Obituary of Noreen Catherine Dunlop

August 23, 1942 - Woodstock, Ontario

September 26, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Noreen Dunlop, beloved wife of Peter Dunlop, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the age of 81 years. Leaving behind a legacy of children, grandchildren, and friends, Noreen lived life to its fullest. She spent her time wisely, with family, friends, and most of all, her husband and best friend, Peter.

Born in Woodstock, ON in 1942, and raised in Montreal, Noreen was the eldest of four (Theresa, Paul, Bernard). Noreen finished teachers’ college, taught for a short time and later worked at Bell Canada before leaving to raise her family. Her first husband, Ray Darling, died of cancer at 30, and, at 28 years old, she was left to raise her two young children, Doug and Patricia. Peter entered her life, and she married again, later bringing Michael and Julie into the world, making it a four-child family.

As her children moved into school, Noreen moved into the workplace. Constantly learning, she mastered word processing on machines that are inconceivably complicated by today’s standards, later moving on to technical documentation of telecommunication equipment, managing a department of technical writers, and pioneering electronic document collections.

Noreen always cared about all people, with special emphasis on those around her. Her family came first, but she maintained an extensive network of close friends. Her policy of not interfering with people’s lives made time with her enjoyable, and she maintained dozens of friendships that lasted for five or more decades.

She was always there for her children. Any help she could provide with education, relationships, child rearing, and more, was granted. When her children had relationship difficulties, she didn’t choose sides, she was already on her child’s side. Whether she agreed with them or not, her help and support was unconditional.

She later welcomed the addition of spouses to her children’s lives, and felt joy when Tania, John, Brian, and Courtney joined the family.

Starting with Noah, then Brynn, her journey into grandparenting was seamless. She was adored by them, as with her six other grandchildren, Jonathan, Benjamin, Tadhg, Aryana, Fiona, and Isaac. Whether for a week or an hour, Noreen was always willing to have her grandchildren to care for.

She enjoyed many interests, and she combined her commitment to friendships with her joy of hobbies - joining many clubs, including, quilting club, book club, Prairie Schooners 73 camping club, and “just enjoy a coffee out with friends” club. Her children and grandchildren all enjoyed the fruits of her labour - most (no matter their age) still sleeping with their blankies, pillowcases, sweaters, socks, and quilts. She was knitting and quilting right up until the end.

Noreen was predeceased by her first husband, mother and father, and is survived by the love of her life, Peter, their children and grandchildren, her sister, two brothers, many nieces and nephews, and many friends.

She will be greatly missed by all fortunate enough to know her (and love her). Her remains will be scattered in the Kootenays, where she loved to camp with her family.

Please join us in celebrating her life and legacy at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewedwith Noreen’s family here.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 880-5160 Decarie Blvd. Montreal, QC H3X 2H9, telephone: 1-800-361-7494, https://kidney.ca/.

In living memory of Noreen Dunlop, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.