Ruth C (Cowern) Stewart

Ruth C. Stewart, 89, of Sherborn, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 13, 2022, after a period of declining health.

Ruth was the beloved wife of 51 years to the late John Stewart.  She was the devoted mother of Cindy Stewart Laakso and husband Brian of Medfield, Martha Stewart and husband Jay Young of Winchendon.  Cherished Gram of Dylan Smith, Brandon (Sarah), Skylar Laakso (James) Natalia Guffenberg (Tom), and Danielle Stevens (Jim).   

Ruth was born on November 24, 1932, in Framingham, Massachusetts to the late Helen (Canterbury) and George Cowern, the middle of thirteen children. She is survived by two brothers, Donald and David (Doreen) Cowern, both of Florida.  She was predeceased by her siblings Calvin Hill, Sally (Hill) Chaffee, Eleanor (Hill) Downey, Richard Hill, Elden Cowern, Herbert Cowern, Nancy (Cowern) Formosa, Joseph Cowern, John Cowern and Douglas Cowern.   Ruth is also survived by many, many nieces, and nephews on both the Cowern and Stewart sides of the family.

Ruth graduated from the Newton Wellesley School of Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse at Newton Wellesley Hospital, the private practice of Dr. William Taggert of Wellesley and as the school nurse at Pine Hill School in Sherborn for 25 years where she lovingly took care of the students. Ruth was active in the Sherborn community including volunteering for The Benevolent Society and as a board member of the Sherborn Council on Aging. In 2011 Ruth and John were the Council on Aging volunteers of the year and in 2017 Ruth was honored by the Sherborn Selectboard for her years of volunteering on numerous committees in the town. Ruth was active at Pilgrim Church for over 60 years including organizing funeral receptions, helping prepare meals for the homeless, working at the Church Fair and most recently being a member of the Open and Affirming Committee. 

Ruth’s family extends their deepest appreciation to Sheila Caufield of Millis, Joan Driscoll of Medfield, and Pat Maloney of Hull for their loving care of her over the past few years including her final days. Their kindness and devotion to Ruth was unwavering and we are so grateful. 

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend Ruth’s Celebration of Life at the Pilgrim Church, 25 South Main Street, Sherborn, on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11:00 am.  Those wishing to donate in Ruth’s memory are asked to consider Pilgrim Church or the Newton Wellesley Hospital 2014 Washington Street Newton, Massachusetts 02462 ℅ Development Office. Please indicate that donations are to go to the Cancer Center in honor of Ruth Stewart. 

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