SURREY - Surrey philanthropist Marilyn Stewart (nee Czorny) passed away on Oct. 24 at the age of 78 after dealing with a sudden illness.
A local business owner, in 2007 she and her husband, Chick Stewart, donated $10 million in land and capital costs to develop the Czorny Alzheimer Centre Society. The residential care facility on 66th Avenue in Cloverdale provides care and homes to 72 residents in six cottage-like residences.
The donation was the largest ever received by Fraser Health. The generosity was inspired by Marilyn's experiences with her father, Michael Czorny, who suffered from dementia for nine years prior to his death.
Marilyn and her husband moved to Surrey from Coquitlam 40 years ago to operate SR Sawmills, a family-owned company in Port Kells which employs 400 people.
The couple also owns Northview Golf and Country Club, which they opened in 1994. Marilyn hosted charity golf tournaments at Northview.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of 58 years, daughters Wendy Chanasyk, Suzanne Dahl and Colleen Pollon, and nine grandchildren, with eight great grandchildren (and one more on the way). The family plans to carry on her legacy of philanthropic efforts in the community.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. at Peace Portal Alliance Church in South Surrey.
The Now