Julia Ellen Stewart

We are heartbroken to announce that, after a short battle with cancer, Julia passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Craig (Llew) Stewart; her son Larry Stewart; and daughters Leanne (Craig) Carson; Colleen Christie and son-in law Dave Buckland.  She was the most beloved grandma to Kyle (Mikaela) Vokes; Shaelynn (Leandro), Madison (Eric), and Connor(Angelina) Carson; Alyssa and Riley (Jirah) Stewart; and Emma Christie.  There were many others who fondly referred to her over the years as Grandma Julie and Auntie Julie. She is survived by her sister Debbie, and brothers Leo, Stanley, and Denny.

She was predeceased by her daughter Brenda Buckland, her parents Michael and Mary Tomczak, and siblings Stella, Lawrence, Mary, Carl, Frank, Louise, Joyce, Frankie, Fran, Alec and Irene.

Julia was raised on a family farm in Heisler, Alberta.  She met her husband while working in a diner in Drayton Valley.  Once married, Julia and her husband Craig moved around Alberta, growing their family while Craig worked on the oil rigs.  In 1973, they put down roots and settled on the family farm in Namao where they resided until 2016.  While raising four kids, Julia was active in the community whether it be as sports’ director, coach, founding member of the Namao Godmothers’ softball team, or volunteering for or attending many of the community functions.  She was one of the hardest working people, and always seemed to have endless energy.  She took pride in a tidy house and spent hours in her vegetable and flower gardens. She was an amazing baker who was always dropping off her baked goodies to her kids, grandkids, friends and neighbors.  In the summers, she was often seen on her lawn tractor, and in the winter, shovelling the walks.  She loved to crochet, do puzzles, play Suduko, Scrabble, Rummy, Yahtzee, Crazy Eights and catch up with her friends at BINGO once a week.

Aside from her devoted husband, her true pride and joy were her seven grandchildren whom she loved with all her heart.  She could be found cheering them on at any of their activities and loved to spend time with them whenever possible.  They all looked forward to the “grandma days” when she would spoil them…mostly with her love and attention.
Julia made the world a better place with her kindness and by always doing what was right.

The family would like to thank Dr. Pratt for many years of caring for Julia, and especially during the last few months.  We’d also like to thank the many relatives, friends and neighbors who have provided such loving support to our family during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, we would ask that you make a donation to a charity of your choice in memory of Julia.