Margaret “Maggie” Stewart died on July 21, 2021, at Inova Loudoun Hospital following a fall in her home in Ashburn, Virginia. She was born Margaret Koontz in Washington, D.C., graduated from George Mason High School in 1955, and married at 19.

Maggie showed artistic promise early, beginning to paint as a teenager. As a Navy wife, she traveled the world, including Japan and Guam, and attended art school whenever possible. Because of her frequent moves, it took her 12 years to complete her studies, and she graduated with a BFA in painting from Jacksonville University in 1969. She earned her teaching certification from George Mason University and began her career as an art teacher.

Her first teaching position was at Chantilly High School. She later taught at middle and elementary schools throughout Fairfax County until her retirement. Maggie was one of the first artists to have a studio at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a repurposed munitions plant in Alexandria, Virginia. She moved into the rebuilt facility in 1983 with the printmaking group Mezzanine Multiples. She also maintained a studio at the Reston Art Gallery.

Her first marriage ended in divorce. In 1980, she married Bill Stewart, a Fairfax County middle school principal. Maggie’s daughter once gave her a sweatshirt that read, “Runs with scissors,” while Bill’s read, “Plays well with others.” It was a perfect snapshot of their personalities and how, together, they just worked.

After both retired, they lived in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and in Florida before returning to Northern Virginia to be closer to family.

Maggie was a prolific and gifted artist who always maintained a studio in her home. She spent countless hours creating paintings, prints, and ceramics—even into her 80s, despite being disabled by rheumatoid arthritis. Her love language was gifting her artwork, and many family members and friends have homes filled with her art because of her generosity.

Maggie is survived by her husband of 40 years, Bill Stewart (who passed on 12/29/25); her son, Dr. Douglas Brown; her daughter, Rue Brown; her adopted son, Brien Stewart; her grandchildren, Rachel Brown, Adrienne Brown, Eden Brown, Megen Stewart, and Dylen Stewart; her four great-grandchildren, Léon, Lou, Nora, and Patrick; her twin brother, Bob Koontz; and her nephews, Ken and Steve Koontz.

Maggie’s life was defined by creativity and curiosity. She leaves behind a legacy of beauty—not only in the art she created, but in the many lives she touched with her generosity, infectious laugh, and humor. She will be deeply missed.

A memorial was held on September 2021 at the Reston Art Gallery. Apologies to anyone who wasn’t informed. If you would like to honor Maggie’s memory, please consider donating to one of the charities she supported: Planned Parenthood and the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida.

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