On September 21, 2000 Miriam Hardy Stewart passed away peacefully at home.
Born July 22, 1913, she was the third child and only daughter of John Kay and Clare Williams Hardy. She grew up as sister to four brothers and be-came a mother to four sons. Adapting to the situation, as was her way, she became a tomboy enjoying the outdoors with her father and her brothers and, later, her sons. She always spoke fondly of growing up as a member of the "L Street gang," which included her extended family and friends from the neighborhood. In the summer the gang transplanted itself to Emigration Canyon and then Holiday Park, where fishing, hiking and plane spotting were daily activities.
A life-long "A" student, she attended the University of Utah, U.C. Berkeley and received a scholarship to enter the first graduate social work program at the University of Chicago. She became a social worker, returning to this profession when her boys grew older. She helped place babies for adoption for the LDS Church Social Services. Her inspiration serving in that calling brought eternal happiness to many families.
In 1939 she married Samuel S. Stewart and soon and somewhat reluctantly moved to Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Fortunately, her happy nature and ready laugh enabled her to grow to love Mt. Pleasant, where eventually she helped to start the town's first kindergarten program. She served in church and school positions, including PTA president of Douglas School when her family returned to Salt Lake.
She was devoted to her sons throughout her life. She managed three, then four boys on the farm during the summer while her husband worked in the city. Her boys learned from her how to work hard and will remember hours spent watering and weeding the garden. Play time with the boys was for learning how to swim, play tennis and going on walks to Basin Rock in search of unusual rocks and odd shapes of wood. She continued to be a provider of limitless tolerance and conversation into their adult lives.
She maintained many strong female friendships throughout her life. Other women sensed her strength, sought her out and relied on her for advice, counsel and comfort. Although in her later years she preferred to stay at home, she had regular telephone conversations and correspondences with many of the friends who enjoyed her insight, interest, and genuine concern.
She was a hero to her grandchildren, not only for her ancient, extensive toy collection and her chocolate frosting, but for her quick wit, practical and honest nature, and the memories she began to share with them individually as they grew older. Despite appearing smaller at each visit, her grandchildren never doubted that she was the strongest and most independent woman they knew. She would apologize for her old sweater and sneakers, but it was in this style that she was most happy and hospitable. Her home was her kingdom recognized by its hollyhocks, bamboo fences, figurines, papers, pencils and projects.
She remained active and interested in the world around her to the last, and it was frustrating that her failing eyesight limited her beloved reading about current events. Toward the end "Streaker," a cat born in Mt. Pleasant who kept his own hours and was unfriendly to nearly everyone he met, became the final true companion of this much-admired mother, grandmother and friend.
Miriam H. Stewart was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Joshua Beynon and James Spencer. She is survived by two sons, Samuel S. Jr, Salt Lake; and John Hardy, Irvine, California. She is also survived by a brother John Kay Hardy, Jr.
Graveside services will be held Monday at 11a.m. at the Salt Lake City cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to University of Utah School of Social Services.