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Catherine McKay Howard

This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.

Catherine McKay Howard

July 3, 1964 - May 30, 2026

Catherine (Cathy) McKay Howard
aka GranC
July 3, 1964- May 30, 2026

"What do we do when our hearts hurt?" said the boy.
"We wrap them in love, with friendship, shared tears, and time, till they wake hopeful and happy again"

A celebration of Cathy will take place later this summer. Date & time tbd.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cathy’s memory may be made to the NHH Palliative Care Unit or to Ed’s House – Northumberland Hospice Care Centre."

Message Of Condolence

Note: Your message of condolence will appear at the bottom of the page.
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MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE / DONATIONS

Jill Jeffery - June 6, 2026

My deepest condolences to Barbara and to all of Cathy's friends and family on the news of her passing. I still can't believe it! Cathy was a bright light, and was taken so suddenly, and way too soon. I will miss her smile and easy laugh, and the conversations, deep and light, which we shared every summer in Niagara on the Lake, along with my husband, Steve, and his cousin, Barbara. We truly lived for those moments and the warm relationship we had developed with Cathy and Barbara. Cathy will be sooooo missed. I am heartbroken, but my prayers are extended for peace and comfort to all who mourn her. She was a blessing to all.

Steve Levy and Jill Jeffery - June 6, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Ruth and Amy - June 5, 2026

To our dear friend Barb, we just want you to know how much you are in our thoughts. We just loved the time we spent with you and Cathy and the profound impact Cathy had on us. Cathy's humour was a gift to us. Her compassion, dedication to not only her family but to the dozens of lives that she touched and changed through her work will live on. We will miss her profoundly. A donation has been made in Cathy's memory to Ed's House.

Joanna and Stewart Hamilton - June 5, 2026

Dearest Barb, We are so sad to hear this news. Cathy will be remembered for her love and compassion. She was a truly special person. We are holding you, and the family, so close in our hearts at this time. Sending much love to you to help wrap your heart up. With deepest sympathy. Love, Jo and Stew

Rosemary Brander - June 5, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Rosemary Arnold Brander - June 4, 2026

Dear Barb, Judy and Johanna, Your hearts must all hurt terribly. I hope friendship can ease the pain even a tiny bit. Cathy helped so many others. Deepest condolences to all. Rosemary and Mike

Elaine and Howie - June 4, 2026

Dear Barbara I just saw this notice and want to send you our deepest sympathies on your loss!Though we haven’t seen each other in years I remember what a special person she was and how devoted you were to each other! Thinking of you ! Elaine and Howie

Sarah Arnold - June 4, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital - Palliative Care Unit

Sarah Arnold - June 4, 2026

I am so saddened by the news of Cathy’s passing; she was too young and it happened way too soon. My deepest sympathy Barb, Judy, Johanna and all the family.

Nadine Anderson - June 4, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Nadine Anderson - June 4, 2026

So sad to hear of Cathy's passing. A beautiful woman, with a kind heart, a positive outlook and a wonderful laugh. Deepest condolences to Barb and all the family. Love Nadine

Jacqueline French - June 4, 2026

A friendship rekindled after so many years -now treasured memories of the time we laughed and shared our stories once again. Cathy you will be truly missed. To Barb and Cathy’s family, my condolences on your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and I can only hope that your memories are giving you strength at this time. Deepest sympathies.

Jef and Beverlee Melamed - June 3, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Beverlee Melamed - June 3, 2026

Barbara, you are in my heart as I feel such deep sadness for you and Cathy’s family. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. Cathy was loved, she gave love; and she will be remembered always. Love always, Beverlee

Rhonda Perry - June 3, 2026

Sending our sympathies.

James Anderson - June 3, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

May And Andy Anderson - June 3, 2026

We have known Cathy since she was a small child. She visited with us late April to play our monthly game of cribbage and seemed so vibrant and happy. We were shocked to find that the cancer was winning the battle. We will always remember her positive outlook on life. Our condolences to her family. May and Andy Anderson

Brigitt Degeus - June 3, 2026

When I received the message of Cathy's passing, my heart truly sank. I was in shock and disbelief. I've known Cathy for so many years, and its hard to imagine a world without her. She will always be remembered by me as a gentle, kind and giving soul. My thoughts and prayers are with Cathy's family during this difficult time. Barb, my heart goes out to you. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I hope you are held up by the love of those around you. I can't begin to imagine the loss you are feeling, but please know that I am thinking of you and keeping you close in my prayers. Brigitt.

Cheryl Gronfors - June 3, 2026

Such a sad day. She was great to work for and I learned a tremendous amount from her. Condolences to her family and especially to her partner, the world is a little dimmer without her in it.

Suzzette Hibbard - June 3, 2026

So sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. She was so nice to all, and had such an infectious laugh. May her family and loved ones find comfort in their memories.

Elinor Moore - June 3, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Barb (King) Lamb - June 3, 2026

My deepest condolences to Cathy's family. I will never forget you Cathy and I will cherish our many school day memories. Rest in peace my friend.

Marilyn Kripp (Meadows) - June 3, 2026

My sincere condolences to Cathy's family. Growing up with her and school from kindergarten right through high school Cathy always had a quiet strength about her. She will be missed.

Susan Rogers (Herter) - June 3, 2026

So sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. My condolences to her family.

Shannon Bell - June 2, 2026

So sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. She was such a wonderful classmate, friendly and accepting of everyone. May her family find peace in good memories.

Scott Daniel - June 2, 2026

Shocked and saddened to hear of Cathy's passing. She was such a caring and thoughtful high school classmate. Had a lot of laughs during our time at PHHS.

Louise Calnan - June 2, 2026

I’m so sad and sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. Our families are connected in so many ways. Thinking of you and sending hugs.

Laura Tink (McKay) - June 2, 2026

So very sad to hear of Cathy’s passing. She was always so sweet. My condolences to Cathy’s family. May your memories make you smile during this difficult time.

Heather Kerr - June 2, 2026

Always loved Cathy's calm steady presence all the way through high school. We all had such fun in Grade 13, whether times with Fernanda our exchange student, fall fair, prom or graduation celebrations. Cathy always brought kindness, belonging and a quiet sense of humor to whatever she did. Kind thoughts to the Howard family and Cathy's loved ones.

Angela Beatty - June 2, 2026

So very sad and shocked to hear of Cathy’s passing. Sincere condolences to her family.

Heather McFadden - June 2, 2026

I am devastated to hear of Cathy’s passing. She was always regarded as a good friend as we grew up. This loss will be felt deeply by our entire year / class from high school. All the way to Grade 13 together. She was an amazing person! Sincere Condolences to the entire family.

Pam Shaw - June 2, 2026

My deepest condolences, Barb and to your family. A lose nothing short of a catastrophe. She was a gentle soul and I will miss my friend very much.

Dave and Gloria McKay - June 2, 2026

Such profound sadness to hear of Cathy’s passing. Memories will always be of her big smile and the heartfelt laugh that was always sure to follow. Our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her.

Charlene Rogers (Horsfield) - June 2, 2026

My deepest condolences to Cathy's family. May she rest in peace and those who survive find comfort in the memories you share.

Bob Hasiuk - June 2, 2026

May your soul rest in peace Cathy.