With heavy hearts, but also with thanksgiving for a long life well lived, we announce the passing of Evelyn Jean (Crook) Stewart, age 95, of Gables Lodge, Amherst, N.S. and formerly of Dartmouth, NS. Evelyn passed away peacefully at Gables Lodge on September 9, 2021, with her niece, Laurie, by her side.
Evelyn was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Born and raised in Dartmouth, NS, she was a daughter of the late Helen (Cameron) and Andrew John ("A.J.") Crook. Beginning in childhood and throughout their lives together, Evelyn had an especially close relationship with her younger sister, Marguerite ("Margie").
After high school, Evelyn went on to complete nursing training at the Halifax Children’s Hospital, proudly becoming an R.N. in 1948. She never had children of her own, but devoted her career to caring for the children of others as a pediatric nurse. She was the supervisor of the outpatient/emergency department at the IWK in Halifax for a number of years, and also worked at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto for several years earlier in her career. In 1968, Evelyn graduated with a B.Sc. in Nursing from Mount St. Vincent University.
Evelyn was a devoted daughter, who was the primary caregiver for her mother, Helen, at home for many years until her passing in 1979. Evelyn was also a long-time member of St. James United Church in Dartmouth. Faith was very important to her throughout her life.
In June 1990, shortly after her retirement from nursing at the IWK, Evelyn married Rev. Gordon Stewart, a retired United Church minister. She and Gordon enjoyed many happy years of married life, including many family events and the opportunity to travel extensively, to numerous parts of the world. They both remained actively engaged in life until well into their later years, always enjoying a good game of Scrabble or a good conversation.
Evelyn is survived by her husband’s children: Moira Stewart of Toronto, Wendy (Chris) Potter of England, Dr. Keir Stewart (Joanne) of Halifax, and Dr. Graeme Stewart (Denise Gaudet) of Sackville, NB. Also survived by her husband’s grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Amy, Daniel and Tamsin Potter of England; Carmen, Alana and Tea Stewart of Halifax; and Liam, Marshall, Lucy and Isabel Stewart of Sackville, NB.
Evelyn will be greatly missed by her niece, Laurie Terris (Gilles Leger) of Sackville, NB, to whom she was like a "second mom". She is also survived by several other nieces and nephews: Linda Foote, Anne Murphy, Christine Merritt, Michelle Ward, and Cathy, Bryan, Jamie and Cameron Crook. Also survived by Melaina Mirosevic of Austria, whom she considered to be her niece as well.
Predeceased by her husband, Rev. Gordon Stewart, as well as her brothers, Kenneth, Andrew and Allan Crook, her sister, Margie Terris, and her husband’s grandson, Rory Potter of England.
Evelyn was a strong, intelligent person and a natural leader. She was also very kind and generous. Her sister described her as having a "heart of gold". A niece remembers Evelyn making "the best lunches", and never leaving Evelyn’s home without being given something to take along, even if it was a piece of fruit for a snack on the way home. Evelyn was very kind to animals, and whenever one was near, she always wanted to give them a special treat.
Evelyn will be forever missed, but her legacy will live on in the lives she touched, both personally and professionally. "Do not cry because she has passed away. Smile because she lived!"
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Gables Lodge in Amherst, NS, who so lovingly cared for Evelyn, and to all healthcare providers who have assisted Evelyn and her family.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, N.B., 506-364-1300. Funeral details will be finalized at a later date and will be communicated via the Jones Funeral Home website.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Evelyn’s online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca, or through the funeral home Facebook page.
Donations in Evelyn’s memory may be made to Gables Lodge, St. James United Church, Portland St., Dartmouth, the IWK, or to another charity of the donor’s choice.
"Devoted wife and family member. Dedicated nurse. Friend to many."