Mary Ann Stuart

Mary Ann (Schwietz) Stuart passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 24, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on May 7, 1931, to Stephen and Elizabeth Schwietz, Mary grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her beloved siblings—four brothers and two sisters. Though they all preceded her in death, she carried their bond and cherished memories close to her heart throughout her life.

Mary attended St. Catherine’s School of Nursing and embarked on a 42-year career that showcased her deep passion for helping others. Even after retirement, her dedication continued as she volunteered at the hospital for another 20 years, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she served. Her dedication and compassion were a true testament to her generous heart.

On November 27, 1952, she married Gerald Stuart, sharing 42 years of marriage until his passing in 1994. Together, they built a life rooted in love, strength, and resilience, raising five children and creating treasured family memories.

She spent her final years at New Cassel Retirement Center in Omaha, a place she lovingly called home since moving from South Dakota in May 2019. Mary embraced life at New Cassel with a social calendar that rivaled those half her age. She eagerly attended every event and was a devoted fan of afternoon Penny Bingo, especially relishing the extra time spent with her granddaughter Sarah, who often called the games. Mary also participated in daily Mass and served as a Eucharistic Minister—a reflection of her deep faith and unwavering commitment to her community.

Mary was known for her sharp wit, infectious laugh, and incredible sense of humor. She often replied to, “How are you doing?” with a playful, “Not bad for an old lady,” or joked that she was “older than dirt.” Her humor brightened every room she entered and left a lasting impression on all who met her. A lifelong golf enthusiast, she never missed an opportunity to hit the greens. Family and friends now imagine her playing 18 holes in heaven with her loved ones, her laughter echoing across God’s fairways.

Her family was her greatest joy. She poured her heart into her seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, and her love will live on through the precious memories they hold dear.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Elizabeth Schwietz, siblings Eleanor Benson, Dorothy Smith, Stephen, Richard, Raymond, and Thomas Schwietz, husband Gerald, daughters Katherine and Ann, son Tom, and grandson-in-law Ron. She is survived by her son Paul (Brenda) Stuart, daughter Pam (Jim) Kilker, and her beloved grandchildren: Jennifer Ewing, Megan (Bryant) Bowen, Lisa (Elio Sofia) Kilker, Sarah (Chad) Hotz, Justin (Kim) Kilker, Kari Hildebrand, Kristen (Paul) Stehno; great-grandchildren: Hunter, Gunner, and Sophia Ewing, Augustus and Montgomery Bowen, Carter, Cale, and Cody Hotz, Maria and Ella Kilker, Aubree Peck and Annalize Hildebrand, Tessa and Dexter Stehno; and great-great-grandchildren Bentley and Carter Ewing.

Mary’s legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will be carried on by all who knew her. She will be missed fiercely but never forgotten. This isn’t goodbye; it’s until we meet again.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at New Cassel Retirement Center in Omaha, Nebraska, with a presentation by the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard preceding the service. Inurnment will take place at the Omaha National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be directed to The New Cassel Foundation: 900 N. 90th St. Omaha, NE, 68114.

Livestreaming of the service is available here