Obituary of Cecile Stewart

Cecile Beatrice Stewart passed away in Connecticut on November 22, 2024.

She was born on July 9,1926 to Marie Louise Kuser and John More Bridget near her Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. F A Kuser Estate which is now known as Kuser Memorial Park.

After her parents separated, her mother and her 5 children moved to Europe where they lived for 5 years. When she returned from Europe, she and her family resided for 5 years on the Kuser Farm, until her Grandfather’s death. The family then moved to Washington DC. Summers were spent in Kenny Bunkport and Chatham Cape Cod and with her Aunts Grace and Loretta in Elke Park.

She graduated from the Convent of The Sacred Heart and attended George Washington University to pursue a career in journalism.

While visiting her sister and brother in law in London she met Douglas G Bertish who was a company director of a textile firm in England and South Africa- The were married on January 15,1948 in Washington DC. They settled permanently in London while raising their beloved daughters. 

Cecile was a dedicated volunteer for 17 years at St Joseph’s school connected to St Mary’s Church in Cadogan. Her work there helped many underprivileged children which she found very rewarding.

After her husband’s untimely death, she came back to New Jersey and on September 15, 1979 she married William T Stewart Jr who was a senior partner at Wharton Stewart Davies Law Firm in Somerville and Bernardsville NJ. Bill was also a great friend of the Kuser Family.  She and Bill enjoyed many trips together which included going back to London to see her daughters who Bill was very fond of.

She served on the boards of The Princeton Child Development Institute and The McCarter Theater. They had a loving and happy marriage, though it was much too short. Bill died in 1984.

She is survived by her 2 daughters Suzanne and Jane. Beloved Grandmother to Brad, Whitney, Lindsey, Katie, Treb, James and Bob and 4 Great Grandchildren.

She had very close relationship with her dear nieces and nephews in England and the US.

Special people to Cecile were her Goddaughter Martha and her son Harry, her grandchild Brad, Fran, Cecil, and Greg Hasen and her very dear friends Pat Paine and Barbara Walsh.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Peapack NJ, on March 28th at 10 30am.