Ann R. Stewart

It is so hard to put into words the loss of the skilled hands and creative talents of Ann R. (Lambert) Stewart 84, of Winchester, NH and formerly of Leeds, NY and Burghead, Scotland. She will be greatly missed with her passing on November 30, 2022, by so many beloved friends and family.

Ann was welcomed into the world on January 16, 1938 by her parents, Martin James and Jessie Ann (Main) Lambert, in Burghead Morayshire, Scotland. Her family made their home in Burghead, a fishing village in the north of Scotland. No matter where life’s journey took Ann, her heart was always back in Burghead.

At the age of 15, Ann began serving her apprenticeship as a custom tailor at Davidson’s Tailor Shop in Elgin, Scotland. She learned the fine skill of creating men’s clothing, and ladies’ dresses. She continued her career as a Scottish Kiltmaker where her hand sewn kilts were known to be of the best quality. The pride that she had in creating not only a fine garment, but a legacy that could be passed down through generations was evident. Every time she attended a Scottish Games or gathering, Ann would be recognized by many who cherished the kilts that they were wearing, of which, were made by her.

She also taught others the skill of kiltmaking, starting her own apprenticeship for others to learn these skills. She had seven apprentices, the last one being her daughter, Hazel, teaching her the required skills to carry on this family tradition. Ann successfully operated her business for sixty years.

Ann and her husband Ron came to the United States with their daughters in 1968, making their new home on Long Island, NY. They eventually moved to upstate NY, Leeds, where they built their home in the woods. Ann and Ron welcomed their friends into their home, and hosted many parties and gatherings. Friends were very important to them, and they found joy in sharing their home, good food, and great stories together.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Hazel A. Stewart of Walworth, NY, Aileen Pulcrano of NY State, Jane Stewart Cardinale and her husband, Jason, of Winchester, NH, her grandson, Ian Stewart Cardinale of Winchester, NH, a brother, Martin James Lambert and his wife, Yvonne, of Corby, England; and many extended family members in Scotland, Australia and New Zealand. Her husband of 58 years, Ronald Stewart, predeceased her.

A memorial service and celebration of Ann Stewart's life will be held on Saturday, December 10th at 10:00am at Center Church, 5 Michigan Street, Winchester, NH. Those attending are encouraged to wear their kilts and tartan in the hopes to celebrate her life through her favorite things.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations can be made to the Kiltmaker's Memorial Fund. This fund will be presented in her memory at the Capital District Scottish Games to the best dressed Pipe Band. Donations may be made through PayPal at [email protected] or checks can be sent to Jane Cardinale at 320 Scotland Rd, Winchester, NH 03470.