Ethel S. (Fortes) Stewart, 73, of New Bedford passed away Tuesday December 13, 2022 after a brief illness. She was the wife of Johnny Stewart.
Born in East Freetown, she was the daughter of the late Henry C. and Julia (Canto) Fortes.
As a native of East Freetown, she graduated from Apponequet Regional High School where she played basketball and was a prominent part of organizing reunions. She was employed by WNBH/WCTK until her retirement.
She loved traveling with her husband including many trips to Foxwoods Casino as well as island vacations. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics and has been known to yell at the television in support of her team.
Survivors include her husband Johnny Stewart, daughters Sherry Pina, Kelly Burris and son-in-law Anthony Burris, and son Johnny Stewart, Jr. and his wife Rose Stewart. She is also survived by sister and brother-in-law Marianna and Paul Penha, sister and brother-in-law Carlotta and John Hillman, and her grandchildren Anthony, Sage, Jacquelyn, Kendall, Bryce, and Cienna. She also has two great-grandchildren Olivia and Jaxon. She was greatly loved and will be missed by all of her nieces, nephews, and entire family.
She was predeceased by her brother Henry C. Fortes, Jr.
Her funeral service will be held on Saturday December 17th at 2 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Visitation will be held in Saturday from 12-2 PM prior to the service. The family requests that all visitors wear masks. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.