Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Former REALTOR® Cathy Emmerson passed away in February. 

Cathy was born and raised in Maple Ridge. She was a successful Realtor for many years at companies like Coldwell Banker Tri-Tel and RE/MAX Lifestyles and was recognized for her charitable spirit with our REALTORS Care® Award in 1999. A fateful trip to Rwanda in 2001 led to her trading her career for a whole new life.  

On that five-day trip to track gorillas, something awakened within Cathy’s soul. She found herself back in Rwanda multiple times over the following year, where she learned more about life there and met an orphanage owner who offered her a job. From there, Cathy became a driving force in improving the lives of Rwanda’s children and families.  

She started with a gift shop that supported the local community and helped develop a program to provide families with goats along with resources and education to help those families prosper. Since the program began, over 3,000 goats have been provided to Rwandan families.  

"In 2008, Cathy opened a preschool in the village of Ruhengeri under the name PREFER (Poverty Reduction Education and Family Empowerment in Rwanda) that’s grown from two tarped-over portable classrooms and a barn to a full facility for classes from grades 1-6. "

The school provides more than just basic education. Programs and cooperatives that teach practical skills like sewing, soapmaking, and baking, are helping children and families develop sustainable skills outside the classroom and beyond.  

In addition, she brings in health professionals to teach women hygiene, birth control and healthy cooking, while also offering free adult literacy classes two nights a week. 

Cathy was a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark in the world. Friends and colleagues remember her seemingly tireless spirit and devotion, her passion for helping those in need, and her loving and caring nature.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PREFER in Cathy’s memory and help extend the legacy of giving and caring that she created in her time on Earth.