YOLAND “YO” MAE URQUHART, 83, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, following a beautiful and well-lived life.

​Born on March 29, 1943, Yo grew up in Pasadena, California, where she graduated from Pasadena High School. She was the quintessential “California Girl”—blonde, blue-eyed, and proud of her sunny roots. During her youth, she was highly active in school clubs and spent many years lending her beautiful soprano voice to the church choir.

​Yo’s first chapter of motherhood was spent raising five boys: Anthony, James, Joseph, David, and Steven Muniz. Her sons fondly remember a mother who filled their home with music, singing as she went about her day. She took immense pride in keeping an immaculate home; the boys knew well enough not to mess it up after school, and they often woke to the sound of her morning vacuuming. Yet, as strict as her cleaning routine was, they also came home to the comforting aromas of her expert baking—especially her date bars, Toll House cookies, and angel food cake. Trips to Malibu Beach and the sounds of 1960s pop rock formed the soundtrack of their childhood, with her all-time favorite song being “California Dreamin'” by The Mamas & the Papas.

​In 1987, she married Larry Urquhart, and together they welcomed their son, Nicholas. The family lived in Oshawa, Ontario, before settling in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, in 1991. Nicholas shares his older brothers’ memories of an impeccably clean house, often accompanied by The Young and the Restless playing in the background and the faithful family dog, Bear, resting always at Yo’s side. She loved life’s simple pleasures: going barefoot in the cool, shaded grass while watching Larry tend to the garden, watching Martha Stewart, and listening to “Red, Red Wine” by UB40. A particularly cherished memory for Nick is a joyous day spent shopping together at the Mall of America during a 1998 family trip.

​In 2014, Yo moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, to be near Nicholas and his soon-to-be wife, Danya. Three years later, she made her home at the Alberta Rose Lodge. Yo absolutely adored her grandchildren, Nova and Dax. “Nana” cherished her days spent watching them play, always happily submitting to makeovers from Nova or zooming toy cars around with Dax. At the Lodge, she built a wonderful community of friends, bonding over everything from lively games of Bingo to late-night coffee dates.

​Yoland was predeceased by her husband, Larry Urquhart; her son, David Muniz; and Jean and James Stevenson. She is lovingly remembered and survived by her sons; Anthony (Ron) Muniz, James Muniz, Joseph (Karen) Muniz, Steven Muniz, and Nicholas (Danya) Urquhart, as well as her precious grandchildren, Nova & Dax Urquhart, Angie Sievertsen & Jamie Mather, Joey Muniz, Bobby, Emily & Andrew Muniz.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-04-18
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta