Obituary for Irene Rachel (Bell ) Stewart

Irene Rachel (Bell) Stewart passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Mom was born November 15, 1928 on the family farm in Tomifobia Quebec, Canada the 11h of 12 children born to William and Janet (Wallace) Bell.  She went to school in Fitch Bay, Quebec and graduated from Bugbee Business school in Stanstead, Quebec.

Mom married Gordon (Doc) Stewart in 1955 and they welcomed 6 children to their lives, moving to Derby Line, Vermont in 1956.

Surviving family members include Shayne (Robin), Lonnie, Laurie (Vaughn), Ryan (Lori) and daughter in law, Sharon.

Loving grandmother to Jena, Annie, Kati, Abram, Nathan, Darian, Samantha, Bayla and Ty Lynn and great grandmother to Jace, Sawyer, Hunter, Natalie Bell, Charlii, Andi, Nora, Aurora, Travis and Marlowe.

Predeceased by Gordon, and two sons, Barry and Mark.  Also pre-deceased by her siblings, James, Jessie, William, David, Robert, John, Ivy, George, Betty, Tom and Wallace who died in infancy.   And by her favorite companion, her dachshund, Layla.

Our family will honor Mom's wishes with a private service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

Living Waters Hospice House, PO Box 1104, Newport, VT 05855 or online at livingwatershh@gmail.com

Our family would like to thank Dr Maria Fatigati and all the wonderful and attentive staff of Maple Lane Nursing home.  We would also like to thank Mom's special home caregiver, Shelly Maxwell. And a special thank you to our brother Lonnie whose devotion to Mom was evident at home and at Maple Lane. He never missed a breakfast with Mom in 2 years at the nursing home (minus a few days) and also stayed with her in her home in Derby Line assisting both she and our Dad.

Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.