February 1, 2006 (Updated February 15)

Quota Mourns Death of PIP Verna Stewart

Quota International regrets to announce the death of Past International President Verna Stewart on January 29, 2006. A dedicated Quotarian for 24 years, she was a member of QI of Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, and District 24, and she served as Quota International president from 1998 to 1999.

A vibrant woman, Verna made an immediate impression on all she met. She loved to travel and spend time chatting and was always game for an adventure, embracing Quota initiatives and programs with enthusiasm. Promoting Quota's Club-to-Club World Service Program was her lifelong passion. She believed strongly in its mission, and among her proudest accomplishments were serving as World Service chair and raising awareness of the good work Quotarians do through the program.

However, it was Verna's deep caring for others and her commitment to friends that forged the basis for her lifelong friendships worldwide and the enormous impact she made on Quota International, Inc. While filled with passion for life and for Quota, she frequently remarked that, more than anything, she valued the true and lasting friendships she had gained over the years.

Verna's presidential theme, "80 Years of Fellowship through Service," expressed her love for people and her deep commitment to service worldwide. When she ended her presidency at the Boston convention in 1999, her voice was barely audible as she reflected on the year, but no words were necessary to feel in the convention hall her spirit, enthusiasm, and love for Quota.

Quotarians around the world celebrate and fondly remember Verna’s life and commitment to Quota, which she expressed locally and globally in her words and actions. She could speak eloquently to promote Quota before a crowd, and could put on an apron to serve slices of watermelon at a local function with equal panache; both were quintessential Verna. Many have asked how they might honor Verna’s deep love of Quota service, and in response to this request, her family has recently granted permission for a Verna Stewart Memorial Fund to be set up in the We Share Foundation. If you wish to make a donation to this memorial fund, please make your check payable to the We Share Foundation and include a note that it is for the Verna Stewart memorial. Please send it to: Quota International, 1420 21st Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 or to Beris Pritchard at P.O.Box 205, Margate, Queensland 4019. Credit card donations will be accepted at Ingrid@quota.org and berisp@worldoptions.com.au. We will notify Verna’s family and club of your donation.

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