Ethel Marie Stewart Foley

Ethel Marie Stewart Foley of Culver City, California, was born in Durham, NC to John Sylvester "Shag" Stewart and Otelia Janetta Spaulding on July 16, 1938 and transitioned to life Eternal August 2, 2011. She was dedicated to her family, friends and traveling the world. Ethel Marie attended Durham Public Schools and was a member of the Hillside High School Class of 1956. She attended Howard University and graduated from Tennessee State University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After graduation, Marie moved to Chicago, IL and was employed as a social worker for Cook County. In the mid 1960s, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she resided for the remainder of her life and became known simply as "Marie." She held employment positions with Northern Systems Company, Greater Los Angeles Urban Coalition and United Way of California before pursuing careers in real estate sales with Century-21 Beverlywood, Los Angeles and health care plan sales with United Health Care. Her spare time was devoted to sharing time with family and cruising with friends. She loved the fellowship of The Good Friends Social Club and working with the Homeowners Association at The Diplomat Condominium Complex where she resided. Blessed with a philanthropic spirit, Marie was generous with her time and treasures in support of many civic and charitable organizations. Marie is survived by a sister, Janetta Stewart Steele (Charles) and brother, James A. Stewart (Frances), Durham; cousins, Wauna Dooms, Jr. (Ann) of Virginia Beach, Va., Delano Stewart (Carolyn) and Frank Stewart (Carol), Tampa, Fla.; nephews Sean Steele, Durham and Justin Stewart (Dulche), Lithia, Fla.; a host of relatives, friends and longtime partner, Michael Clanton. She was cared for by wonderful friends, to whom the family is truly thankful. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marie's memory to the Triangle Community Foundation, 324 Blackwell Street, Suite 1220 Durham, NC 27701, or at www.trianglecf.org. Remembrance Celebrations of Marie's life will be held at The Diplomat Condominiums, Culver City, Calif., August 7, 4 to 6 p.m. and at The Radisson Governor's Inn, Research Triangle Park, NC, August 14, 4 to 6 p.m. The Family deeply appreciates the out-pouring of love, prayers for strength and tender attention to our needs during this time of bereavement. Email condolences to fisherfp@msn.com. Local arrangements by Fisher Funeral Parlor. Original Story: The Herald-Sun