Valerie Chesley Stewart

Valerie Chesley Keller Stewart, 82, of Stuart, FL and Huntington NY passed away July 29, 2022. Beloved wife of Anthony Stewart of 60 years. Valerie was born on May 19, 1940 in Jamaica, NY to the late Frank and Ruby Keller. She graduated (with honors in art) from Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Syosset, NY, in 1958. She attended Notre Dame College, Baltimore, MD while working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts before transferring to Parsons School of Design. Later in life, she studied interior design at C.W. Post College, Brookville, NY. Valerie was a talented tap and ballet dancer. She worked alongside her sister Regina Keller Collins who founded the Lincoln School of Ballet, Syosset, NY. Together they created, taught and choreographed themed ballet shows, complete with story lines and original costumes. Valerie’s main passion was as an artist, working in a professional and free-lance capacity. Her love for art included pastel, oil and watercolor mediums. Her artwork was prolific. She enjoyed floral, still life and family portraits, and was often hired for commissions. Early in her career, Valerie worked as a graphic artist at the Art Department of Lever Brothers in New York City. Later, she channeled her interests into part-time work at the Capezio dance store and the Caboose art store, both in Huntington, NY. Valerie used her skills in interior design to renovate their house in Lloyd Harbor, she and Anthony re-constructed the entire house over 25 years. Her most cherished times, were spent with her family and friends. Valerie would take up any hobby or sport to be connected to friends; and then excel at it. Valerie was a frequent card player, enjoying many evenings with her extended family playing Canasta or Hand and Foot, her favorites. She taught her friends how to play MahJong. Later in life, she organized bridge groups who met regularly over the years. A proficient golfer, she proudly wore her “hole in one” necklace. She also enjoyed quiet time and was an avid reader, regularly recommending titles and swapping books. She was a habitual NY Times crossword player. She answered trivia and Jeopardy faster than any contestant and loved a solitary late evening jigsaw puzzle. A beautiful, loving mother to her four children, Valerie could be found at dance recitals and lacrosse games, cheering in the football stands, going on ski trips, helping out with little league, and traveling to college sports and graduations. She always prioritized her children and was supportive and caring. In her later years, she relished her role as “Nana” to her many grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her four children: Christina Farrell (Paul Farrell) of Greenport, NY; Keith Stewart of Las Vegas, NV; Damon Stewart (Kendra Davis) of Lloyd Harbor, NY; Pamela Stewart (Etienne Sauret) of New York, NY as well as her six grandchildren: Ryan Farrell; Shane Farrell; Morgan Farrell (Alex Wallach); Connor Stewart; Sarah Stewart; Caleb Stewart. She had been happily anticipating the arrival of her great-grandchild, August William Wallach, born August 1, 2022 and named after her grandfather. She is survived by her siblings: Bruce Keller (Debra Phillips), Regina Collins (late Dr. James Collins) and is pre-deceased by her brother Randall Keller (Kristina Zinn). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Art League of Long Island; Cinema Arts Centre, Huntington, NY; and United Cerebral Palsy. Cinema Arts https://cinemaartscentre.org/get-involved/donate/ Art League of Long Island https://artleagueli.org/ United Cerebral Palsy https://ucp.org/ways-to-donate/

Valerie Chesley Stewart

May 19, 1940 - July 29, 2022