Mary Lothaire Stewart, 95, of Vadnais Heights passed away on January 20, 2017 at Vintage Moments Residential Home, Vadnais Heights, MN.

Mary Lothaire was born in Jan. of 1921 in Duluth, Minnesota to Lyla (O'Rourke) and Archibald McDowell.

Graduating from the College of St. Scholastic, Lothaire continued her education at the University of Minnesota before going to work in the Pentagon during World War II.  Heading west on Route 66 with Auntie Kate, she took her turn driving a floor mounted stick shift on the way to California. Here, she worked in the post war period for Women's Wear Daily and had her new stories at times "picked-up" by the national press services.

Coming home to Duluth, Lothaire married Irwin Hotch Stewart in 1949, who preceded her in death in 1993. Happily, they raised four great sons, before she taught at the West Fargo public schools for eight years.  In addition to a lifetime of studies, she was involved passionately with the Farmer/Labor Party, League of Women's Voters, PTA and so much of life. Retiring to Sun City, Arizona, Lothaire and Hotch traveled to Europe, and coast to coast visiting friends and grandchildren. Returning to Minnesota in recent years, Lothaire volunteered on senior publications and enjoyed her painting and family.

Lothaire was also preceded in death by her brother Captain Robert F. McDowell, sister Helen Bolles and her friend and son Dale's companion Judy Delaney.

Lothaire is survived by sons Stephen (Cheryl), Peter (Victoria), Dale (Sue) and Roderick (Mary Jo); six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; sister Gerri (Bob) Gustafson; three nephews and a niece; and so many others, for those who crossed paths with Lothaire and Hotch loved them dearly for their fun and humanity.

Roderick and Dale would like to send a sincere special thanks to her caregivers at Vintage Moments Residential Home for Memory Care. There is no public service at this time, and the family asks that in lieu of cards and flowers, make a donation to those in need of healthcare.