Marjabelle Y. Stewart, 82, White-Gloved Author, Dies - New York TimesBack in 1988, I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Stewart when I was president of the MBA Senate at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.
One of the most popular events the group organized was a unique seminar on proper dining etiquette for business people presented by Mrs. Stewart to a group of MBA students and professors. It was an interactive dining experience, presented using the multiple courses of a gourmet dinner as the backdrop, held in the elegant atmosphere of the old Davenport Club atop the Blackhawk Hotel.
During the multiple course dinner, Mrs. Stewart visited with the people at each table, gently coaching us on how to avoid blunders at the dining table, eliciting laughter with comments that kept the material from being too stuffy. A true lady, Mrs. Stewart diplomatically advised when she noticed small gaffes and complimented when she noticed examples of good manners.
Her passion for preserving civility and for helping others learn to navigate the "social minefield" of the universe with grace and charm will be missed.
