It is with shattered hearts that we announce the passing of Cynthia Stewart on December 19, 2025, at the young age of 61.
Cynthia will forever be missed by her three sons Max, Alan (Lisa), and Eric (Daniel); her extended family and countless friends. She is predeceased by her husband Peter, her sister Susan, and her parents Larry and Shirley McDowall.
A celebration of Cynthia’s life will take place on Sunday, January 18th, 2026 at 1:00pm in the Sacred Space of Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa. Following the service friends are invited to a time of reception.
Cynthia bravely accepted a heart transplant in hopes of living her life to the fullest again. As she did with everything in life, she approached this new heart full of optimism and unwavering strength. Unfortunately, post-surgery complications took her from us far too soon. While her heart caused her challenges for many years, she never let it lessen her spirit.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood or making a donation in Cynthia’s memory to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Digital Guestbook
Pam Hodgson
Vern, Jasmine, Laurel and Ketan
The world has lost a “one of a kind” in Cynthia. We have never met a person who approached her illness with such positivity and optimism in everything she did. Never let it dictate to her - always looking to be in charge of it (and so many things in her life). We and all her friends on Danford Lake have lost a very special person. We know that she and Peter will always be watching over their boys and all of us. Both are loved and will be forever missed.
Judy Kuss
Always so positive - up for a challenge. Willing to lend a hand. I will miss our frequent conversations. Rest in peace my friend,
Georgina Montgomery
On behalf of my family--particularly my mother, Shirley Montgomery, who was Cynthia's godmother--I extend my sincere condolences to all of Cynthia's family and friends. I'm sorry I never got to know her well, though we had a wonderful phone chat a couple of years ago when she was trying to track down my mother. Our family met the McDowells when they had a cottage at Lac Echo in Morin Heights, north of Montreal. Cynthia's sister (Susan) and I were the same age and commiserated throughout the spring and summer of 1964 over both having pregnant mothers, the two Shirleys. My (third) brother, Jamieson, was born in June, then Cynthia in September. After the McDowells sold the cottage and life moved on, we all mostly lost touch with them, especially after my parents moved to the West Coast. My mother, however, continued to have a lovely if distant relationship with Cynthia, and I know valued receiving updates and photos of her, Peter and the boys--right up until my mother moved into care 10 years ago. I don't get to Ottawa as often as I once did with work, but since reconnecting with Cynthia by phone and IG, I was keen to see her on my next visit. I greatly regret it wasn't sooner so that I, like everyone who did have her in their lives, could also have gotten to know her and her great spirit.
James Hotte, Paulette St-Jacques
My condolences to Max, Allan and Eric. Your mom will be greatly missed.
Wendy Gregersen
We are truly heartbroken with the loss of my long lost niece Cynthia. As life divided us most of her life, we were reunited recently, to my everlasting joy. As others have said, She was beautiful in all ways.... her spirit, courage, talents, and a true leader. When our lives were brought together with the death of her father (Lawrence), we had the opportunity finally to catch up on many topics and events. We were always excited to speak and share, and had hoped we could get together when her new heart arrived. Her sons are amazing young men, raised well by their Mom. We send to them and all of the Stewart family and friends, our prayers and deepest sympathy. Thank you for keeping us in touch here in California.
Anne-Chantal Soucie
Condolences from the Soucie-Sigouin family.
Duncan Ball
In December when I learned from Cynthia that she had been called by her doctors and was going to receive a heart transplant within hours, I was extremely excited for her and her family. I am sure she must have been apprehensive and scared, but in typical Cynthia style she was optimistic and grateful for the opportunity. She was brave. I was heart broken to learn that she passed away in the early hours of the morning on December 19. I send my love and condolences to Max, Allan and Eric and their families and friends. I first met Cynthia when we were teenagers at Valdurn in Quebec. My parents were very good friends with Cynthia's mom, Shirley, and our families were close. I left Quebec in 1983 and while I did not see Cynthia very much over the years because of distance, she did a great job of keeping the friendship alive and always had a special place in my heart. She always remembered birthdays and kept me updated on the news about Peter and boys. She was always so proud of Peter, Max, Allan and Eric and their accomplishments. She was heartbroken when Peter passed away, but with a heavy heart she pushed on and was positive. She did an incredible job as a mom and I know she will be greatly missed by those who knew her. Sending my condolence on behalf of the entire Ball family including my siblings Susan, David and Ginny.
I am deeply saddened by Cynthia"s death. She was so looking forward to the transplant enabling her to live a fuller life. Her undying spirit & love of life allowed her to be the wonderful, creative, loving person that she was.
Max. Alan & Eric, she was so proud of the men you had become. After Peter's death, you were her life. It is my belief that she is now reunited with her soulmate Peter & her Mom Shirley.
May she rest in peace and may her spirit never be forgotten.
Pam Hodgson