Joann D. Stewart passed away peacefully on June 29 with her best friend/daughter by her side. She was born to Archie and Evelyn Smith on April 9, 1943 at the old St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. Joann was an only child and the apple of her parents’ eye. She had an amazing childhood and was spoiled rotten. Her dad owned Archie Smith Lumber Company in Arcata and he was also a contractor so they would live in many of the houses he had built around Eureka. Joann graduated from Eureka High School in 1961, followed by studies at HSU.

She later married her high school sweetheart Robert “Bob” Stewart. They started a family and had two boys and one girl. She spent most her summers in Willow Creek at her family’s summer home sunbathing, enjoying family time around the pool and barbecuing. Joann worked alongside her mother at Julie’s Florist, their family-owned business on the Plaza in Arcata for over 20 years. She loved being a florist. Joann retired for a short while and then worked for Country Living Florist in Arcata for five more years. She then finally retired for good and became a full-time grandma. Joann lived with her daughter and son-in-law and her four grandsons. They kept her busy for many years. She loved watching them ride their dirt bikes and play outside. Joann enjoyed picking them up from school every day with Kari. She loved to show pictures and brag about how talented and kind all four of them are. Joann loved those grandsons with all of her heart. They were able to see her and spend time with her up until the day she passed away.

Joann was proceeded in death by her husband Robert “Bob” Stewart, her parents Archie and Evelyn Smith, stepfather Mose Dungan, and Father and Mother-in-law Edward and Audrey Stewart. She also was preceded in death by her oldest son, Jason who passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 20, due to complications after a heart surgery, and her favorite ski partner and cousin Dennis Stayton.

Joann is survived by her sweet and caring daughter Kari and her husband Rob Hemmingsen and her four grandsons – Robby, Wyatt, Mason, and Brantley Hemmingsen, all of Eureka; her son Keith Stewart and his wife Toni of Toledo, Oregon; her two granddaughters Marissa Stewart of Eureka and Miranda Stewart of Newport, Oregon; sister-in-law Cheri Rowell of Modesto; cousins Jan Steeholm of Puyallup, Washington and Kathy Parson of Felton, Calif.; and many other extended family and friends.

We would like to thank Dr. Mathews and Dr. Trieu for all their genuine care and support that led up to her final days. They treated her with kindness and compassion and were heartbroken along with all of us when we lost her; the Eureka Dialysis Center for their great care for the last few years. St. Joseph Hospital second floor unit, Med/Surge 2, where Joann received her last few weeks of excellent medical support. Also a big thanks to the Hospice Center of Humboldt, where they treated us like family, made us feel at home, and were very attentive to Joann’s every need. They made a wonderful impact on Joann’s last few days. We can’t thank everyone enough. Donations can be made in Joann’s name to Hospice of Humboldt or a charity of your choice.

We are all saddened she will miss so many of her grandkids’ milestones, but we know she is at peace with her husband and son, whom she has missed for so many years.

There will be a celebration of her life to be announced at a later date.

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