Sara Louise Stewart

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She was renowned for her incredible cooking and open-door hospitality, making everyone who sat at her table feel like family.

Sara Louise Stewart, 82, passed away peacefully and was welcomed into the communion of saints on September 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

As a child, she lived in England for a period of time while her father served in the US Army. This unique experience culminated in a lifelong love of a “cuppa” tea and her British roots, a heritage she proudly carried throughout her life including several trips to England and deep connections made with family members from across "the pond."

She made her home in several beautiful Washington communities, including Auburn, Vashon Island, Lakewood, Steilacoom, Spokane, Yakima, and University Place. Wherever she lived, Sara created a warm and welcoming home, leaving a legacy rooted in creativity, hospitality, and a deep devotion to serving others. Above all, Sara loved Jesus and was a devoted Christian whose vibrant faith guided every aspect of her life. She deeply loved scripture and was a dedicated member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and an active member of University Place Presbyterian Church (UPPC) for many years, anchoring her life in God's Word. In the 1980s, she and her husband Jim began the Logos program at UPPC.

In her career, Sara pursued her passion for nurturing others at Whitworth University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She worked at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Yakima as a Children’s Ministry Director. She later earned her master's degree in school counseling from Heritage University allowing her to serve for many years as a dedicated school counselor in Yakima, Washington.

Her passion for ministry and service extended far beyond her career. Sara was renowned for her incredible cooking and open-door hospitality, making everyone who sat at her table feel like family. She found immense joy in creating beautiful things. An avid seamstress and quilter, she loved quilting so much that her skills culminated in her becoming a published author of a quilting pattern book. She spent countless happy hours drawing, coloring, and painting, filling her days with color and capturing the beauty of God's creation.

Sara is survived by her loving children, Sara Lee Stewart O'Donnell, Aaron David Stewart, and Ross Edward Stewart; and her cherished grandchildren, James Caleb Stewart Hartsock, Luke David Stewart, Peter Samuel Stewart, Emmett Lee Stewart, Natalie Kate Stewart, Harrison James Stewart, Benjamin Aaron Stewart, MacIntyre Clay Stewart, and Scout Victoria Stewart. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, James David Stewart, and her cherished son, James Douglas Stewart. Her family takes great comfort in knowing she is reunited with them in heaven.

A celebration of Sara's life will be held at University Place Presbyterian Church, University Place Washington, on Friday, October 9th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to University Place and North Tacoma Young Life.