Gay A. Stewart, 72, of Streetsboro, and formerly of Dover, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025 in the University Hospital Portage Medical Center following a sudden illness.
She was born on October 4, 1952, in Tracy, California to the late Willard “Bill” and Beverlee Carlson Gardner. Gay was also preceded in death by her son, Richard Paul “Ricky” Stewart II; brothers, Gary and Greg Gardner; her nephew, Bill Homman; and mother in law, Jean Stewart.
Gay enjoyed a fulfilling career in education, culminating in her retirement in 2023 after many years of service as a long-time substitute teacher within the Claymont School District. She was the director of the Dover East Elementary School Drama Club, where she helped to ignite a love for performance in her students. Gay was an avid dancer, particularly enjoying tap dancing. Her love for dancing led her to her other passion of teaching dance to aspiring students of all ages. As an active member of the Dover Mothers of Athletes Club, she made a lasting impact by cooking Thursday night pasta dinners for the high school football team, and was known for her home-made tomato sauce and meatballs. She poured her heart into cooking, always ensuring that those around her were well-fed and comforted by her homemade meals. Her hands were constantly at work in her garden, nurturing life and beauty
Gay is survived by her husband of 48 years, Richard “Rick” Stewart, whom she married on May 29, 1976. Her legacy continues through her daughter, Stacy (Jared) Hostetler of Aurora; her sister, Geri (Allan) Abbas of Dover; and her beloved grandchildren, Maegan, Kathryn “Kate,” Grayson, and Zelda. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Heather Stewart of Dover, along with many nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.
Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. A public graveside service will be held on Friday, March 21st starting at 11:00 am at the Dover Burial Park with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating.
Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory
803 North Wooster Avenue
Dover, Ohio 44622
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com
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