Obituary of Heather Cassidy - Cotnam

Heather Cassidy-Cotnam was born in Hamilton to Jean and Richard Cassidy on October 22, 1967.

She will be greatly missed by her two daughters, Rebecca of Ottawa and Haley (Steven) of Hamilton and her mother Jean (late Richard) of Arnprior.

She is also survived by her brother Alan (Ali) and their children: Danielle and Blake, all of Saskatoon, her former husband Shaun Cotnam, as well as two aunts, three uncles and many cousins, including her special cousin Kelly of Halifax.

Fondly remembered by many friends, particularly her long-time friend Kimberley O’Shaughnessy.

Predeceased by her aunt, Grace (2018) and cousin, Helen (2015).

Heather moved twice in her early years; from Hamilton to Halifax and then to Deep River, where she spent most of her years growing up. In 1986, she went off to McMaster University where she completed a year of study. She then left university and worked for a few years before attending Mohawk College where she pursued a diploma in Nursing. She worked briefly at Henderson Hospital in Hamilton (the hospital where she was born).

Heather was married in 1991 and moved back to the Ottawa Valley to Petawawa with her husband Shaun. While working as a nurse with VON, she completed her Bachelor of Nursing Science. She would eventually move on to work in homecare as a case manager and later a geriatric assessor for about 30 years.

Heather was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 35. It was the ever-increasing symptoms of MS that caused her to retire at an early age, as her disease made it impossible to continue. She tried many different treatments to attempt to slow the progression of her disease.

In 2018, Heather moved to Arnprior. In the Spring of 2024, she made the courageous decision to move forward with plans for MAID.

Heather was a gentle, loving and generous soul who invested a great deal of her time in her family and her work. She loved the outdoors and spent many pleasant hours walking her beloved dog, Quincy. Her life was far too short, but she lived it well. She will be truly missed.

Jean, Rebecca and Haley would like to thank all the wonderful friends, family, PSWs (especially Jennifer E. and Jennifer A. who were so kind and supportive), and the medical staff who assisted her. Special thank you to the paramedics, who made numerous calls to her house to assist her as well as her social worker Erin Walters who advocated so well for her. Please be assured that your love and care made this very difficult journey just a little bit easier.

Heather’s care and arrangements have been entrusted to the

Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd.,

50 John Street North, Arnprior

where a Tribute to honour Heather will take place on

Sunday evening, October 20^th at 6 o’clock.

If you would like to leave a donation in her memory, please consider the MS Society of Canada.