Mary Jean Stewart

On July 20, 2025, Mary Jean Stewart returned home to her Father in Heaven, at last freed from the shackles of her mortal body and reunited with numerous loved ones.

Mom was an avid reader of obituaries, pointing out someone she knows or might be related to. She was fascinated by the stories of other people’s lives. Mom, this one’s for you!

Mary Jean was born, the second of six children, to Weldon Earl Cisney and Bernice Ninon (Barnett) Cisney on April 22, 1951, at Thomas D. Dee Memorial Hospital in Ogden, Utah. It is speculated she waved “hello” to her sweetheart from the bassinet since he was born there less than a week earlier.

Mary Jean’s grit was apparent at an early age. She made a miraculous recovery from hydrocephalus as a toddler after a priesthood blessing. Mary Jean lived a full life with minimal complications from that condition, until her final years.

Mary Jean attended Roy High School (class of ‘69). She briefly came into the orbit of her future sweetheart in the same graduating class, but it wasn’t until a decade later that they would officially meet. In the meantime, she attended Brigham Young University and earned a degree in elementary education, then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northern California.

Mary Jean met her sweetheart at a singles dance in South Ogden, Utah. She always said she was uncertain whether to attend that night, but a strong feeling urged her to go. This curly haired brunette in a pink dress caught the eye of Roy Stewart, and they both felt an instant connection. At the end of the evening, she was departing through the lobby when he ran after her and asked for her number. The rest, as they say, is history. Mary Jean and Roy were married February 20, 1981, in the Ogden, Utah Temple.

Through the blessing of adoption, Mary Jean and Roy became the proud parents of David (best birthday present ever!). Medical advances soon helped them conceive Kathleen and Elisabeth. Mom’s family was her pride and joy. Mom passed on her independent spirit, love of learning, and testimony of Jesus Christ to her children and grandchildren.

Mary Jean struggled with significant physical difficulties throughout her life, but she was steadfast and determined to make it count. She lived with multi-chemical sensitivity, which at times made public participation difficult, but she made a consistent effort to stay connected to what mattered most.

Mary Jean was a genealogy volunteer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for many years. Her knowledge of German and ability to read German Gothic script made her a key resource for genealogy record extraction. We are certain the many spirits she touched through her genealogical work will be waiting with open arms in the next life.

Throughout her life, Mary Jean was an educator in various professional and volunteer roles. She was a teacher and aide in the Ogden City School District, substitute teacher in the Weber School District, reading tutor at Midland Elementary in Roy, and Primary teacher in the Latter-day Saint Pheasant Run Ward in Roy. She was famous for having a vast collection of stickers and an impressive crayon collection, which was pillaged by her grandchildren.

She dedicated nearly two decades to chauffeuring her kids to activities. On any given day, Mary Jean could be found between a box of tissues and a paperback book tucked full of Post-it notes. She loved her TV shows, especially “The Chosen.” Mom enjoyed oldies music and attended outdoor concerts with our dad, and she blasted her favorite songs on her computer (she especially liked “Wipeout”). Mom was the No. 1 fan of “little treats,” and most grocery store trips culminated in purchasing a Milky Way or Utah Truffle.

She always had a song in her heart and a beautiful voice to match and would sing in ward choirs in her youth and solos as a missionary. Mom was known for sudden outbursts of the BYU fight song, which also served as a convenient way to rouse her children in the morning. Mom loved Primary songs and had a particular tenderness for their simple truths. She created a home anchored by routines and spiritual habits: reading scriptures after dinner, roast beef in the oven on Sundays, family home evening on Mondays, and a “Mary Mouse” jar filled with M&Ms as soon as the Christmas tree went up.

Laughter was a big part of our childhood. She had a sharp sense of humor and an unforgettable laugh. She was proud to be a little different and raised her kids to think for themselves. Nothing was ever too hard to accomplish—not with a little grit, prayer, and determination.

She had a strong moral compass and a black-and-white view of the world—things were either right or wrong, and she wouldn’t keep that to herself.

Mom always said (in jest we think?) that we should bury her under the peach tree in the backyard. Alas, the tree preceded her in death, but we’ll honor her memory by enjoying some peach pie later this summer when the Elbertas are in season.

Mary Jean is survived by her husband, Roy; her children: David (Delores), Kathleen (Richard), and Elisabeth (Russell); her grandchildren: Evelyn, Luke, Madelyn, Hailey, and Isaac; her five siblings: Keith (Judy), Susan (Ron), Carol Ann, Scott (Cindy), and Larry (Coy); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at Aaron’s Mortuary, 496 24th St., Ogden. Interment will be at the Ogden City Cemetery, 1875 Monroe Blvd., Ogden.

The family would like to thank the staff of Inspiration Hospice, Roads to Independence of Ogden, and all of the numerous friends, family, and ward members who helped us care for our mother over the difficult last few months. It’s impossible to name everyone individually, but we are grateful for all the help received.

We’ll miss you Mom, but it’s not “goodbye.” It’s “see you later.”