Kathy MacIntyre, 71, of Westmount, Nova Scotia, died Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 42 years, Mark Steadman, Westmount, N.S.; her father, Lorne (Marie) MacIntyre; and her brother, Jerry (Lindy) MacIntyre, both of Sydney, N.S. She is also survived by uncles, nephews, nieces, and sister-in-law, Susan (Mark) Nazer, of Ontario. Kathy was predeceased by her mother, Rachel "Ritchie" (MacMullin) MacIntyre; her brother, Danny MacIntyre; her sister-in-law, Wendy (Sutton) MacIntyre, and brothers-in-law David and Peter Steadman..

Kathy graduated from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Toronto Metropolitan University) in the early 1980s with an Electrical Engineering Diploma at a time when there were few women in the field. She later went on to earn a CNE (Certified Network Engineer) designation. After graduation from Ryerson, she and Mark moved back to Cape Breton, and Kathy secured employment with Micronav, a company designing airport microwave landing systems, where she planned and implemented new engineering practices. She subsequently held positions and contracts in electronics and software programming at the Canadian Coast Guard College and AG - Atlantic Geomatics. Kathy and her husband concurrently formed a co-operative business with two colleagues, Accessible Technologies Co-op Ltd., which operated for many years.

Like most interesting people, Kathy herself had a wide range of interests. A dedicated gardener with an impressive garden, she belonged to the Westmount and North Sydney garden clubs. She had a love of reading and of music and took piano lessons as an adult. She enjoyed sports and for many years she oversaw the Cape Breton Seniors' Badminton Club and was a member of the Cromarty Tennis Club. Kathy also belonged to a women's drumming group and derived great satisfaction in their public performances. Both Kathy and Mark were accomplished sailors and sailed throughout the Bras d' Dor Lakes and the Caribbean.

Against this background of accomplishment, and perhaps even more significant however, was Kathy's concern for the welfare of others. Following the MacIntyre family's credo of extending help where needed, Kathy was always ready to offer support - ranging from a sympathetic ear to practical, hands-on assistance. Especially for those in trouble, Kathy's thoughtfulness and generosity came to the fore. Throughout her life she had time and made time for her friends and for an ever-increasing circle of connections. To anyone dealing with Kathy, her warmth and kindness soon became evident. And of course, no description of the essential Kathy would be complete without reference to her positive attitude, irreverent sense of humour, and nimble wit.Kathy injected levity, fun, and good cheer into any situation and this made an interaction with her invariably one of pleasure.

Kathy's strong will and determination enabled her to succeed in most undertakings, but sadly, this was not enough to overcome her final obstacle, a diagnosis of FTD (Frontotemporal Neurocognitive Disorder), from which she suffered for more than a decade. It is a measure of her substantial character that she survived the disease far longer than its usual prognosis allows.

Hers was a full life, well lived, composed of deep and lasting friendships and connection, service to others, and laughter. Kathy's death leaves all who knew her sadder but richer for having had her in their lives.

Funeral arrangements have been managed by T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Sydney. There will be no visitation at her request.

The family would like to thank those caregivers responsible for Kathy's well-being during her years at Harbourstone. Their concern and attention to Kathy's welfare is deeply appreciated by the family.

Charitable donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia in lieu of flowers.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.