Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Ann Palmer Stewart, 95, a well-loved and respected resident of Estero, FL, and Harwich Port, MA, and a proud former member of the Wilmington, MA community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family.
Born December 7, 1929, in Cambridge, MA, Ann was the cherished daughter of Ann (Gavin) and Douglas Patrick Palmer. She was raised on her family’s farm on West Street in Wilmington during the Great Depression, the only girl among five siblings. Life on the farm shaped her enduring values: a tireless work ethic, resourcefulness, and unwavering devotion to family.
As a teen, Ann commuted to Boston to work at Jordan Marsh and later served as a telephone operator connecting Wilmington’s Oliver-8 party lines. She graduated from Wilmington High School in 1947 and soon married Ervyl “Turk” Stewart on August 21, 1949, celebrating 65 years of marriage before his passing. Together, they raised five children—each her “favorite.” While working part-time at the IRS and raising her family with Turk, Ann became a licensed real estate broker in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire—a role she was extremely proud of. Real estate was always her passion, and she maintained her broker’s license until the age of 90.
She took pride in her family’s educational achievements and, at age 70, earned a Criminal Justice degree from UMASS Lowell, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Though accepted to law school, she chose to prioritize family health needs.
In her 40s, she overcame a lifelong fear of water and became a regular swimmer, embracing the habit for years to come. She was a steadfast advocate for nurturing both body and mind.
A two-time breast cancer survivor, Ann volunteered for years at Winchester Hospital. Her resilience shone through as she embraced hearing aids in her 80s and adapted to vision loss in her 90s with grace and humor. Her Irish heritage was a source of pride, especially her annual baking of Irish Bread using a treasured family recipe.
Ann had a rare blend of grace and grit. Her smile could brighten the darkest day, and her elegance was effortless. She had a gift for offering advice that was deeply insightful and refreshingly honest. She spoke from the heart, even when her words weren’t always easy to hear. Though sometimes misunderstood, her intentions were always rooted in love and a desire to help others grow. Her life philosophy was simple: work hard, speak truthfully, and live humbly.
She is survived by her children: (Ret.) Wilmington Fire Chief Daniel R. Stewart and his wife Christina of Wilmington; Dorothy A. (Dottie) Stewart of Dedham, a retired RN, was Ann’s primary and selfless caretaker for over half a decade, having given up much of her own life to care for her mother with unwavering love, strength, and devotion; Douglas R. Stewart and his wife Lori of Wilmington; James C. Stewart and his wife Mary of Wilmington; and Diane Stewart of North Andover.
Ann is also survived by her grandchildren: Mark of Wilmington; Matthew and his wife Tracy of Londonderry, NH; Michael and his wife Cecilie of Walnut Creek, CA; Gregory and his wife Missy of Wilmington; Stephen and his wife Amy of Charlestown; and Jennifer and her fiancé Dean Moran of Wilmington. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Cillian, Sophia, and Maeve.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law Jane Palmer of Wilmington; Stevie Stewart of Arlington, TX; her godson Patrick Palmer of Windham, NH; many loving nieces and nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews; and her loyal chihuahua, Tinker Bell, who lovingly watched over and protected her to the end.
Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband, Turk; her brothers Doug (Fai), Robert, Richard (Rae), and Jay (Chickie); and her dear sister- and brothers-in-law: Dr. Pearl Pitt (Leldon), Dorothy, Hank (Charlotte—her lifelong friend), and Norman.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers who provided unwavering support and compassion. A special acknowledgment goes to Pam from ComForCare of Cape Cod, and to the entire staff at VNA of Cape Cod—especially her exceptional primary nurse, Carol. You are truly Angels on Earth. We are eternally grateful for your love, care, and the comfort you brought during such a tender time.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ann’s memory to the VNA Hospice of Cape Cod. Contributions may be made online at giving@capecodhealth.org or mailed to: Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod – Hospice, 25 Communication Way, Hyannis, MA 02601.
Family and friends are welcome to attend Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Friday, August 22nd from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Followed by a Service to Celebrate Ann’s life at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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