Obituary of MaryEllen McGarr Stewart

October 29, 2023

After living a fruitful and beautiful life and then recently battling with cancer, our beloved MaryEllen (McGarr) Stewart has passed on to return to the God who gave her life and love.

In the words of William Wadsworth:

“Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:

The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,

Hath had elsewhere its setting,

And cometh from afar:

Not in entire forgetfulness,

And not in utter nakedness,

But trailing clouds of glory do we come

From God, who is our home”

MaryEllen was born on December 3, 1958, in Rockville Centre, New York. She attended Corpus Christi Grammar School, and then graduated from Mineola High School. She was the fourth child of Edward Joseph McGarr and Margaret Teresa Gilmore, her siblings being Patricia, John, and Eddie. She was always a good and loyal friend to those who knew her, and she was always willing to help a friend in need. She was witty, sharp, and simply had a wonderful way about her. Her relationship with her siblings is strong and loving to this day. She made many friends and acquaintances all along the way throughout her life.

She married James Stewart in 1983, and they have two children, Joseph, and Alyssa. Right from the start of motherhood, she learned love and service to her family. Joseph had serious health issues as an infant and beyond, and MaryEllen and Jimmy sacrificed tirelessly to do whatever was required to ensure the health of the family. Both Joseph and Alyssa to this day love and worship their mother for the life of love and sacrifice she offered them. She was their champion in every way!

She leaves behind her husband, Jimmy, her children, Joseph (Christine) of Freeport, NY, and Alyssa (Joseph) of Lexington, SC and four beautiful grandchildren: Joey, Camden, Emily, Emma Rae. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, and the love and goodness she radiated to those around her. She always said that she was terrible at directions, and as she was drawing close to passing between this world and the next, she told her children that she was confused about which way to go. We can surely know that she was eagerly greeted and helped to the other side by family and friends that awaited her with open arms.

To a life well lived, MaryEllen, we salute you. We will miss you and won’t forget the beautiful legacy of life and family that continues to grow behind you. She was brave and gracious to the end. She had a Bible by her bed and had the faith to know that the sting of death was swallowed up in Christ. Because of this we shall all meet again, and what a joyful reunion (Party) it will be when we do.

Rest well our dearest MaryEllen!

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.