Jan N. Stewart

Jan N. Stewart, age 69, died peacefully at her home in Bigfork Friday, July 30, 2004 surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born October 15, 1934 in Pampa, Texas to Wesley and Faye (Addington) Davis.

Jan was a very caring and loving wife, mother and friend. She had a sparkling personality with a witty and sometimes mischievous sense of humor. The concerns and interests of family and friends were always placed ahead of her own. As a wife, Jan was a life partner and a best friend. She was supportive and sensitive. As a mother, Jan was full of love and compassion for her children. She did a wonderful job of balancing the tricky task of giving love without spoiling her children. As a friend, she was always eager to lend a hand or an ear. She was spontaneous and cheerful.

Jan spent her early childhood in Texas living there until 1946 when she moved to Boulder, Colorado. Jan graduated from Bolder High School in 1952. Her interests were skiing, tennis and Jan loved to dance. She attended the University of Colorado and later Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. At Northwestern she majored in television and drama. Jan was Miss Northwestern of 1954 and Miss National Press Photographer of 1954.

Jan married David M. Stewart on June 18, 1954 at her grandmother's home in Bolder. Dave and Jan celebrated 50 years of marriage this past June.

Jan was a resident of San Anselmo, California for 17 years; during that time she and her husband Dave raised their two children, Deborah and Dave. Jan was very active in tennis and various charitable groups.

In 1977, Jan and her family moved to Lindberg Lake, Montana and embraced a very different lifestyle. She loved the natural beauty of the lake nestled between the Mission and Swan Mountains. She enjoyed the adventure of living in the wilderness both in summer and winter; Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and summer boating with friends was among her favorite activities.

Jan excelled as a gourmet baker and became a renowned dessert chef. Her creative cakes, petites fours and chocolate creations not only looked spectacular, but were absolutely scrumptious. Jan was flattered when friends asked her to bake a cake for a special event or wedding and would spend happy hours crafting the perfect confection as her gift to cherished friends.

Jan enjoyed entertaining. Her parties were elegant, warm, festive and spiced with lively conversation and laughter. Jan was a talented artist, creating delicious food and beautiful decor. But her most enduring creations were her friendships for which she felt a deep gratitude.

In 1996 Jan and Dave moved to Bigfork, Montana residing on the golf course at Eagle Bend. Jan soon took up golf for the first time and became an avid golfer. Her many friends quickly learned that you did not have to ask Jan twice to play golf. She was always ready-even in wind, rain and early snow. When it came to golf, Jan was not a "wimpette" but a devoted sportswoman.

Jan was a spiritual person who appreciated the breathtaking beauty of her mountains and the golden sun rising on a new day. She recognized and focused on the positive moments in life. Jan will be remembered as a beautiful and elegant woman-both inside and out. Her warmth, kindness, intelligence and feisty sense of humor will be missed. She was that special kind of person when you spent time with her you felt better about yourself and your day. Jan was an active member of St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Ferndale.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Paula Trippe. Jan is survived by her husband Dave Stewart, of Bigfork, MT; one son, Dave and wife Brenda Steward in Columbia Falls, MT; one daughter; Deborah Thompson and husband Tim of Key West, FL and her beloved Shiatsu "Skookie"

Memorial services for Jan N. Stewart will be held Friday, August 6, 2004 at 1 p.m., at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana Highway 35, Bigfork, MT. A reception will follow the services at Eagle Bend Golf Club for family and friends. A private family placement will take place at a later date. The family suggests memorials be made in Jan's memory to Hospice Home Health Care, 175 commons Loop Ste 110, Kalispell, MT; the Bigfork QRU, 810 Grand Ave, Bigfork, MT 59911 or the QRU of Condon, MT. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Crematory.