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Surrey loses 'amazing woman'

Community patron Marilyn Stewart, 78, passes away.
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Marilyn Stewart

Surrey lost a prominent benefactor last week.

Marilyn Stewart died Friday (Oct 24) after a brief illness at the age of 78.

Stewart was the driving force behind the Czorny Alzheimer Centre, named after her father (Michael Czorny), who she watched suffer from the disease for nine years.

She and husband Chick Stewart donated the land and capital costs to develop the centre, which operates as a partnership between the Fraser Health Authority, the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia, and the Czorny Alzheimer Centre Society.

The donation, valued at $10 millions, was the largest ever received by Fraser Health.

The residential care facility on 66 Avenue in Cloverdale provides expert care and homes to 72 residents in six cottage-like residences.

“She was an amazing woman, she put everyone above herself,” said Wendy Chanasyk, the eldest of Stewart’s three daughters. “She treated employees like friends and she was always happy.”

Stewart and husband Chick moved to Surrey from Coquitlam roughly 40 years ago to be closer to S&R Sawmills, the company they own in Port Kells which currently employs roughly 400 people.

The couple also owns Northview Golf and Country Club, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.

“She loved to spend time with her family,” said Chanasyk.

She is survived by Chick, her husband of 58 years and daughters Wendy Chanasyk, Suzanne Dahl and Colleen Pollon. Stewart is also survived by nine grand children and eight great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. at Peace Portal Alliance Church.