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Noreen Newton Obituary
How do you say goodbye to a loyal friend, sister, daughter, and co-worker? To a fiercely devoted and loving mother, and an inspiring and beautiful person whose upward gaze never wavered from the open skies?
With a heavy heart.
On September 25, 2023, Captain Noreen Newton, a trailblazing female aviator, writer, and woman's advocate succumbed to a brief but devastating battle with cancer. Known for her dedication to advancing women in aviation, Noreen challenged industry barriers and prevailing, male dominated ideologies throughout her 36-year career as a commercial airline pilot. She became one of Jazz Aviation's first female captains, holding the position on various aircraft, including the Dash 8-400, British Aerospace 146, and Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ).
A passionate writer and endlessly curious human, Noreen returned to university in her early fifties, first earning a BA in Professional Communications and a master's degree ten years later. Her master's thesis, "Equal Space on the Flight Deck: Challenging the Myth of the Professional Pilot," won Royal Road University's Michael Real Award for scholarship excellence. Among other notable nominations, Noreen's gift for storytelling garnered further recognition in 2022, when her gritty and thought-provoking story, "24 Hours," was longlisted for the prestigious CBC Nonfiction Prize.
Noreen is survived by her sons, Jack and Paddy, her brothers, Harry, Barry, and Sean, sister, Ailis, and mother, Bernie. She was predeceased by her brother, Paddy and father Basil. Noreen would have been both astonished and deeply grateful, perhaps even a touch embarrassed, by the outpouring of love from all who were stirred by her conviction, courage, and vibrant spirit.
For some, it is a calling, for others a duty. For Noreen, it was about exposing her vulnerabilities, flying headfirst into the storm, and generously unlocking opportunities for others who were fortunate enough to follow in her wake.
Noreen sums it up best:
"Once upon a time in the quiet corners of my youth, there existed a single day that forever altered the course of my life. It was a day of profound change, a day when innocence gave way to experience, and the world outside beckoned with both promise and peril."
Godspeed, Noreen. Until we meet again. Right?!?
Condolences may be offered to the family at
www.mccallgardens.com
Memories and Condolences
for Noreen Newton
8 Entries
Thomas(Tim) Gale
May 24, 2024
I am very sad about her death and wish to write about our loss but have been struggling to choose the words. She was a strong and dynamic woman with an incredible story, and she will continue to have a lasting effect on our profession as we evolve.
Noreen challenged me on many levels over the years, and I always tried to challenge her in return. She always rose to the occasion. Her perspective on our aviation community was poignant, but her ability to invoke deep thoughts while provoking meaningful conversation was a powerful talent. She worked hard at learning how to communicate at the highest level and to the widest audience by earning her MA in communications from Royal Rhodes University.
Noreen was a good human and an example to all of us to stand up for ourselves.
Penny Hobson-Underwood
November 22, 2023
Huge condolences to Noreen's family friends colleagues and acquaintances. What a loss! I was quite devastated to hear of Noreen's death, even though I haven't seen her for decades. I remember her so well - when my family moved to Ten Mile Point when I was 11, my younger sister (Noreen's age) and I had much fun with Noreen and her siblings, especially Ailis, going between our houses, to the beach, woods, etc. I can still recollect her ready, beaming smile, her voice and laugh, and the twinkle in her eye. I remember her as a very sweet little girl with a warm and joyful energy. How very sad that she is no longer with us. I am so sorry.
Kim Allen
October 8, 2023
Super sad to hear of Noreen´s passing . I met her at a neighbourhood party. She was a beautiful, vibrant, friendly and interesting person with an amazing smile. I admired her role as a female pilot "captain"and she always spoke fondly of her sons. My deepest condolences to the Newton family. Spread your wings and keep flying Noreen
David McConville
October 8, 2023
There are times when you read the passing of someone you adore and you can´t imagine the planet without them. Noreen was that beautiful woman for me! I´ve known her since 1989 as her flight attendant and friend. There was only laughter when you had the pleasure of her crew. Thank you Noreen for your trailblazing, your stories, your unwavering professionalism, but mostly just you. You beautiful soul.
My deepest condolences to the Newton family.
Godspeed Noreen! xo
Jennifer Hobson Roy
October 7, 2023
What very sad news. Noreen and I and our sisters played together as kids growing up a few streets apart - I remember her so clearly, belting along on her bike with a happy grin on her face (and one one occasion I believe with baby brother Harry in her bike basket) . Our paths briefly crossed again in high school for a semester - she was always someone I admired as a true original - daring, funny and smart - and I regret not getting to know her as an adult - my heart goes out to the Newton family for your tragic loss.
Christa Southern
October 7, 2023
I was saddened to read this today. I worked with Noreen out of Victoria as her cabin crew. The mornings I could hear her laughter even before I got to the crew room, I knew then, it was going to be a good day! She was an amazing person and pilot. Only clear skies ever when I flew with Noreen. Keeping you all close in my heart.
- Christa Southern
Jennifer Laycock
October 7, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Noreen she was an amazing person with the greatest smile, I always felt very safe in her hands.
.
Jack and Paddy you were truly loved , and to Noreen´s family and friends through the shock and sadness you know you were part of her fabulous life, and hope that will bring you comfort.
May her memories be a blessing.
Jennifer Laycock
October 7, 2023
May her memories be a blessing.
Noreen was one amazing women, loved flying with her, always safe in her hands. She had an amazing smile and a big personality.
My love goes to her two sons Jack and Paddy you were truly loved, and to all her family and friends the shock and sadness is a pain that you share please know your not alone your all part of Noreen´s remarkable life.
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