Charles N. Stewart

Charles Stewart, 93, of Homestead Village, Lancaster PA, passed away at home on the 13th of January 2025. 

Charles was born May 16, 1931 in New Westminster, British Columbia Canada to John and Mary Stewart, who had immigrated to Canada from Frizington, Cumberland England. He grew up in the Fraser Mills neighborhood of Coquitlam, attended Coquitlam High School, Seattle Pacific University and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from University of British Columbia, followed by his PhD in Psychology from the University of Oregon in 1959. 

After three years spent working at the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford Saskatchewan as a clinical psychologist, Charles began a distinguished career as Professor of Psychology at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, with noteworthy achievements in the field of neuroscience. Dr. Stewart was a valued mentor and advisor for students throughout his tenure at F&M and was delighted to learn about their accomplishments and careers. The Charles N. Stewart Award in Neuroscience was established in his honor. He read broadly, and along with his scientific interests, he was a lover of language and a committed punster. 

Together with Ruth, his wife of 65 years, Charles enjoyed a rich family life. He was an engaged and supportive father to his five children, and a positive and encouraging presence in the lives of his grandchildren and extended family, encouraging them to indulge their curiosities and explore the world. Charles taught and exemplified strong ethical values, respecting all with compassion and fairness. 

After retirement, Charles remained active academically, maintaining connections at F&M and with colleagues at Monell Chemical Senses Center, Millersville University, the Evolution Table and the Wise Elders. He enjoyed many happy times with Ruth and the family at the beach house in Chincoteague, VA where he was a proficient handyman, and an enthusiastic biker and woodworker. Charles continued his dedication to humanitarian causes. 

Charles will be remembered for his great sense of humor and sharp wit, his love of fish and chips, an evening beer, and a good metaphor, as well as his wisdom, his ever-encouraging support, and his unflagging intellectual curiosity, which was an inspiration to everyone in his orbit and which remained strong into his later years. 

Charles is survived by son Richard Stewart (Karen) of Silver Spring, MD, daughters Cheryl(Ian) Smith of Camrose, Alberta, Canada, Jane Stewart (George Volpe) of Lincoln, MA, Nina Baumstein(Scott) of Wantagh, NY and Barbara Chaparro(Alex) of Ormond Beach, FL, grandchildren Andrew(May), Erin and Caroline(Curtis) Smith, Nico and Alec Stewart, Cole Volpe, Greg (Meaghan) and Kate Baumstein, Annelise(Nathan) and Antonio(Sonny) Chaparro, and great-grandchildren Rowan, Shiloh and Henry. He is pre-deceased by his wife Ruth, parents John and Mary Stewart, sister Olive McBay, brother Ray Stewart, grandson Stewart and infant great-granddaughter Madelyn Rose. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Fred Owens, John Wylie, Susan Lithgoe and very special caregiver Wendy Eavenson for their friendship and support over the years. Also many thanks to long-time caregivers Teresa Sechrist and Alice Hinson, and the staff at Radcliffe House, Apostle Center Homestead Village for their care and support. 

A memorial service will be held at a future date. If family and friends so desire, contributions may be made in his memory to Milagro House https://milagrohouse.org or Roots and Shoots https://rootsandshoots.org