Obituary of Maureen Clelland Hutton

November 14, 1934 - Scotland

October 11, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Maureen, aged 88 years. Maureen was predeceased by Neil, her loving partner, companion, and friend of 62 years. Maureen was a much loved and devoted mother to her three children, Neil (Laurie), Gillian (Scott), Graeme (Patty); and a wonderful, and adoring “Gimmy” to her grandchildren, Justin (Vickey), Laura, Janice, Kyle, Maddie (Tanner) and Erin; She will also be greatly missed by her sister Gillian Ireland, and Patti Haley, mother of Janice and Erin.

Maureen was an educator, a natural leader, and an artist. She loved to put her intellect to use, discussing social issues, human rights, history, and politics. She was a lover of animals (cats and dogs), and the natural world whether in the garden, hiking, or painting lovely watercolour landscapes and flora. Maureen and Neil’s beloved home in Windermere reflected these qualities with artisan pieces from around the globe.

She was an amazing grandmother who was actively involved with each of her grandchildren and developed close relationships with each of them. It was her joy to watch them grow up enjoying swimming, boating, and skating on Lake Windermere. She loved taking her grand-dog, Shadow, for long walks with Neil along the lakeshore and through the forests. She was happiest when surrounded by her family and friends along with good food, plenty of discussion and laughter.

Maureen obtained her teaching certificate in Hamilton, Scotland, where she moved with her parents during WWII. Maureen taught primary school prior to marrying Neil, whom she met at a university dance. After their wedding they set off for the jungles and savannah of Ghana, West Africa, where Neil worked as a field geologist for the British Geological Survey. After a year Maureen returned to her family home in time to give birth to her first son, Neil. With the subsequent blessed arrivals of Gillian and Graeme, she was always grateful to her parents for supporting and housing her young family while Neil completed his doctorate at the University of Glasgow.

In 1966, Maureen and Neil immigrated to Canada and moved their young brood to Calgary, AB, where Neil had landed a job at Texaco. While raising her children, Maureen enjoyed several creative pursuits and took on a leadership role with the Girl Guides of Canada, ultimately becoming the District Commissioner. Later, she pursued further education in Family Life which spurred her interest and involvement in the Women’s Movement. Maureen was a fierce defender of women’s and human rights. She was a skilled advocate, with organizational skills that were well utilized when she became the inaugural Executive Director for the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta (Calgary Chapter). After several years, she decided to change course and studied Art and Design at SAIT, which influenced her to try her hand as an entrepreneur when she opened a business called Chelsea Wool and Yarn on 17^th Avenue in Calgary, AB.

Upon retirement, Maureen became an avid hiker. She and Neil, along with many dear friends in the MnM Outdoor Club, enjoyed many hiking trips both locally and in the USA, Neil and Maureen shared an appetite for history, archeology, and culture and they travelled widely. It was during those early retirement years that she painted extensively demonstrating yet another highly regarded talent.

Maureen developed many friendships over the years from her wide range of interests and activities. As a socially active person, both the pandemic and Neil’s health became quite challenging for Maureen. She was a very independent soul and found the gradual loss of mobility very difficult to accept. The prospect of leaving her home, with its glorious mountain view, was not a welcome plan. We believe she is grateful to have passed in the comfort of the home she shared with Neil for many years.

The family would like to give special thanks to her dear neighbours at Villa ‘d Este for supporting Maureen during these past months, and to Brigitte Greve for her friendship to Maureen as well as helping with household tasks. The family will be planning a remembrance for Maureen and Neil at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to CanLearn Society, www.Canlearnsociety.ca.  

Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Maureen Clelland Hutton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.