Polly Ann Stewart passed away Saturday, January 2, 2021 surrounded by her family. She was born in Coatesville, PA on June 19, 1955 to Theodore R. Houck and Eleanor Cazillo Houck. Mom was a graduate of Pequea Valley High School and Reading Hospital School of Nursing. In 1977, she married George Albert Stewart III at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church in Parkesburg, PA. The couple moved to the Birmingham area in 1981, where they lived happily the rest of her life.

Mom was a devoted wife, a caring mother, a doting grandmother, a loving friend, and a cherished soul. As a registered nurse, she worked in a number of different fields including pediatrics at Lancaster Osteopathic Hospital, family medicine in Shelby County, and childbirth and lactation instruction.

A faithful Catholic, Polly was active in her parish, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. She served in many roles there including Eucharistic Minister, Parish Council Member, and Wedding Coordinator. She was passionate about religious education for children and adults as she taught a number of classes at the church and was a great supporter of Catholic schools. She was also involved in Engaged Encounter and the Birmingham Cursillo movement.

In 1998, Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She underwent a number of surgeries over the years as she battled the disease with persistence and strength. Mom's physical and verbal capabilities were degraded but Parkinson's could not dim the light that shined within her that touched her family and so many friends throughout her life.   

Her greatest legacy is the family she raised with her loving husband, George. She is survived by five sons: Neil and his wife Shanna of Overland Park, KS; Mark and his wife Kate of Charlotte, NC; Patrick of Jacksonville, FL; Gregory and his wife Claire of Athens, AL; and Kevin of Hoover, AL; as well as four grandchildren: Thomas and Eleanor (Neil), William (Mark), and Theodore (Gregory). Additionally, she is survived by her siblings Theodore Houck Jr., Dennis Houck, and Jane Frey. She is preceded in death by her brother Michael Houck and both her parents.

Visitation and Rosary are scheduled at 6:00 PM on Thursday, January 7th with Funeral Mass to follow on Friday, January 8th at 10:00 AM, both at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.

Please consider a donation to APDA in her memory to fund the research required to find a cure for this brutal disease.