Marilyn Jean (Ahlgren) Stewart

Marilyn Jean Ahlgren Stewart, of West Hartford passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family and friends on September 17, 2017. Marilyn's life was generous, graceful, brave, and true to her values, and she is remembered well for it. Marilyn was married 55 years to the late Robert C. Stewart, who passed in November 2015. Marilyn was the loving, supportive, encouraging mother to Robert D. Stewart, of Lynn, MA; the loving grandmother of Emily B. Stewart and Abigail B. Stewart, of Cambridge, MA; sister of David Ahlgren of Duluth, MN and aunt of Steven Ahlgren of Media, PA. Marilyn was born in Duluth, MN, the daughter of Eric and Esther Ahlgren. She graduated Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN in 1954 with a degree in English before moving to New England. She then earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Yale University. She met Bob at a cast party for a play she was acting in, and they were married in 1960. Rob was born in 1964. Marilyn taught for many years in the West Hartford school system, predominately at Charter Oak School in Special Education. She shared a warm enthusiasm with her students. Upon her retirement Marilyn joined the Wadsworth Atheneum where she served as a docent for many years, bringing the treasures of the Wadsworth to life for many visitors. She was an Honorary Docent at the Wadsworth, as well as an active member of the Town and County Club of Hartford and the Thursday Club of West Hartford. Marilyn's passions and enjoyment centered around family, the arts, theater, books, music and travel. Marilyn's travel destinations covered the globe, including China, Russia, Egypt, Europe, Mexico and closer to home, her beloved Eastham on Cape Cod. Calling hours will be Thursday, September 21 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 22 at 10:00AM at the Universalist Church, 433 Fern Street, West Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations are welcomed in Marilyn's name to the Food Ministry, 433 Fern Street, West Hartford, CT 06107. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.