Obituary of Eileene Stewart (nee Butterwick)

STEWART, Eileene (née Butterwick), of St. Thomas, passed away at Caressant Care on Bonnie Place on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, in her 90th year.  She was the beloved wife of the late William G. “Bill” Stewart (1997).  Eileene is survived by her sons, Stanley of Vancouver, BC, and Stephen of Cambridge, ON, as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was the last surviving member of her own immediate family, having been predeceased by a sister, Ruby Roberts, and three brothers, Mac, Gilbert, and Archie Butterwick.  Born in (South) Yarmouth Twp., ON, November 27, 1928 , she was the daughter of the late Carloss and Pearl (née Smith) Butterwick.  Eileene lived her life in Sparta and area, and St. Thomas .  She was a former member of Grace United Church , St. Thomas .  A former avid field naturalist, Eileene was a charter member (1950) and a past secretary of the St. Thomas Field Naturalists Club.  A member of the McIlwraith Field Naturalists of London, Eileene, along with her husband Bill, received its highest recognition, the W.E. Saunders Award in 1996.  She was a charter member of the Elgin Hiking Trail, a member of the Hall of Fame of the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, and a former member of the Bruce Trail Association of Ontario, the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, and the Field Biologists of Ontario.  Eileene was also a member of the Aylmer & District Museum , a supporting member of the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society, a former member of the Norfolk Historical Society, Simcoe, and served on the Board of Directors of the former Thomas Williams Home , St. Thomas .  In keeping with her wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral service.  Private interment will be made in Union Cemetery .  Memorial donations to the charity of one’s choice will be gratefully acknowledged.  Arrangements entrusted to the SIFTON FUNERAL HOME, 118 Wellington St. , St. Thomas (519-631-1160).