Memorial Website for Barbara Stewart, 1948 - 2009
Memorial Website for Barbara Stewart, 1948 - 2009 | |
| Autism |
Many of us will remember Barbara Stewart, who passed away this week, for her blonde hair and ready laugh. Barbara was small in stature, but she had a huge impact on the Autism community on the local, provincial and even national level.
Barbara became involved in the Edmonton Autism Society, as it was called then, in the early 1980's, a few years after her oldest son Bryce was diagnosed with autism.
Over the next 20 years, Barbara dedicated her volunteer time to the Autism Society. She was on the Board for about 15 years in many roles including president. Barbara was instrumental in reviving and re-establishing the Autism Society of Alberta in the early 1990's. She knew how critical it would be to have a Provincial voice for children and adults with autism.
Barbara gained reputation for being informed; she was always clear on key points, critical issues affecting people with autism relative to the educational/social/political situation at the time. Because of her knowledge base and her wonderful advocacy skills, she was often invited/nominated to sit on focus groups, task forces, and working groups with various levels of government to represent the Autism Society and parents/families of individuals with autism.
She worked with determination and incredible persistence to improve education and services for children and adults with autism. She worked on a number of task forces, including one that focused on the needs of adults with autism, that eventually lead to the "Protection of Person's in Care" Act.
Barbara's had a certain style of advocacy that she used to the advantage of the autism community - she had a combination of a sharp and focused intelligence and a lovely warmth and gracious personality. Barbara's husband, Dr. Neil Roberts, describes her style of advocacy as "firm, persistent, gentle, persuasive" and I would add to that - effective. When I think of Barbara, I think not only of what she did, but how she did it - with style, flair and a generosity of spirit that inspired others to get involved.
When I remember Barbara I also think of one of the things she said many times "We need to do something about this issue, because if we don't advocate for our children, who will?"
We will miss you Barbara.
With great appreciation,
Anita Ferri
Click on the names below to view the text of the tributes:
| My earliest memories of Barb are from the wry beginnings of the Autism Society years ago when a small group of us used to meet in a attic room above a real estate office in an old house near the Low Level Bridge to organize a support group for parents of children with autism. Next to nothing was known about autism at that time - even by parents - and even less by the professionals they were dealing with ona daily basis. Barb essentially led this little group with her trademark enthusiasm and of course we all know the results all these many years later with an organization that provides education and advocacy for both parents and professionals. In subsequent years, we were part of an ever-increasing group that organized garage sales (several of which were at her hom on Connaught Drive) bingos, casinos and other fund-raisers, right up to the Autism Galas of today. On a personal level, Barb was sucha tremendous help to me when I was seeking group funding for my son Scott. During the two years I had to fight for it, I met with Barb on several occasions and she gave me the benifit of her knownloedge of all the various criteria, regulations, etc. which helped me eventually succeed - only because she helped me find my way through all the red tape. Sadly - for a variety of reasons - Barb was never able to obtain the same funding for her own son, despite many efforts over several years. Barb was always so proud of her boys and their accomplishments, and spoke of them each time we met. |
| I first met Barbara soon after my son was diagnosed with autism. It was a relief to find a warm, well-informed parent who was going through some of the same challenges as I as. Barbara demonstrated through her actions the best way to cope with a set-back such as this heart-breaking diagnosis for one's child. Like Barbara, I had three sons at that time, my oldest son the one with this puzzling, lifelong disability. I was grieving terribly and Barbara became one of the really important people in my life, a pillar of strength to lean on for many years. Barbara challenged me and other parents to get involved, speak up for our children, write letters, attend meetings, join a disabilities organization, raise public awareness, raise funds particularly for the Autism Society and connect with influential government and political leaders. Barbara was an intelligent, determined advocate for people with disabilities and I always valued her advice and guidance. She was one of my most influential mentors in the Autism Society. Barbara could always be counted on to attend important meetings and events, even after she was no longer on the Board. Barbara also "put her money where her mouth was", generously donating to fund raising efforts, hosting dinner parties to raise funds, buying memberships and attending conferences. She also put a lot of her time and energy into coordinating events. I will always remember Barbara and her sons setting up and helping at the Autism Christmas party. Even after surgery for breast cancer, Barbara was carrying supplies from her vehicle into the Glenrose Hospital for a presentation on autism research by medical experts. Barbara did so much for the Autism Society and for many parents, like Jeff and me. Barbara was also one of my favourite people to be around for her warmth, generosity, sense of humour, intelligence and passion. I have such fond memories of dinners at Barbara's home. Barbara loved having people over and those dinner parties with the Catlans, Ferris, Humbermans, Settles and us were so much fun and the food was great. It was such a relief to be able to laugh as Irwin told the latest stories about John. |
| A message to Barbara's sons:
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| We are privileged to have known Barbara Stewart. Unfortunately her direct involvement with the society had concluded prior to my involvement with the board. Nevertheless, I appreciated that she was a mover and shaker, a trail blazer that got the society started. I always viewed her as a voice of gentle wisdom and greatly appreciated her learned opinions. In the last few years one could also learn from her enthusiasm and efforts to live life to the fullest. I remember how excited she was to head off on a cruise with her sister where she would connect with her son (a musician on the ship). When I think of Barbara I am reminded to "seize the moment". What a loss for her family and the community. I hope her family will know how much we in the autism community have benefited from her contributions over the years. |
| Barbara was a neighbour, and by chance, we had sons with autism. I joined the Autism Society because of Barbara. She was brilliant in encouraging participation, identifying a need, consolidating its message so anyone could understand the significance and then carry on to champion the cause. I last saw Barbara about a year ago, and she encouraged me to work towards alternative housing options for those who live with autism, and who will require a longer vision of care. Her quick wit and encouragement will inspire me for many years to come, and her strength of character will be missed for many years to come. |