Honor Marylou Stewart's Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 1072 BY: Senator AKSHAR MOURNING the death of The Honorable Marylou Stewart, distinguished public servant, devoted family matriarch and dedicated member of her community WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly those distinguished citizens who demonstrated great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body records the passing of the former Mayor of the City of Norwich, New York, Marylou Stewart, who died on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at the age of 80; and WHEREAS, Marylou Stewart was born to Samuel Stewart and Betty (Marshall) Brunton on August 30, 1938, in Utica, New York; at a young age, she and her family moved to Norwich where she graduated from high school in 1956; the following year, she married her late husband, John O. Stewart, and together they raised four children; and WHEREAS, A woman who truly enjoyed life, Marylou Stewart was a hard worker who was devoted to not only her family, but also her community; a talented singer, she loved to entertain at various local establishments, and worked at General Laboratories Associates (GLA) and then Opportunities for Chenango; and WHEREAS, In 1972, Marylou Stewart began her long and esteemed career in public service as the first woman to hold the title of Executive Director of the Chenango County Chamber of Commerce, the position she would hold for more than two decades; and WHEREAS, During this time, Marylou Stewart opened Garf's Deli, a business she would successfully operate until 1999, when her son and daughter-in-law took it over; and WHEREAS, This dynamic woman was then elected Mayor of the City of Norwich, a role she held for one term from 2002-2003; in this capacity, Marylou Stewart was instrumental in the growth of the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and remained an honorary member; she also facilitated the transition of the Chenango Arts Council to its present location on West Main Street; and WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Mayor Marylou Stewart tirelessly worked to improve the City of Norwich, making it a place where its citizens would be proud to live, work and play; she genuinely cared about her constituents and took great pride in watching her beloved City thrive and prosper; and WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her hometown, Marylou Stewart was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the 2015 Commitment to Community Award by the Norwich BID, and along with her husband, the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Norwich High School Tennis Boosters Club; and WHEREAS, When she was not helping someone, Marylou Stewart was a faithful member of the Broad Street United Methodist Church, and enjoyed tending to her flower gardens around her home and making delicious dinners for her family, whom she adored; and WHEREAS, During the summer, Marylou Stewart could often be found watching her children and grandchildren play games, whether it was at the pool or the tennis court; in recent years, she relished a good cup of coffee at Garf's Deli with her neighbors and friends; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, John, and granddaughter, Lily, Marylou Stewart is survived by her two sons, Gary (Sarah) and John (Beth); two daughters, Betsy (Bill) and Lori (John); three sisters, Judy (Howard), Marjorie and Nancy; two brothers, David (Deborah) and William (Angela); 13 grandchildren, Stephanie, Elliott, Sophie, Zan, Emily, Colin, Caroline, Kari, Thad, Sara, Bryn, Nicholas and Elizabeth; eight great-grandchildren, Addison, Grace, Harper, Drew, Vince, Harrison, Brantley and Finn; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as many friends and community members who will long cherish her memory; and WHEREAS, A woman of great compassion and determination, Marylou Stewart's legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments as a successful public servant; her sincere concern for others; her integrity, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of herself, will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in their community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of The Honorable Marylou Stewart, distinguished public servant, devoted family matriarch and dedicated member of her community recognizing the significance of her exemplary record of civic service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of The Honorable Marylou Stewart.