Ann L. Stewart

Ann L. Stewart, age 94, of Delmar, NY and Quakertown, PA, passed away September 20, 2025. She was born April 21, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of the late F. Bernet and Elizabeth Leist.

Ann was predeceased in death by her husband of 39 years, William (Bill) M. Stewart and her brother, William Leist of Rochester, NY. She met Bill at the Towpath in Turin, New York in front of a jukebox playing “Mack the Knife.” They were married on September 13, 1956. Ann is survived by two daughters, Linda O’Toole (Michael) and Ellen Smith (George), five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 

Ann grew up in Rochester, New York where she attended Brighton High School and went to the Eastman Preparatory School to study piano. She went to Oberlin Conservatory of Music and on to Indiana University where she graduated with a degree in Archeology. After college, Ann took up skiing to enjoy the outdoors. It was this sport that led her to meet her husband. While living in Delmar, New York (1965 – 2020), Ann continued her education at SUNY Albany in Rehab Counseling; afterwards working with mentally challenged adults helping them to live independently.

Ann loved boating, skiing, hiking, traveling and bird watching. Her greatest passion was music and the arts. Ann, her mother and sister-in-law loved going to Chautauqua Institute for a week each summer, beginning when Linda and Ellen were young children. This family tradition continues to this day, introducing and engaging each generation to all genres of music, world issues, dance and the visual arts. Ann so enjoyed watching her grandchildren at the evening concerts absorbing the music being played except maybe not so much when the “Baha Men” performed.

Ann will be interned at the Glenwood Cemetery, Oneonta, NY next to Bill in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, Attn: Team Jeff Beat ALS. Rochester Walk, P.O. Box 37022, Boone, IA 50037 or The Chautauqua Institute Chautauqua Fund at giving.chq.org

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd.