Nancy Irwin Stewart
courtesy photo
Nancy Stewart
POLSON – Nancy Irwin Stewart, 83, of Polson passed away on Monday, April 20, 2015, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, with family by her side.
Nancy was born in Roachdale, Indiana, Feb. 1, 1932, to Galen Seaton and Mary Elizabeth Irwin. She graduated from Roachdale High School in 1950 and married Frank Bland in 1951. They later divorced and Nancy married Dr. James M. Stewart in 1964. They lived in West Palm Beach, Florida, for many years before moving to Polson in 1984.
While in Florida, Nancy owned and operated a gift shop, “Nancy’s,” that specialized in handbags and seashells. She loved fishing and spent many happy hours with her husband, Jim, in the Florida Keys on their Sportfisherman, also called “Nancy’s.”
After moving to Montana they quickly made friends and enjoyed a couple’s pool group. She loved spending time with friends on the golf course and at her weekly Bridge gatherings. Nancy and her sister Jane entertained their friends constantly with their banter and sense of humor. Nancy had a zest for life, a ready laugh, and was often described as being “a hoot.” She was fun-loving and generous and will be remembered for her dazzling, annual Christmas parties. She had a magnetic personality and was simply fun to be around. She will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dr. James Stewart. Survivors include her son Jeffrey Bland (Jane) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; her sister Jane Irwin of Polson; her brother, Dr. Steve Irwin, (Jan) of Polson; and nephews Tyler Irwin (Nicole) of Tigard, Oregon, and Spencer Irwin (Stephanie) of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, and their son, Owen. She is also leaving behind her special friend, Jack Carver.
A memorial service was held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 25, at 1:30 p.m. A reception followed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Polson Community Foundation or to the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
