JILL’S LIFE STORY Beautiful

Jill Stewart was an extraordinary person who lived her life fully and authentically. She believed in the power of education and the potential for people to become the best versions of themselves. A natural connector, Jill was a bright light who effortlessly and graciously opened her heart to others. We are all richer for her curiosity, passion, and fierce determination that made her a caring daughter, loving mother, loyal friend, dedicated teacher and devoted wife.

Jill Theresa Stewart was born at 10:35 a.m. on June 19, 1980, in Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, Bahamas.

Along with her brother Raymond and sister Sarah, she grew up on Richmond Avenue in a home filled with happiness and love. Days were filled with the sounds of splashing water and laughter as the three siblings spent hours on end in the family swimming pool.

She shared a bedroom with her sister and her impressive collection of Cabbage Patch dolls - so many, in fact, there was a specially built dollhouse in the back garden, where Jill could often be found with class in session for her dolls and neighbourhood friends.

Even as a young girl, Jill naturally understood that education leads to better. Learning about nutrition was the impetus she needed to switch from her childhood preference for Coco Krispies to a lifestyle of clean eating. Learning about opportunity was the reason she studied education at Florida International University, becoming a primary school teacher in her second home, Jamaica, and what later drove her to be one of the founders of Fairfield International Academy. Learning about fitness and well-being was the motivation she needed to take up running, a sport she so deeply loved, even encouraging her family, friends and community to join her.

A voracious reader, the more she learned about health and wellness, the more she shared, opening a Pilates and Yoga studio so that others could learn how to move through life healthier and happier. When she got sick, she courageously shared her journey to help protect others so they might learn from her experience.

Nothing made Jill happier than her family, which had its earliest beginnings in 1995 at St. Andrews School in Boca Raton, Florida, where she met the love of her life, Adam Stewart.

Adam and Jill shared an incredible love story spanning over 28 years, marrying on June 27, 2009, and welcoming three beautiful children, son Aston and daughters Sloane and Camden. This family was the centerpiece of Jill’s life, and she made time with them her priority, orchestrating family trips to her favourite places – Exuma Cays in The Bahamas and England, well in advance.

In all she did, Jill was present. She knew what was important, and she brought incredible self-discipline to filling her days and the days of those she loved with kindness, consideration and so much fun.

Jill Stewart created an enormous amount of love that will stay with us forever, and should Jill’s journey teach us anything, let it be to always look to the future with hope.

Thanksgiving Service for the Life of JILL STEWART at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Fort Street, Montego Bay on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Officiating Clergy

Most Rev. Burchell A. McPherson, DD

Bishop of Montego Bay

Most Rev. Kenneth Richards, DD, CD Archbishop of Kingston

Rt. Rev. Msgr Eremodo Muavesi

Vicar General & Rector of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral

Assisted by Priests & Deacons of the Diocese of Montego Bay

Rev. Deacon Baldwin Powell Homilist

Musicians

Cantors: Brittany Hart & Ramone Cox

Choir: KSA Catholic Choir

Musical Prelude: Viva La Vida by Coldplay

Tributes

Lana Rademaker, Lindsay Farrington & Shannon Bruce

Jaime Stewart, Lisa Lake & Sheila Pinto

Andre Minto

Adam Stewart

Video Tribute

Musical Tribute - Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

Sung by Ethan & Cameron Hart