Cathy Maynard

With great sadness, we announce that Cathy died on July 13, 2026, at Pilgrims Hospice in Edmonton, with her children, Chris and Laura, by her side.

Born in Grande Prairie to Wilma and Jack Lozeron, Cathy lived in Edmonton for most of her life. The only girl among five brothers, and firmly in the middle of the birth order, she learned early how to hold her own.

Cathy was predeceased by her parents; her brother Dennis, who died in infancy; and her beloved husband and true soulmate, Spike Maynard.

She is survived by her son, Christopher Stewart, and his wife, Kelly; her daughter, Laura Stewart, and her partner, Spencer; her first husband, Robert Stewart; her five brothers; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; Spike’s family in Australia; and many dear friends and neighbours. Cathy shared an especially warm relationship with Kelly, who was also her colleague in the family business.

Cathy began her career as a nurse’s aide before spending many years in fashion retail at Holt Renfrew and Blu’s. She later worked in restaurant management before building Harvest Vintage Imports, the family’s wine-importing business, with Spike, eventually working alongside Chris and Kelly.

Exceptionally creative and artistic, Cathy sewed clothing and designed elaborate Halloween costumes, personally crafted jewelry, and, in recent years, took up pottery. She loved her classes and laughed when a piece emerged looking less like the instructor’s example and more like an entirely new, questionably artistic, creation. Her artistry extended to the beautiful home and garden she continually created and refined with love. She delighted in flowers and bold colours—with one steadfast exception: pink.

A gifted and generous hostess, Cathy prepared beautiful meals, served excellent wine, and set tables with elaborate centrepieces and attention to every detail. Christmas meant extensive baking, carefully chosen gifts, and over-the-top decorations. Cathy did not merely host a gathering; she considered the entire experience and curated it with intimate detail.

Giving gifts was one of Cathy’s clearest expressions of love. She delighted in finding just the right present for each person. Presentation mattered too, naturally.

Cathy had a particular affection for children, her own and those of friends and neighbours. She happily organized crafts, baking projects, and games, and had the rare gift of making children feel both entertained and important.

She loved a good book and read the obituaries religiously. She especially loved the ones that evoked humour and made room for personality.

Cathy faced cancer for 15 years, but she would not have wanted her life defined by her illness. She continued creating, entertaining, working, reading, decorating, and caring for those around her with her characteristic pragmatism and sense of humour intact.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. David Page and the team at the University of Alberta Hospital, and the compassionate staff and volunteers at Pilgrims Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cathy’s memory to the Pilgrims Hospice Society.

As published in the Edmonton Journal