Deanna M. “Dee Dee” Stewart, age 73, of Oak Harbor, passed away at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, WA, on Tuesday, May 21, 2013.
Mrs. Stewart was born in Glendale, CA, on March 30, 1941, to Smirle B. Morris and Velma Jane (Hermanson) Morris. She attended Glendale schools, and graduated from Hoover High School. Dee Dee then attended Glendale Junior College for two years, and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Recreation from California State University at Northridge.
Dee Dee married Douglas Owen Stewart on February 19, 1966, at Grandview Presbyterian Church in Glendale. The couple mainly lived and raised their children in Torrance, CA. Dee Dee had a passion for organizations that assisted people, including PTA, Campfire Girls of America, and church activities. Including her children in the organizations taught them compassion for people with a variety of needs. She loved children and taught 2nd, 5th and 6th grades in Christian schools in Inglewood, Wilmington and Lawndale, CA. Dee Dee and Doug were members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and Palos Verdes Covenant Church.
When they moved to Oak Harbor in 1996, they both became active members of Gideons International, and together travelled much for the Gideons Island Camp. Dee Dee was a gifted leader, and held various offices in the organization. She had currently been serving as the Pacific Northwest Association President for the Auxiliary where she was a great encourager to all that she worked with. Dee Dee loved to give out Bibles and New Testaments as she went about her day to day activities. She also taught English and Creative Writing with the Home Connection. In addition, she enjoyed gardening, canning, the art of cooking, traveling and public speaking. She was an active member of First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor.
Dee Dee is survived by her husband Doug, of Oak Harbor; son Courtny of Spanaway; daughter and son-in-law Wendy & Mark of Lacey; sister, Velma Lynn of Palm Springs, CA; also, nieces, cousins and other relatives. She was preceded in death by one son, Robert, on September 16, 2009.
A Private Family Graveside Service was held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lacey. A Memorial Service will be held at First Reformed Church on Saturday, June 1, 2013, 1:00 PM, Pastor Noel Snyder officiating. Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 1234, Anacortes, WA 98221-6234. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.
