Obituary of Maureen Catherine Stewart

It is with profound sorrow that I announce the untimely passing of Maureen Catherine Stewart (born Gallagher) from ovarian cancer on June 30, 2023 at age 72.  

Born in Rouen, Quebec, Maureen spent most of her life in Ottawa. Her exceptional intelligence, quick wit and natural abilities were evident from an early age. She attended the advanced academic program at Broadview Public School, went to Champlain High School, studied at the University of the West Indies (Barbados) and graduated with distinction from Carleton University. Her abilities allowed her to rise through the ranks of the federal Public Service of Canada culminating, on her retirement, at the senior director level. In recognition of her notable achievements there she was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for public service in 2002.

After retirement in 2005, she and her husband Jim spent fifteen winters in the warmth of the Florida sun at the Herons Glen Golf and Country Club. It was there that she joined the community’s amateur theatre and had enormous fun both onstage and off.  She loved to cook and to entertain family and friends, especially in the beautiful garden she and Jim created. To indulge in her deep curiosity about the world she and Jim travelled extensively, making friends abroad and savouring the cultures, history and cuisine across the UK, Europe, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Galapagos, Peru and the South Pacific.

Her greatest joy was her family. She and Jim would have celebrated their 50th anniversary in September. She was delighted that her son David had found his own happiness with Jessica Caron. Maureen is survived by her mother, Thelma Williams (Holmes), her brother Brian Gallagher and his wife Judy, nieces Debbie, Terri, Lindsay and Tiffany and nephew Liam.

Maureen’s optimistic determination, despite a clear-eyed grasp of reality, were deep-seated features of her personality. They were best exemplified by her humbling stoicism in the face of an incurable disease. We will miss her deep insights, her enthusiastic enjoyment of life but above all her warm friendship.

A funeral will be held at Pinecrest Cemetery (2500 Baseline Rd.) to commemorate her life and achievements beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 22. It will be followed by a Celebration of Life ceremony and a reception.

Live streaming of the celebration will be available on request to me and will remain available on the Pinecrest Cemetery website for 3 months after. Please click HERE