Carolyn Joyce (Gelb) Stewart

March 03, 1942 - October 01, 2017

Carolyn Joyce (Gelb) Stewart Obituary (Age 75) Carolyn was born in Spokane at Deaconess Hospital on March 3, 1942 to parents Irving and Julia Gelb of Spokane. She attended Wilson Grade School in Spokane and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1960. She then attended the University of Washington for two years, returned to Spokane and graduated with her teaching degree in 1964 from Eastern Washington College. In 1964 upon graduation from college she married her husband of 53 years, Tom Stewart of Spokane. In the fall of 1964 she began her teaching career with Central Valley School District teaching first grade at the Opportunity Elementary School located at Sprague and Bowdish in Spokane Valley. Carolyn taught at Opportunity Elementary for 3 years until her children were born, first Carl in 1967 and then Glenn in 1969. She stayed home raising her children until they started school. She then began teaching preschool again for a few years before opening her own school, Kreative Kindergarten in 1980 at the corner of Broadway and Farr in Spokane Valley. She retired and sold her school in 1998 leaving a lifelong legacy of preparing children for their academic journey of education. In retirement she has enjoyed living on the waterfront at Liberty Lake, enjoying her family, playing bridge with her friends, and especially being the best grandma ever to her 3 grandsons Parker, Miles, and Alex. Carolyns husband of 53 years Tom Stewart is President of Frank Gurney, Inc. a highway construction firm started by his stepfather Frank Gurney in 1959. Tom is a licensed Civil Engineer having graduated from Gonzaga University in 1964.Tom along with sons Carl and Glenn run the family business in Spokane Valley together. Sons Carl and Glenn with wives Katy and Debra respectively live also at Liberty Lake. Carolyn has a sister Nancy Dickstein of Fort Meyers Florida and her brother David Gelb of Wenatchee Washington. Carolyn was devoted to her loving family, many treasured friends, and all animals. Her family is truly thankful to all the medical staff of Cancer Care Northwest and Hospice of Spokane, gentle caregivers, and the Liberty Lake community for their kindness and generosity throughout her journey. The Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, October 8th at 11:00am at the Heritage Chapel, with a graveside service and reception to follow. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to either Temple Beth Shalom, 1322 East 30th Spokane, WA. or SCRAPS of Spokane, WA.