Nancy Joanne Stewart

Nancy Joanne Stewart, 62, of Woodrow, died peacefully Friday, May 26, 2017, in UPMC-Shadyside hospital, Pittsburgh, following a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 5, 1954, in Washington Hospital, a daughter of the late Barbara and Richard D. Stewart. Ms. Stewart was born and raised a dairy farmer. She was a 1972 graduate of Fort Cherry High School, where she was the first girl to be a member of H.G. Parkinson Future Farmers of America chapter, with advisor T. Lee Carter, and received the Star Greenhand award. This paved the way for women in agricultural pursuits. Ms. Stewart stayed on the family farm her whole life, milked cows and retired after 18 years as an agricultural technician from The Meadows Racetrack. She most recently worked as a Friday night bartender at Southview SNPJ. Deceased, in addition to her parents, is her only sibling, Thomas Rae Stewart. Surviving are her pride and joy: daughter Karen (Louis) Ryan, son Nathaniel (Helena) Cleric and her perfect son, Jesse Cleric, all of Hickory; her glorious grandchildren, Cody Lee Rankin, Louis Dean and Ford Stewart Ryan and Lillian Rose and Nathalie Mae Cleric, all of Hickory. Also surviving are her other family in Southview, best friend Cathy Jo and many other cherished friends. Ms. Stewart also leaves behind her beloved St. Bernards, Cash and Miley. She had a lifelong love for Kennywood, Holsteins, blue tractors and St. Bernards. She loved her cowboys, John Wayne, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Sr. and Kid Rock. She grew prize winning sunflowers and liked to garden, feed wildlife and hunt deer. Ms. Stewart’s biggest accomplishments were her children and keeping the farm. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, with Pastor Joe DiDonato officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Hickory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hickory Ag 4-H, in care of Diana Bissett, 284 McCarroll Road, Hickory, PA 15340, or to H.G. Parkinson FFA Chapter, 110 Fort Cherry Road, McDonald, PA 15057, with checks made payable to Fort Cherry Activity Fund. Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.