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 Dash8-400, 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 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 below.
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21 Responses
Heartfelt condolences to all Noreen’s family. Seeing her photo takes me back decades when we all lived close together on Ten Mile Point, and played together as children. I remember her as a particularly likeable and cheerful little kid with a huge beaming smile. I can also remember her voice and laugh. What a loss.
Our deepest condolences to family and friends for Noreen’s passing. A highly respected colleague, Pilot and trailblazer. RIP Captain Noreen.
Noreen’s heart and home were always open to us and we treasured her friendship over many years. She was a true original. A pilot who loved poetry. She inspired us with her strength and her kindness. She loved her boys more than anything and was so proud of you Jack and Paddy. We will miss you but not forget you Noreen.
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Noreen. We shared many flights together for many years at Air BC and Jazz and she was an excellent pilot and a true leader and pioneer for women in aviation. Her beautiful smile and infectious laughter would brighten the dullest days and make working with her a delight. She will be missed but I will forever remember the times that we shared the flight deck. She would talk about her boys, Jack and Paddy, with the greatest pride and joy as they grew up to become wonderful young men. It was a pleasure and an honour to have known and shared time with Noreen. My condolences to Jack and Paddy and the rest of Noreen’s family. Fly west, Noreen.
So sorry for your loss. It is a true loss for all of you.
So, so sorry about our loss. Noreen was one of the good guys- We always enjoyed flying together and we flew together often.
I first met Noreen in my role as her thesis supervisor. From the start, it was a true pleasure to work with such a committed and motivated student on research aimed at helping other women. I felt even luckier when our working relationship turned into friendship. To Noreen’s sons Jack and Paddy, know that your mother spoke of you frequently and always with great love, hope, and admiration for the men you are becoming. To you and all of her family, I offer my deepest condolences. May you each find some comfort in knowing how much Noreen is loved and respected and how dearly she will be missed.
My sincere condolences to all of Noreen’s family and friends. I’ve known Noreen since early adulthood and loved her dearly, through thick and thin. It’s devastating to lose her too soon. Rest In Peace dear Noreen.
Noreen , I couldn’t have asked for a more loving friend for 40 plus years. Noreen was nonjudgmental, brilliant, strong, caring and so funny!!! I always told her how much I admired her. She gave me great strength during our conversations which we had 1 million of. I still find it so difficult that she’s not with us. I miss her so much. Noreen was a wonderful mother. She loved her sons so much, and took great pride in their achievements. Until we meet again, Noreen….
Noreen was a wonderful woman. I flew a lot in my career and a bunch of those times she was in control. I got to know her and we realized we’d gone to high school together. She would always take time to chat and share stories. She was a pro and a trail blazer. Her legacy is showing others that everything is possible when it comes to flying. RIP my friend