Marylou Stewart

Marylou Stewart, 80, of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at her home with family by her side.

Born on August 30, 1938 in Utica, Marylou was the daughter of Samuel Stewart and Betty (Marshall) Brunton. She came to Norwich as a young child, attended the Norwich City Schools and graduated with the Norwich High School Class of 1956. On July 13, 1957, in Norwich, Marylou married her beloved husband, John O. Stewart, who died on November 27, 2017. Together they would raise four children.

In her younger years, Marylou was known in town as a talented singer and would entertain with her singing in various local establishments. She worked at General Laboratories Associates (GLA) for some years and then Opportunities for Chenango. What Marylou enjoyed most during her working years was her role as Executive Director of the Chenango County Chamber of Commerce beginning in 1972. She was the first woman to hold that position, which she continued until 1995. While overseeing the Chamber, in 1992, Marylou also began to revitalize the building that now houses Garf’s Deli. She opened the deli that year and owned it until 1999 when her son and daughter-in-law John and Beth took over the business. Realizing that she wanted to see the city continue to move forward she ran for and served as Mayor of the City of Norwich from 2002 – 2003.

Marylou was instrumental in seeing the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) achieve success and remained an honorary member of the BID. She also helped the Chenango Arts Council move to its present location on West Main Street. She earned many awards for various efforts to improve Norwich and the surrounding area. Her ultimate goal was to see Norwich thrive and to be a place of pride for its residents. While working toward these ends, Marylou’s focus, drive and energy brought out the best in others for the benefit of the community.

Marylou was an active member of the Broad Street United Methodist Church. She so enjoyed tending to her flower gardens around her home and providing dinners for her family. During the summer, you could find her sitting on the back porch, by the pool watching her grandkids play games, or at the tennis court with any one of her kids or grandkids. In recent years, mornings were often spent sitting with community members over a cup of coffee at Garf”s.

Marylou adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as her siblings and extended family. She is survived by her children, Gary (Sarah) Stewart, John (Beth) Stewart, Betsy (Bill) Loomis, each of Norwich, and Lori (John) Crames of Mahwah, NJ, thirteen grandchildren, Stephanie, Elliott, Sophie, Zan, Emily, Colin, Caroline, Kari, Thad, Sara, Bryn, Nicholas and Elizabeth, eight great-grandchildren, Addison, Grace, Harper, Drew, Vince, Harrison, Brantley and Finn, sisters Judy (Howard) Ryan, Marjorie Brunton, Nancy Brunton and brothers David (Deborah) and William (Angela) Brunton. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Marylou was predeceased by her granddaughter Lily.

A funeral service for Marylou will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Broad Street United Methodist Church, where the Reverend Jeff Hale will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marylou’s memory may be made to the Broad Street United Methodist Church, 74 North Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815 or to a scholarship that has been established with the Norwich Dollars for Scholars, c/o Marylou Stewart Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 1015, Norwich, NY 13815.