STEWART _ Margaret Elizabeth (nee Ratzlaff) passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at the age of 70. She is remembered by her darling daughters: Nancy Hudyma (Michael) of Calgary and Sandra Stewart (Martin Rosdal) of Kelowna; four grandchildren: Christopher Hudyma (Ashley), Steven Hudyma (Kori Fewer), Alex Hudyma and David Hudyma; one great-grandson G.G. just adored Evan Hudyma; sister Dorothy Braun of Spruce Grove, AB; nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Margaret's family that have gone before her, but are not forgotten, are her parents: Ike and Helen Ratzlaff; sisters: Mary-Lou Reimer, Lillian Ratzlaff, Patricia Ducen and Ruth Ratzlaff. Margaret always had an adventurous spirit and a thirst for knowledge. She believed travel was the best education and she educated herself well. Graduating from the Canadian Nazarene College in Red Deer, AB in 1953, at age 17, Margaret began her journey through life with various jobs in banking, a Stock Brokerage House, and real estate when she became interested in the accounting field. After marrying Joe Stewart in 1956, they moved back to Calgary in 1957, where they raised their family for the next 23 years. During this time Margaret worked in the oil and gas industry, traveling to Alaska on business, went to U of C to receive her C.G.A., built 17 houses in Airdrie, for which she received an award, all the while spending time with her family and friends. In 1980, Margaret moved to Kelowna, working in the hospitality industry where she enjoyed meeting people from all over the world. Her next move took her to Vancouver in 1988, where she worked as a controller for three jewelry stores. Moving on in the early 1990's to work for an entrepreneur involved in hotels, property rentals and eventually gold exploration, the company grew and Margaret moved into the treasury department. One of the highlights of this job was the opportunity to travel to New York to the Comex Gold Dinner. Shortly after, the company decided to open a branch office in Barbados, Margaret always on the ready for the next adventure, requested a transfer, and another dream of hers came true. Retiring in 2001, she divided her time between Kelowna and points south, Palm Springs then Mesa, getting involved in the Diabetes Association and starting a water aerobics class at the Mesa complex. It was there where she meet Gene, friend, companion and fellow traveler. Margaret loved to entertain, cook and teach everyone how to play her favorite card game, canasta. Margaret was an avid reader, liked playing golf, going to the beach and traveling. Margaret's travels gained her a world of friends she treasured, she adored her children and grandchildren, she will be missed. Although Margaret is gone, her laugh will always be heard and her hugs will always be felt. A Celebration of Margaret's life will be held on Sunday, August 20th at 2:00 pm at the St. Charles Garnier Parish Hall, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Okanagan Hospice Association, #202-1456 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2E6. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com Arrangements by SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME LTD. 250-860-7077.