Marjorie Cordean Stewart

Marjorie Cordean “Dean” Kirkland Stewart passed away at age 97 on October 10 in Jupiter, Florida. A beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she lived a vivacious life full of love and great interest. As a young woman, she moved to Cuba from her hometown of Defuniak Springs to work for the US State Department. So enamored with Latin America, she joined her sister Monterra “Monty” in the traveling circus. As a tight wire performer, she spent long periods of time in Cuba, Mexico and Chile—picking up a fondness for baseball, a love of Cuban music, and even a monkey along the way. Back in Florida, she became a flight attendant for National Airlines. Apparently, due to her engaging personality and fluent Spanish, the airline was willing to overlook its traditional height requirements. She was petite but precocious—almost daring anyone to limit or define her. Later, she found fulfillment at the Florida State Employment Service. Always impeccably dressed—with coiffed hair, matching jewelry, and heels—she was polished and poised. Her great joy was in helping hundreds of people find work—getting to know them and putting them in the best position to succeed. Dean was warm and engaging to all, including bank tellers, cashiers, and taxi drivers—literally anyone who crossed her path. She was instantaneously heartfelt, which oftentimes made it hard to differentiate between a conversation she was having with a stranger of a friend. Many years later, surrounded by adoring grandchildren, her brown hair turned white, making her crystal blue eyes twinkle even more. Her indiscriminate winks always drew a smile. Her laugh was cozy—even pillowy—and she laughed often. She loved maraschino cherries and Neapolitan ice cream. She combed for shells on the Florida beaches as often as she could. Her favorite subjects to paint were trees and flowers. She was a gifted crocheter. Her bedtime stories are now family heirlooms. Her crocheted blankets are treasures that will imbue a small sense of her comfort and warmth for many years to come. In her passing, we remember her radiant spirit, her kindness to others and the immense love and affection she bestowed upon us all. She is survived by her two beloved daughters, Denise (Jim) and Adrianne (Frank), as well as grandchildren Stephanie, Jason (Sarah), Madison (Matt), Beau and Grant, and great-grandchildren Cody, Logan, Auggie, Nico and Rhys.

Marjorie Cordean Stewart

October 10, 2024