Fanchette Leonce Stewart

1926 - 2013

Fanchette Leonce Simays Stewart, 87, of Coldwater, widow of Dr. Allen T. Stewart, Jr., MD, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home early Friday morning, December 27, 2013.
In keeping with Fanchette's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Fanchette was born on October 10, 1926 in Liege, Belgium to Leon and Marie Simays. She was a survivor of WW2.   She and her father worked for the underground in Belgium.   She spoke English, French, German and a smattering of Russian - enough to be a major help in getting our soldiers to safety.  She met and married Allen in May of 1946.  She was having a birthday dinner with her mother at a USO club and Allen asked her to dance.  That was the start of their 66 year loving partnership.   She left her wet, damp, forested Belgium behind and came to Lubbock, Texas where, and we quote her, "there was not a tree to mar the view."  When Allen went legally blind and could not continue as a medical doctor he began a psychiatric residency.  Fanchette read and recorded every textbook he needed.  This while raising 4 children.  She loved and took care of anyone who came into her orbit; some stayed, some moved on, all were loved!   She touched many lives through her counseling and her work at the prison and in the communities of Coldwater and Ann Arbor. Her four children and many, many, more, will sorely miss her wisdom and her loving spirit.  We are all richer for having known her.
Mrs. Stewart is survived by her children; Allen T. Stewart, III, daughters Nancie-Marie Stewart- Beck, Cecile Stewart-Chilton and Erin Stewart. She was preceded in death by her husband in March 2012.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Branch County Humane Society.
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