Maureen "Deen" Stewart

Maureen “Deen” Stewart, 64, passed away at home unexpectedly in her sleep, on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

Deen is survived by her children, daughter Lauren Duque and partner Dom Samoraj, of Brooklyn, NY; and son Stewart Duque, wife Janice of La Plata, MD; four grandchildren Liam, Lennon, Lane, and Lula Duque; and nine siblings – sisters Eileen, Joan (Robert), Sally (Pat), Connie (Rick), Clare, Kerry, and brothers Tim, Terry (Marilyn), and Chuck (Kim) and a legion of nieces, nephews, and friends-made-family. She was preceded by her parents, Mary and Ed Stewart and her brother, Steve, known as Torture King.

Deen was born in Mt. Kisco, NY and raised in the Pittsburgh suburb of Crafton. She attended Canevin High School, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, earning her Bachelor of Science, and Carlow University, where she earned her master’s degree in education. Deen studied abroad in Mexico, where she met her husband. Later, she pursued advanced studies in Salamanca, Spain. She was multilingual with a hard emphasis on sarcasm. She embodied a growth mindset by most recently earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

In 1988, she packed up the rusted woody station wagon with her two precious kids and left Pittsburgh to teach Spanish in Chuck County, MD. Through passion and perseverance, she built a life in La Plata. She taught Spanish for 30+ years, bought her first home, raised two children, and welcomed 4 grandchildren, who lovingly called her Mina.       

A Mom first and a teacher second – not just of Spanish, but life lessons imparted with a wicked sense of humor. She loved a good book and cup of tea and was an intense Scrabble competitor. She traveled extensively, sharing with her two children the gift of families and friends and the joy of exploration.  Deen’s house was warm and welcoming. She had an open-door policy and a little pup snuck in – Diego, Digsy, Diablo, were several of his nicknames. He became her constant companion and soft spot.

She was small and mighty and always gave more than she took. She will be so greatly missed by family, friends, acquaintances, and students, all of whom were touched by her generous spirit and sharp humor.

Relatives and friends received Tuesday, November 22, 2022, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at SCHEPNER-McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 165 Noble Avenue, Crafton.  Funeral prayer Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at 9:15 AM at the funeral home followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Philip Catholic Church, 50 W. Crafton Avenue, Crafton    

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Deen Stewart’s name to North Point High School Skills USA, 2500 Davis Road, Waldorf, MD 20603.