Springs will never be the same! Kay and Tom, thank you for sharing your mom with me.
Julie

Posted by

February 1, 2014

Edward Butterfield

You will be missed, Little Lady! So many good memories surround you! I'm so glad we shared this life together and we're looking forward to future days with you in His Kingdom now!.

February 1, 2014

Rene Butterfield

Oh, Jo! You officiated at my younger brother's funeral and also at our wedding! You made a place for even my little terrier, Mandy in your church plays! You were a true hero, Jo! I love You and look forward to forever with You!

February 1, 2014

What a blessing to have had the pleasure of knowing such an amazing lady. Our sincerest sympathies to her family. Denny and Peggy Smith

February 1, 2014

Maralene Strom

Jo, was a great influence of joy in learning to my children...and to the many students she brought her great wisdom, enthusiasm, and enjoyment. Blessings never die to those who received them. May the memories of her life be a wonderful blessing of healing from sorrow to joy. Maralene Strom

February 1, 2014

Vicki and Ron Sullivan

One Last Wish

Date: January 29, 2014
Place: The Pearly Gates

St Peter: Hello, Josephine Justice Stewart. I've been waiting for you.

Jo: I've been busy, but I'm ready.

St Peter: Before you get your robe, wings, and halo, I can grant you one last wish. What would that be?

Jo: Well, St Peter, as you know, I've been in charge of the weekly laugh session in downtown Solon Springs for years. Everybody knew where to find me on Thursday mornings at 10.

St Peter: Yes, we've been laughing along with you. We love that kind of activity up here.

Jo: Everybody knows that the angels bowl. We hear that especially during the summer thunderstorms.

St Peter: Yes, we have summer bowling leagues and occasionally practice during snowstorms.

Jo: Great! While I'm here, I suggest we have a year around Laughing Group. And when we laugh, the people on earth will smile, or see a dog wagging its tail, or hear a cat purr.

St Peter: Perfect. We can start that right away.

Jo: St Peter, I see my husband Jim. He needs a haircut. It looks like I've found a good place to be. See you around!

Much love, from a niece, her husband, and your nephew
Vicki and Ron Sullivan (Green Valley, Arizona)
Doug Battin (Vernon, Connecticut)

February 1, 2014

Bev La Londe

My thoughts are with the Stewart Family, and know God will be their strength at this time. I loved Jo dearly, and she will live in my heart until I see her in Forever. The Writers' Group will not be the same without her.
With Love & Sympathy,
Bev La Londe,

February 1, 2014

Lauri Thorssen

I have known Jo since the 60's when I enjoyed playing in their little cabin attic with Kay and Tom! She was always so accepting and loving...and so full of life. Through the years that never changed. We are surely going to miss her smiling face here in Solon Springs. I can only imagine the rejoicing going on in heaven right now! Much love to you, Kay, Tom and your families. We love you.

January 31, 2014

George Sleeman

I remember her helping me learn to read poetry in front of a large group of strangers. I remember her leading groups of students in Drama, showing them that if you believe in yourself, all things can be done, no matter how hard or intimidating they may be. I remember the shortest teacher that the tallest man could not help but look up to. Rest well Mrs. Stewart and know that many of us have, and always will, look up to you.

January 31, 2014

Gale Larson

Jo was one of the most positive thinking people I have known and a great joy to everyone. I remember when her article was in Reminisce magazine with her photo on the front and I had to rush out and buy it.

January 31, 2014

Linn (Colby) Bowker

Mrs. Stewart was one of a kind, her laugh I will never forget. She was a teacher you couldn't help but love, with her upbeat personality and a smile so warm and a laugh that made everyone smile. You will truly be missed Mrs Stewart.

January 31, 2014

Shannon Meier

I would sit in English class(20 some yrs ago) and every day Mr Stewart would come with lunch. Mrs Stewart would give him a kiss and say " Isn't he Handsome?" And the class would giggle. A Great Teacher in Life, Love, and Learning. I'll always remember Her smile, Her laughter and the love in her eyes. May God bless her like she was blessed on earth. Fly with the Angels Mrs. Stewart. :)

January 31, 2014

Dear Stewart Family,
I felt truly HOME when Jo would give me her special welcoming hello.
I feel privileged to have known her.

With prayers and deepest sympathy,
Pat Bugel Fuller, St. Paul,MN

January 31, 2014

Anna Wester

Jo Stewart was one of those people that no matter how you were feeling could just brighten your day and make you smile. Most of the time a laugh. Just hearing her name Jo Stewart would just bring a smile, I still remember her story how she wanted to be a angel in a Christmas program and was told she had to be a shepard because she had dark hair, So now i'm thinking Okay Jo your hair had lightened and I sure you're a angel. We're going to miss you.

January 31, 2014

Jean Bradford

It's impossible to think of Jo Stewart without smiling. She had one of those irresistible personalities, and knew how to spread the fun around to everyone she came in contact with. We were fortunate enough to have her as our Librarian at the HS, and she added so much light to our lives! And when she started her laughing group, I wanted to be there but couldn't, so I joined a laughing group in Mpls. My sympathies go out to her entire family. What a huge loss. But what wonderful memories to savor. God bless all of you.

January 31, 2014

Jo's family: I will not be able to attend the memorial as I am in Florida but my thoughts and prayers and with the family. A dearer friend David and I couldn't have had. I called her every two weeks. Just talked to her last week. A giant of a lady in every aspect of her life. I will miss her very much.

Marcia Heyser Duluth

January 31, 2014

Mary Rantala

"Mrs. Stewart" was one of my favorite teachers in high school. I still can hear her laugh-almost 40 years later. She was incredible. The angels will be laughing with her now.

January 31, 2014

Jan Pierce

The laughing group in heaven just got a little bigger.

January 31, 2014

Kitty (Stock) Russell

My heart goes out to Mrs. Stewart's family. I have many fond memories of going over to the house when I lived down in Solon Springs for the summers. She was an amazing lady....

January 31, 2014

Jo was always ready with a big hug and a smile. She made everyone feel special. Her enthusiasm to sing songs of praise was unmatched. I can hear her sweet voice. I'm sure she is in our Lord's choir. Jo was a gift to everyone she ever met. Chloe Manz

January 31, 2014

ted elm

very fond memories of Jo go back to the 1960s when Jo and Jim summered in Solon Springs. Jo was always a joy to visit with and her sense of humor was contagious. She was an inspiration to all she touched. What a blessing to have known her all these many years..

January 31, 2014

Jim and Diane McKee

I just viewed your photo gallery and what beautiful memories you have of this wonderful lady. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Our prayers are with you and your family today and the days and months ahead. God Bless.

January 31, 2014

Dennis & Wendie Johnson

With our love and deepest sympathy to the Stewart Family. Jo was a blessing to all who met her and for those of us who had the pleasure of her teachings, she will forever hold a special place in our hearts. My greatest memory in school was of her dancing around the class room, she was always so animated. A true gem, a gift to us all. Her laugh was contagious and you could not help but love her and that awesome smile. We will always remember her this way. May God's blessings comfort you.

Posted by Dennis & Wendie Johnson

January 31, 2014

Bonnie Van Domelen

Jo, how I lovedYour laughter, your smile, your creativity, your total freedom to be exactly as your creator designed you to be. Truly...the "Joy Of The Lord" was your strength. Your presence was always a delight to my soul. Your presence here will be so dearly missed.

January 31, 2014

Donald Hoyt

All she taught, learned. All she met, loved her. May the family realize the extent that she touched all our lives and our hearts. may God bless.

January 31, 2014

Joanne Zosel

The Stewart Family and our entire Solon Springs extended community lost one of our finest in Jo. She spread an uplifting joy wherever she went! I will miss her greatly. My deepest sympathies go out to all who must now carry on without her.

January 31, 2014

Tracy Hebb-Albertson

Jo you will be sincerely missed by everyone who's life you have ever touched! You were a positive influence on so many - you taught us to laugh, smile and move forward no matter what life threw in our directions! Thank you so much for everything you gave! Rest with the angels now - you've earned your wings!

Tracy Hebb-Albertson (Lake Nebagamon, WI)

January 31, 2014

Rosemary McKinnon Sheridan Ferris

Dear Stewart Family,
We're holding you in our heart of hearts at this time of great loss. May you be assured that your Mother & Grandmother Jo, not only knew that she was blest with God's Gifts of Love, Peace, and Joy; but, that she chose to live them with passion to the fullest. We thank the Mystery of God, and each of you, for sharing her with us.
Rosemary & Bill Ferris
(SCWG, Summer time Laughing Group, & Long-Time Friends :-)

Posted by Rosemary McKinnon Sheridan Ferris

January 30, 2014

Mary Schroeder

Mrs. Stewart was one of my favorite teachers. She touched so many with her smile and laughter. She will be missed by many. Condolences to the Stewart Family.

January 30, 2014

Caroline Savage

You touched so many lives without even trying or knowing, just simply by being "you." We have lost a great and loving light in this world, but the warmth of it will live on in those of us who had the sweetest honor of knowing you. Heaven's choir is surely singing more joyously now. You will be forever missed dear, sweet lady.

January 30, 2014

Susan Sutherland

Thank you, Jo Stewart, for spreading the love of God through your smiles and laughter- you brought joy to so many. God bless you , Stewart family- you are in our prayers. Your Mom/Grandma's joy is now complete!

January 30, 2014

Rusty and Stephanie Jame

Her Laughter and kindness will never be forgotten. A true angel at heart!Her brightness will shine forever! I am glad I met this wonderful lady!

January 30, 2014

Patricia Hansen

Mrs. Stewart was such a positive influence when I was growing up in Solon Springs. The last time I saw her, she was in "The Laughing Group" across the street from the bank. I was in my truck and kept hearing this boisterous laughter. I had the pleasure of joining in for a couple of minutes. It filled me with such joy, I told all my friends about it. I will always remember her that way; spreading joy to others.

January 30, 2014

Oh my!, How I have Loved and Appreciated you in this Life. I will Miss You just as I have Missed My Mom and Dad. Thank You for all your Love, and Understanding that You Afforded Me,and all that were so very Blessed to have known you too, in this Life. You will Forever be in my Heart. I Chuckle when I think of all the Stories and Laughter that will be shared in Heaven now that You ( our Jo ), has Entered. Thank You Too Jo, for Your Gifts of Your Spirit,and those of Your Talents, Laughter and Peace that You Shared so Unselfishly. God Bless You My Dearest of Friends,and May the Peace of Our Lord Be with Your Family. See You Later. Much Love, Casey and Daniel Huray ( Solon Springs, WI.)

January 30, 2014

Teresa (Hamshire) Kriese

Heaven has gained one amazing angel. What an awesome teacher. I have so many great memories from high school. A smile that could melt an ice berg and a heart as big as the moon. You will be sadly missed dear lady!

January 30, 2014

Cathy Swanson

I will never again have the long term friendship with such a wonderful lady. All these years sitting at the head of the table for writers. If there is anything we writers can do to honor her..or help with the family in any way, please let us know.
I haven't digested the loss, I still hear her directing us all. You know she encouraged so many young and old with her non critical way of teaching. I know what her and Kay started will continue...I am so very sorry...love cj

January 30, 2014

Brian James

Great person and a great teacher she was one of a kind she will be missed

January 30, 2014

Charmaine Kelleher

You touched us all Jo, with your Smile and your Grace and Knowledge. R.I.P Charmaine Kelleher Superior,Wi.

January 30, 2014

Barb Follis

What a wonderful, fun loving woman you were. You brought joy and laughter to everyone you met! Condolences to the Stewart family!

January 30, 2014

Mati (Korhonen) Rodriquez

This is one lady who positively touched every person she met with out even trying! Her smile and laughter would warm you from inside! She will be missed greatly and remembered fondly! Heaven just got a little happier because she entered it!

January 30, 2014

Louanne Wald

My heart aches from the loss of you,but my spirit sings ,for you are forever happy...I You're stories always made me laugh and lifted my spirits..Jo,you always made me feel special....I can hear the giggles and belly laughs now,
Have a great time ....We will see you again..... Love you

January 30, 2014

Kathy & Tony Burger

If I can show half the compassion, half the hospitality that you shared with the world, I will be on the right path. RIP to one very special woman. You will be sorely missed.

January 30, 2014

Kitty Holmquist

Mrs. Stewart was a blessing to me at Northwestern High School. She made me laugh and was one of the reasons I went into teaching English. What a wonderful gift she gave to the world. I know that she is in heaven making God smile even more. She will be missed. I want to extend my condolences to her family.

January 30, 2014

Rebecca Sharpe

You will be remembered by your energetic smile and warmth when you walked in a room,Thank you for being my teacher at Northwestern High School..Prayers go out to your family....Rebecca Sharpe

January 30, 2014

Oh My! Another loss for the earth, but what a gain to heaven. Loved Jo's gracious hospitality and a genuine love for all that lives! God Bless her Family and friends.

XO. Maureen Yanko Nickodem (Rosemary Ferris' Sister)

January 30, 2014

Barb DeFore

Jo was such a wonderful lady. Her happiness and laughter will be sadly missed in Solon Springs and by all the people she touched. Condolences to all of her family. We will all miss her. Barb & Ron DeFore

January 30, 2014

Tracey Walt

Jo: A woman who loved all, loved life, and really saw only the good....we are better for knowing you! Peace to the Stewart family..Walts

January 30, 2014

Anna and Kevin Merritt

I will always remember your laughter and your stories...such an amazing woman...I am sure you have everyone up there laughing!
I will love you always

In the picture: Jo, Louanne Wald, Agnes Kinnard and Kay Karras at a surprise birthday party for Louanne.

Posted by Anna and Kevin Merritt

January 30, 2014

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