Obituary of Marie Helen Stewart

Marie Helen Stewart, 93, died Monday, November 15, 2010 at Cedar Oaks Care Center in South Plainfield. Born in Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Mary Curtin, she spent most of her life in the Plainfield area. She also resided in Edison. Marie began her career in real estate as an associate in a local realty office, eventually becoming a fully certified broker with the National Board of Realtors. She opened her own office in North Plainfield. She became the first woman president of the Board of Realtors of the Plainfield Area in the early 1970's and CEO of the Multiple Listing Association. Marie also served as a campaign chairperson for the United Way. She enjoyed needlepoint, reading, traveling, and cheering for the Yankees. Her brother, Thomas J. Curtin predeceased her in 2002. Surviving are her daughter, Frances for whom Marie, as an advocate for special needs citizens, showed unceasing love and dedication; her two nephews, Thomas Curtin and his wife, Sharon and their three children, Bryan, Katie and Gregory and Ron Curtin and his wife, Maureen and their daughter, Lauren. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2010 from 8:30 - 9:30 am at the Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, followed by a 10 am Mass of Resurrection at The Shrine of St. Joseph, Stirling and services at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, Basking Ridge. To send condolences, please visit www.higginsfuneralhome.com.