Rita Mae Stewart

Born on January 9th, 1948 and passed away peacefully surrounded by love on August 19th, 2022.

It is with so much love and profound sorrow that we share the sad news of the passing of our beautiful, sweet, fun, caring, loving beyond words, kind, devoted, hardworking, faithful, funny, humble, amazing, and selfless Mother and Grandmother (Gee), and loving wife to William Stewart, Sr. for 56 years. “There just aren’t enough words” to truly describe “Rita Mae (Morin) Stewart,” of Old Town, Maine.

As a Mother and Grandmother she never, ever ran out of time or love for all of us. She shared herself always....never complaining, never looking for anything back from anyone, but a smile, a hug, a laugh, love. She just wanted her children and grandchildren to be happy and healthy. We always knew she was the best mom ever, and she surpassed that with being more than the best to her 4 beautiful grandchildren, her pride and joys, Brooke Mae Cole-Smart and her husband Bradley Smart, Mitchell Thomas Cole, Gavin William Stewart, Griffin Allen Stewart, and her great-grandson, her “baby” Ryker Deane Smart. She loved and adored them all sharing a unique and special bond with each of them. They also adored and loved their “Gee” and will never forget all the funny stories she shared and the strong hand that helped them. The “stuff” that mattered. She just did....she just was....an amazing, wonderful human. She also was a very dedicated wife, and our dad loved her beyond measure. She not only spoiled her kids and grandchildren, she spoiled dad too. She was his “baby.” They shared a beautiful life together, providing a loving home, support, and truly there for each other raising their family, guiding us all together with unconditional love. Mom and Dad surely had a unique commitment, and anyone that knows them just knows, They were Rita and Bill. We were truly blessed to have her, opening her heart to everyone...that love continued to spread within our own children’s lives, as she also attended all of our kids special events, and continued hosting fun things at her home for the grandchildren and friends, attending all sporting events, anything she could.....My brother and I, also her pride and joy, William Allen Stewart, Jr. (his partner Tracy Trecartin and her children Max and Jay; And Terri Lee (Stewart) Cole and her partner, (Jim Sappier, Jr.)will forever be grateful and thankful for our mom’s unending love and support. She shared her entire world with us....she was our rock, our glue, and our precious mother.

As we all know, Rita had love for everyone. She truly touched the lives of everyone she encountered whether it was just a hug, a listening ear, a laugh, or just being there helping. She never, not wanted to help. She spread those seeds of love and fun with numerous family members and friends. She could also be found at almost every Old Town High School class reunions, even if it was not hers. She had special friendships everywhere...too many to list, but she loved you all too.

Mom had a very special bond with her sisters, they were all her best friends. They had “fun and crazy” times together through the years....from playing cards together for countless days on, years... with their mom at the family home on Lincoln Street or singing, dancing, karaoke, joke telling, you name it. The “Morins” had a special bond...never to be forgotten. She was predeceased by her parents, Floyd and Margaret Morin, Mother and Father in law, Edward and Francis Stewart, sisters, Lillian Tardiff, Annette Parady, and Linda Morin; her brothers, John, Ronald, and Robert Morin. She was also predeceased by brother in law, David Fortier, and her Sister in Law, Linda Phillips. She was predeceased by very special nieces and nephews, Shawn Sapiel, Greg Oakes, Corey Morin, Nicky Tardiff, Tina Tardiff, and Jennifer Stewart.

Mom is also survived by her loving sisters Donna Wickett, Carol Cirard and her husband Paul, and littlest sis, Nancy Fortier and partner Randy Chaloux; special brothers James Morin Sr. and his wife Linda, and Patrick Morin and his wife Maria; brother in law, Charles Stewart and wife MaryLee, and Rueben Phillips.

Rita worked many years on being so proud of her beautiful home, decorating and making it “home” for everyone. She also gave this gift of love to her children and grandchildren. She gave so many gifts to all of us, those not only seen, but mostly “felt.”

In her early years, she cleaned for numerous residences in the local area, She then took pride working with children (all kids loved her) and worked at Old Town Head Start as a Parent Coordinator and did a wonderful job; Bradstreet Fuel as a Receptionist for years; moving onto Advertising Specialist/Inside Sales and Retiring after 25 years of dedicated service at The Bangor Daily News. She then when on to work in the cafeteria at Old Town Elementary School after retirement (because she couldn’t' sit still) but she never really retired because she worked endlessly and selflessly for everyone.

Mom also was involved in countless fund raisers, numerous family and friends activities, throughout the years. She was a member of the Holy Family Church, Parish of The Resurrections, St. Ann’s in Bradley.

She was a member of The Emblem Club, American Legion Axillary, holding many offices, and was a member of The Eagles Club in Brewer.

Mom just did outstanding work, dedicating her time to family and friends, helping many through the years at homes, or in the community.

She brought love and luck to all. We will never forget the love that she shared with all of us.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved. Still missed and forever dear. “

Friends may call 4-7 PM Sunday August 28, 2022 at the Birmingham Funeral Home 438 Main St Old Town. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10AM Monday at Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Family Church, Old Town. Immediately following the service, all are invited to the Parish Hall for a light luncheon and continued fellowship. The funeral mass will be livestreamed on the church page at https://resurrectionofthelord.org/

Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Ann's Catholic Church Building Fund, Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, 429 Main St Old Town, ME 04468