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.
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