Obituary of Jill Tynan

March 23, 1951 - Red Deer, Alberta

April 16, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

With kindness as her measure, and laughter and joy permeating her very essence, it is time now to honour and celebrate our beautiful Jilly, who left us on April 16, 2024.

In all Jill did, and all she was, she was anchored in the incredible love of her family and friends, most especially her husband of 50 years Russ, daughters, Wendy, Colleen, and Karen (Dave), and granddaughters, Amelia and Lauren.

Growing up in Calgary, Jill took her academic brilliance and passion for sport to the University of Calgary where she graduated in 1972 with her Bachelor of Physical Education with distinction, and a minor in Math, launching her 25-year career as a teacher. She loved her students and was a strong influence on them as a teacher, mentor, and coach. “Mrs. Tynan” was an absolute favourite to thousands. She taught students to believe in their abilities and that doing their best always trumped winning.

And while that belief helped her excel as a teacher, personally, she loved to win! Jill brought the fun and if an activity could be turned into a game or even better a competition, she was in. Her infectious smile and laughter were a clever decoy for the ruthless athlete and competitor she was.

She entered every situation with an open and inclusive heart and, with a smile, hug or knowing raise of her eyebrows, she would bring people into her world. Disarming them with kindness, no one left their time with her not feeling like they belonged. She was magic.

With that deep passion for helping others and her natural ability to draw in and engage her vast networks, Jill retired from teaching and spent 11 years as part of the Major Gifts team at the United Way of Calgary. She was passionate about connecting Calgarians with opportunities to shape and transform lives, retiring finally in 2019.

Outside of work, Jill did an exemplary job of balancing family, her incredible and treasured groups of friends and her need to give back. Her significant contributions have had an enduring impact and made our communities stronger. In recognition, she was inducted into the Order of the University of Calgary in 2017. 

She loved being outside whether in her beloved Rocky Mountains or beside the pool in Palm Springs, life was better with the sun on her face. Jill loved having a house full of friends and family and was often leading the charge to crank up the music, kick off kitchen dance parties and toast life. She lived with joy.

Sharing in the deep gratitude for her beautiful life are her brother Bob Ferris (Susan), Tynan siblings Maureen, John (Nancy) and Laura (Marcus) and her nieces and nephews. And she will be treasured forever by her Butterwick and Woodward cousins and the Hewsons, her family by heart.

In that same spirit of joy and gratitude, we will celebrate our Jilly on Thursday, April 25, 2024, and invite you to join us at The Anglican Parish of Christ Church Calgary (3602 - 8th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow - no denim.

We would like to recognize the LPNs and HCAs from the 8^th Floor at Trico Living Well for their love and care of Jilly over the past nine months and for keeping her laughing and dancing. We will never be able to thank you enough.

Should you wish to make a gift in celebration of Jill’s life, we would encourage you to consider the United Way of Calgary or The Alzheimer Society of Calgary.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jill’s family here.

In living memory of Jill Tynan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Jill's Service

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Jill’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Jill Tynan's Funeral Service