BELFAST and PRESQUE ISLE – Deborah S. Stewart, 57, passed away unexpectedly March 25, 2009. Deb was born April 8, 1951, to Harold and Carol (Deane) Stewart. She graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1969 and from Lesley College, Cambridge, Mass., in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in education. She taught in Limestone for two years. She then attended the University of Maine and obtained her Masters of Education. Deborah then worked 10 years in North Carolina as a principal and in school administrative positions. While living in North Carolina, Deb completed her doctorate in education at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. Deb then returned home to Maine and held administration and curriculum development positions at Skowhegan and at SAD 55, Hiram. She then served as superintendent of schools at Union 96, Sullivan; SAD 70, Hodgdon; SAD 37, Harrington; and Union 69, Hope. Deb also worked abroad for a year as curriculum developer at the International School in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia. Deb constantly strived for excellence in her vocation as an educator, as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development and attended numerous programs in leadership at the National Training Labs. Debbie loved her time in Down East, being closer to her favorite spot, Petit Manan, Steuben. There she loved Dad’s lobster feeds, blueberrying, walks with Mom, and hikes to Chair Cove with her close friends, Sherrie and Pam. Deb had a special connection with horses and so loved her horse family, Gay, Challie and Dancin. When not working, Deb would spend hours at the stables, always bringing fresh cut carrots. She had many special moments helping her nephew and niece, Trey and Meredith, learn how to ride. Deb believed she learned much of life from her horses, which provided a source of strength, reflection and the venue for personal growth. Deb felt blessed that she was able to attend Epona in Arizona, which provided training in equestrian-based leadership. She then combined her skills as an educator with her passion for horses by leading horse clinics focused on self-reflection and healing. Deb was predeceased by her mother, Carol, who died Jan. 6, 2009. She is survived by her father, Bud; and her brother, Hal and his wife, Melanie, and their children, Trey, Meredith and Grant. She is also survived by her special aunt, Verna Crandall; and cousins, Carol Jordan and her husband, Phil and their daughter, Lee Rae Oliver, Dr. Donald DeLong and his family, Jane Stewart Mercier of Washington state, Bob Stewart of Waterville and Brian Stewart of Houlton. Services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Presque Isle Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 29 Church St., with the Rev. Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood officiating. Friends may call 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Deb’s family asks that gifts in her memory be made to Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, care of Petit Manan, P.O. Box 279, Milbridge, ME 04658. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
DEBORAH S. STEWART
