Anne Frances Stewart

Our dear mother and grandmother, Anne Frances Stewart (nee Venske) passed away peacefully on April 2, 2024 at the age of 86. Beloved wife of Don (1996). Dearest mother of Barbara (Jim) McGillivary, Tracy Stewart, and Carrie Stewart (Greg Leshe). Proud grandmother of Andrew (Tia), Rebecca (Daniel Greinke), and Alex McGillivary. Predeceased by her husband Don and parents, Agnes and Edward.

Anne was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her mother died when she was 12. After graduating high school, she passed on going to college and instead began her career as a secretary in order to help her father who suffered a debilitating injury. She excelled at shorthand, which is a lost art. Her work ethic was strong throughout her life. She always worked to support and take care of her family. When Don started his own business, she supported him through the tough start up, helping develop it into a business ahead of its time. At Stewart Data, she was integral to the daily operations, where her organizational skills and attention to details were top-notch and a perfect complement to Don, who always had the grand ideas. She enjoyed working and living in New York City: first a block from the United Nations, then down by Wall Street before anyone lived there, and eventually across from the Metropolitan Opera House, until she retired.

Music was always a big part of her life. As a girl, she took voice lessons and sang with the children's chorus for the Chicago Lyric Opera and Metropolitan Opera. She continued singing in the chorus of the Chicago Lyric Opera through the 60's. While living in New York City, Anne and Don attended many operas and symphony concerts at the MET and Lincoln Center. Wherever they lived, they enjoyed attending concerts and supporting the performing arts in their community. They also travelled the world to attend music events including the Vienna Opera Ball.

Anne also enjoyed sports, especially basketball and football. Over the years, Don and she had season tickets to the Chicago Bulls and the New York Jets. She knew her statistics and could carry on a conversation with even the most impassioned sports fans.

After her retirement, she moved to Santa Rosa, California to be near her grandchildren, who were a large part of her life. This also took her to Portland, Oregon and finally Huntington Beach, California. She made friends where ever she lived, and many of those friendships were long lasting. Anne enjoyed independence during retirement. She was an amazing cook and loved sharing food and recipes with us.

As per Anne's request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. To honor her memory, please send a donation to a charity of your choice. Anne was a breast cancer survivor, and had Rheumatoid Arthritis and Congestive Heart Failure.