Obituary of Jean Marjorie Hutchinson

Dr. Jean Marjorie Hutchinson, beloved wife of Nicholas Gass of Calgary, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the age of 73 years. Born 1935 in Legal, AB, Jean lived in St. Albert until 1944, in Edmonton until 1948 and Forestburg until 1954. In 1952, she was married to William Bish and had her son Stewart. Jean immigrated to California in 1966 before returning in 1968. She worked as a medical receptionist and coroner’s assistant. In 1961, she married Roger Zwack in Edmonton and had daughter Janie, while working at B of M in Edmonton. Nick and Jean became a couple in 1981, both were teacher administrators for the Calgary Board of Education. She obtained her PhD from the University of Calgary in 1993. Jean was the VP of Calgary Retired Teachers, Board of Calgary Girls School, Chair of Speakers Committee, Canadian Club of Calgary, University of Calgary Celebration Committee, and MI5 (Michael Ignatieff for PM). The greatest achievement for the little rural girl was her PhD “Made to Measure” (Women Making Leadership Fit). She presented the thesis at a UN conference in 1993 in Israel. Jean’s favourite song was “Wild Flowers Don’t Care Where They Grow” and her passions were birds and the environment. Her greatest challenge was overcoming bureaucracies. She had no weaknesses except perhaps Liberal politics. Jean was the strongest woman ever. The funniest moment was at a high school reunion where she introduced Bill Bish as her first husband and Nick Gass as her last. Besides her loving husband Nick Gass, Jean is also survived by her son Stewart and daughter Janie; two grandchildren, Chelsea and Emilyn. She is also survived by her sister Edna; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Dianne; nieces, Laura and Sherri; brother Charles; nephew Danny and his son Logan. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Sunday, April 26, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Dr. Jean Hutchinson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.