In Memory of Ann Marie Stewart I received sad news a few weeks ago about the passing of a dear friend of 20 years. Her name is Ann Marie Stewart. I immediately connected with some fellow longtime artists who knew her as well.
I had met her and a few other gals at the very first session of Center Without Walls Watercolor & Pencil drawing classes 20 years ago, at Aston Community Center. I knew no one in the classes and had not much art experience, but had seen a flyer in the Aston Library and signed up right away. The classes were wonderful and the atmosphere very friendly and supportive. Our talented watercolor instructor was Helen Baur and Pencil Drawing instructor was Van Buren Payne. Currently and for many years, our talented watercolor instructor has been Marie Gilligan.
Some of my first friendships were with Ann Marie Stewart, Peg Pierce, Ruth Holobowicz, and Lorraine Irwin and later joined by Kathy Schlenk, Patricia Missiras, Jackie Meyers, Dot Urbans and many more. We always said these classes were “free therapy” as we would learn but while laughing, telling stories and doing lunch together, of course.
One of my favorite stories was while Ann Marie was on the 50th Year Anniversary Reunion Committee for her High School, of which she hired my son to create a slideshow for the event. There was lots of scanning and explaining old photos! My favorite story was when she explained you had to ring the convent and have Mother Superior “approve” of your dress before being permitted to attend the dances.
When I first met her, Ann Marie was younger than I am now. Despite the difference in our ages, it was the beginning of a longtime friendship. What an interesting and talented artist and life-long learner, in so many topics. She was an artwork mentor, we took art history classes in Swarthmore, went to Neumann lectures, gardening seminars, a trip to Hamilton Sculpture Gardens, shared travel advice, did lunch often and shared lots of family stories of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Although she had not taken classes in 4 years, since she moved from Aston to Garnet Valley area, we continued to stay in touch by phone, email or an occasional lunch.
In these classes, I have met many wonderful talented artist friends and I contacted some to join me in celebrating Ann Marie and we attended her memorial service and enjoyed a group Breakfast together in her memory, this past Saturday, September 6th. Attending service were: Lorraine Irwin, Patricia Missiras, Jackie Meyer, Kathy Schlenk, Van Payne (former Pencil Drawing Instructor), Agnes Coggins and myself. See photo.
The memorial had many of Ann Marie’s artworks displayed and brought back many years of memories.
I am making a donation to SCS in Ann Marie’s memory to the value of these classes for students both for ongoing learning experiences and friendships. Dianne Caggiano
