Bobbie Stewart

Bobbie Stewart, born Barbara Joan Senior in 1933, died December 24, 2017 following a sudden diagnosis of gallbladder cancer only 6 weeks ago. Recognized in 2007 as Hospice of Lancaster County’s “Spirit of Hospice,” she indeed paid it forward. Offering more than 3,000 hours of comfort since 2001 to patients and families at end of life, she chose to guide her own passing at home with the care of daughters, Tracy Stabler and Wendy Phillips. Born in Mount Lebanon, PA, she was raised in Canonsburg, graduated Cum Laude with a chemistry degree from now Chatham University, and was applying to medical school when she met her husband-to-be, the late Harry M. Stewart, DDS. After moving to Lancaster in 1957, she still pursued her medical avocation while raising 3 children. Bobbie volunteered for 11 years in the Lancaster General ICU, 8 with the Manheim Township Ambulance Association, 5 with the Emergency Medical Council, and 9 with the Emergency Health Services Council of South Central PA. Bobbie was a CPR instructor for both the American Red Cross and American Heart Association, and finally, a 1981 graduate of St Joseph’s Paramedic Institute. She was a paid paramedic for Community Hospital, Lancaster General, St Joseph’s Hospital, and retired in 2001 as the oldest practicing paramedic in the state, from LEMSA. Bobbie was a board member for the Volunteer Services Bureau and LEMSA, a Junior League Sustainer, avid bridge player, and quite proudly, always covered in dog hair. In Great Danes and yellow Labs, she found true unquestioning love and friendship, most recently in her 80th birthday puppy gift to herself, now 5-year-old companion Koda. Neighbors and Manheim Township Dog Park cohorts knew her to be loyal to 3 walks a day, no matter the weather. In so many ways, The Healer, she was passionate about the Native American Spirit, but could also be found in prayer at Highland Presbyterian Church, the Unitarian Church, in the woods and on a beach. Bobbie knit prayer shawls and was able to feel a spiritual connection with all things living, particularly birds, wolves, horses and trees. Though a late-comer to yoga and knowledge of the chakras, she sought to embody Namaste. Mimi, as they know her, is survived by her grandchildren: Grant and Reid Phillips, Emily Keough, and Marcy and Nathan Eichner. She held dear her sons-in-law: Ken Phillips and David Stabler, also Sean Keough, Bridget Phillips and Jenna Martin. She was preceded in death by her son, King. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Bobbie’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Friday, December 29, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at The Groffs Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 528 W. Orange Street (corner of W. Orange & Pine Sts.) Lancaster, PA 17603. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until time of service. Bobbie specifically requested no flowers please, but do remember her when you hear wind chimes or see a simple pink rosebud. You may bring a donation of dog food to her memorial that will be collected and given to an animal shelter. Please omit flowers. She also requested any monetary gifts be directed to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or Lancaster EMS, 100 East Charlotte Street, Millersville, PA 17551 Attn: Ryan Greiner that will further her legacy.