Obituary of Mary Catherine Newcomb

Mary Catherine Newcomb

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Catherine Newcomb of Kitchener, ON. Mary Catherine died peacefully on her own terms at her home on June 17, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. 

Mary Catherine was born on March 26, 1954 in Montreal, QC, and her family relocated to Hamilton, ON in 1970. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto (Trinity College) in 1975. After briefly working in the publishing industry, she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo in 1979, and a Masters of Fine Arts at York University in 1989. 

Mary Catherine dedicated her life to the visual arts, building a career as a professional sculptor. Her work was widely exhibited across Canada and Europe and received critical attention as well as numerous grants and awards. Her innovative pieces often drew from contemplation, mythology, and the natural world, incorporating diverse media, including living plants and agricultural elements. Beyond her creative practice, she was a beloved art instructor, teaching at institutions across Southern Ontario and mentoring countless young artists. She took pride in watching budding artists grow their skills, and was known for her warm, encouraging, and playful teaching style.

Creativity and innovation touched every corner of Mary Catherine’s life, including in her home, garden, and approach to motherhood and friendship. As a single parent, she filled her daughter’s childhood with wonder and storytelling, transforming imaginative ideas into extraordinary realities. From an intricately crafted dollhouse to a customized treehouse, to name a few, her industrious spirit knew no bounds. She provided not only a home filled with curiosity and play, but also a foundation of strong values, emotional support, and unconditional kindness for those around her. She relished in a good book, the joy of community, cherished deep friendships, and never missed an opportunity for a challenging project, a good conversation, or a hearty laugh. 

In recent years, Mary Catherine found peace and inspiration on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, spending time with family while pursuing creative projects amidst the natural beauty of the region. She found comfort in the ever-evolving landscape, the charm of wildlife, and the companionship of loved ones. Despite facing the challenges of an aggressive cancer, she quickly developed an impressive vegetable garden, built a staircase leading down her property's escarpment, and was even known to take the occasional polar dip in the chilly north Atlantic. 

Known for her warm and honest heart, intelligence, bold creativity, fierce determination, and clever wit, Mary Catherine was truly an exceptional person. She faced life’s triumphs and challenges with remarkable bravery, wisdom, and a profound zest for life. Her legacy lives on in the countless people she inspired and the beauty and charm she brought into the world. She will be dearly missed.

Mary Catherine is forever cherished by her daughter, Sarah Newcomb-Anjo (Travis McIntosh) of Halifax, NS, and her soon-to-be granddaughter, whose expected arrival filled her final months with immense joy. She is also survived her mother, Marie Thérèse Newcomb of Dundas, ON; sister Julia (Geoff) Grenville of Oakville, ON; and a circle of beloved cousins, neighbours, and dear friends. Though she will not live to hold her first grandchild, her enduring imprint of love, ingenuity, and integrity will be carried forward for generations to come. 

Cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Per Mary Catherine’s wishes, the service will be followed by a casual potluck party for close family and friends at her home, from 4:30 pm onward. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, Feed Nova Scotia, or Indspire. Donations and condolences for the family may be made on Mary Catherine’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com.

 Mary Catherine’s family also extends heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary physicians, nurses, homecare staff, friends, and neighbours who came together in support of Mary Catherine in her final months.