Obituary of Marcia Ann Stewart

Marcia Ann Stewart Marcia Ann Stewart died peacefully at Panorama City’s Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center on Nov. 16, 2011. Marcia was born on April 9, 1923 to William and Portia (McGrew) Barclay in Walla Walla, WA, where she spent most of her childhood. She and her family first moved to Burlington, then to Chehalis, where she graduated from Chehalis High School. She met her future husband, Allison Stewart, while attending Centralia Junior College, and the two went on to University of Washington, where Marcia studied art and Allison studied medicine. Marcia and Allison were married and started their family while attending UW; they had five children. They raised their family on Arcadia Point, while Allison worked as a doctor in McCleary. As a family, they hiked in the Olympics (making many trips to Upper Lake Lena), and boated in the Puget Sound and Canadian waters, first in a 17-foot runabout and a tent, and later in their 26-foot cabin cruiser. Allison died in 1979. Shortly after that, Marcia went to work for Frederick and Nelson, where she met some of her closest friends. At a high school reunion, Marcia reconnected with her former friend and classmate, Larry Haunreiter. Both of their spouses had passed away, and the two became wonderful friends and life partners for over 25 years. They traveled all over the U.S. in their motor home. They loved to take the motor home up to Marcia’s daughter’s property on Orcas Island, to Larry’s family’s favorite place on Baker Lake, and to Leavenworth to see the Lighting of the Christmas Tree. After Larry earned his pilot’s license, they enjoyed being able to fly to the San Juan Islands – just for lunch! They also traveled with friends to Europe, visiting Germany, France, and Italy and visited family friends in Holland. A member of P.E.O. and Children’s Orthopedic Guild, Marcia derived great joy from giving to others. Marcia was an accomplished artist. She showed her paintings in many shows, won several awards, and sold a number of pieces. She also made beautiful handmade quilts, including one for each of her 11 grandchildren. Marcia was enamored with nature and appreciated the beauty of everything in the natural world. More than anything, Marcia loved her family. She is survived by her children, Mary (Stewart) Oliver of Olympia, Donald Stewart of Gig Harbor, John Stewart of Tacoma, Robert Stewart of Burlington and their spouses; her 11 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca Stewart, and her partner, Larry Haunreiter. An informal celebration of Marcia’s life will be held in the coffee bar of Panorama City’s Quinault building from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on December 8. Memorial contributions may be made to Olympia’s Hands-On Children’s Museum or Salvation Army and would be greatly appreciated, as they represent Marcia’s life-long sense of wonder and her compassion for others. Please leave memories of Marcia or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.