Erin Stewart
ERIN STEWART
April 11, 1953 - July 30, 2017
Erin Stewart died peacefully at home with her family on Sunday, July 30, 2017.
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She is survived by her husband Donald McBain; son Lindsey (Noelle) and beloved grandchildren; Daughter Maria (Robert), and brother Patrick (Christine). She was predeceased by her parents Henry and Jocelyn Stewart.
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In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Henry Reiff Stewart Memorial Scholarship - Professional Applied Continuing Education (PACE) at the University of Winnipeg.
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A celebration of Erin's life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road. Please check back as further details will be provided closer to the date.
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"I have arrived. I am home. My destination is in every step." (Thich Nhat Hanh)
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Erin was born in Winnipeg on April 11th, 1953 to Hank and Jo. She spent most of her childhood in Montréal, where her brother Patrick was born. She moved back to Winnipeg at age 17 and completed high school at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. It was there that she met her future husband Don. Erin and Don were married in 1976 and had two children, Lindsey and Maria. She later became grandmother to two wonderful grandchildren.
Throughout her life Erin had a love of being on and in the water. She and Don spent much time on their boats and she was a qualified sailor. Having been a lifeguard, she was a very strong swimmer who took great joy in teaching her grandson to swim. Erin also had the opportunity to swim with dolphins in Cuba, which was one of her favourite memories.
Erin also loved the arts. She studied theatre, contemporary dance, and music. She played the guitar, piano, and flute, and also sang in Margaret's Choir. She enjoyed pursuing her physical and spiritual health. She exercised regularly, including Zumba and Pilates, and practiced Subud and mindful meditation. She fostered lifelong friendships with many tremendous individuals who joined her in these pursuits.
Erin described herself as a life-long-learner and was truly passionate about education. After graduating from high school she completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Winnipeg with a double major in French and Theater. She continued her studies in French Culture at the Sorbonne in Paris, where she lived and worked as an au pair. She continued her studies throughout her career, completing a certificate in Applied Counselling at the University of Manitoba in 2002. In 2007, Erin obtained a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from Saint Francis Xavier University and wrote her thesis on transformative learning experiences.
Erin retired in 2014 after a rewarding 34-year career in education. She began working at the University of Winnipeg in 1981 as a French Instructor and in 1986 became the Program Officer in Continuing Education (currently PACE). She held numerous leadership roles in Continuing Education and became Dean in 2008. She was an advocate of student rights and saw education as a tool for personal and social change.
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ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
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Christy Miyanishi
September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM
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