Marion J. Stewart, 102, of Globe, Arizona, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Feb. 14, 2026, at the San Diego home of her daughter.
Born in 1923 in the fishing outport of Wesleyville, Newfoundland, Marion was the daughter of James B. and Annie Tiller Howse and the only girl among five brothers. As a teenager, she moved with her family to St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she later earned her teaching credential from Memorial University.
In 1947, she traveled to Chandler, Arizona, to marry Homer A. Stewart of Marion, Indiana, on Nov. 4. The couple returned to St. John’s shortly afterward, where Homer was stationed with the U.S. Army Air Corps at Fort Pepperell.
In December 1948, Marion and Homer moved to the United States with their three-week-old daughter, Peggy. After assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and Roswell, New Mexico, they settled permanently in Globe in 1952. By the end of 1954, they were the proud parents of six children, and Globe remained Marion’s home for the rest of her life.
Marion worked as an office manager and gave generously of her time to the community, volunteering with the local election board and the Gila County Historical Museum. She and Homer were longtime members and leaders of the Oddfellows and Rebekahs lodge in Globe. A devoted bowler for more than 40 years, she competed weekly and traveled often to the annual Women’s International Bowling Congress tournaments.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Homer; her son John; grandsons Sean Avila and Kory Acevedo; and grandson in law Rob Allen.
She is survived by her children: Peggy Stewart and husband Tom Scott of San Diego, CA; Pat Stewart of Globe, AZ; Jim Stewart and wife Bonnie of Globe, AZ; Jeri Williams and husband Richard of Castle Rock, CO; Sandy Acevedo and husband Edward of Pinetop, AZ; and Sherry Stewart of Globe, AZ, widow of son John Stewart. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be held this summer in the White Mountains, a place Marion loved deeply. Donations in her memory may be made to the Gila County Historical Society, Inc., or to Sultana Rebekah Lodge #5, PO Box 387, Globe, AZ 85502.
To learn more about Marion’s remarkable life, see the articles celebrating her 100th birthday in the Globe Miami Times and the Arizona Silver Belt:
Marion Stewart finds rich life and strong friendships in her 100 years
Globe woman celebrating 100th birthday
