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.