Obituary of Amanda Stewart

Amanda L. Stewart, 23, of Howell, died Thursday, March 26, 2009, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, after a brief illness. Miss Stewart was born in East Stroudsburg, Pa. and had lived in Mt. Pocono before moving to Howell 19 years ago. She was a visual merchandiser for Macy's, Freehold for three years. Miss Stewart was a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, Class of 2006. She graduated from Freehold Township High School, Class of 2004. While in high school, she was a member of the Fashion Club, Choir and Soft Ball Team. She was a former Girl Scout and the recipient of the Gold Award and the Ocean Ski Club. She loved life and was a creative and happy person. Surviving are her parents, Peter and Kathleen Optiz Stewart of Howell; a brother whom she cherished, Sean Stewart of Howell; her maternal grandparents, Donald M. and Marylou Opitz of Hazlet; her paternal grandparents, James J. and Florence Stewart of Manahawkin; her fiancé and his family, Keith Ludwig and the Ludwig Family of Howell; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her faithful canine companions, Brooke and Gibbs. Visiting hours will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29 at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Veronica Catholic Church, 4215 Route 9 North, Howell. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Amanda may be made to either the Jersey Shore Animal Center, 185 Brick Blvd., Brick, NJ 08723, or to Rescue Ridge, P.O. Box 223, Spring Lake, NJ 07726, and would be appreciated. For directions, information, or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.