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.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
21 Responses
I had the great pleasure of interviewing Noreen twice for articles I wrote for Royal Roads University and loved our chats. She was fascinating and insightful, and we laughed a lot. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing, these many months later, and so sad that we won’t get a chance to speak again. I’ve interviewed hundreds, maybe thousands, of people over the last four decades, and Noreen was one of a kind. Condolences to her family, and especially her sons.
Noreen baked the best cookies, hosted the best writing group workshops, gave the best hugs, and had the best laugh. She was an exceptional human being. I was shocked to learn that my vibrant friend had passed. I send my deepest condolences to the many who mourn her loss — especially her sons, Jack and Paddy, whom she loved so dearly and of whom she was so proud.
Noreen accomplished an extraordinary amount in her short life. Airline pilot, poet, award-winning scholar and essayist, women’s rights advocate, mother, friend.
I will carry your memory as an inspiration in my heart, Noreen. I am grateful to have known you.
I was shocked and devastated to hear of Noreen’s passing. Noreen and I were roommates in Ft. St. John for a short time when I married a fellow pilot and flight school captain,
at North Caiboo Flying Service. This all happened during the 80’s.
It was a tough go for Noreen during this time both personally and professionally, but she always hung on and stood up for her ideals.
She introduced me to many of her friends and we always had fun no matter where we went.
I was on that DC-3 50th Anniversary “all female crew” flight, flying over the Lower mainland and Vancouver Island during Expo 86. It was quite an event. Especially meeting retired female pilots from around the world in Abbotsford.
I will miss you Auntie No No. You were a great friend and confidante when life was tough. It’s because of you that I had the fortitude to move to Vancouver after my divorce.
I will always plant a little something flowering in the garden and dedicate it to you.
All the best to your boys for their future.
Much love
RJH
It is always sad when someone leaves us too early in life. I had the pleasure of knowing Noreen through work and flew with her a few times, but most of the time it was waiting for our commuting flight home that we had the chance to chat. Being at her memorial service today helped me realize how many lives she touched over her life, and I believe that with people like Noreen, their passing can be a small blessing to those of us still here to help us remember the important things in life, and to strive to do better every day, even if it is in just a small way.
Blue side up!
Noreen was the kind of person who brought life, light and joy to the airport.
We flew together years ago and she interviewed me for her masters thesis so we shared many thought provoking conversations. She was a mentor and an inspiration to me and so many other female pilots. My deepest condolences go out to her sons, Jack and Paddy. Your mom was very proud of you both.
I will miss bumping into Noreen at the airport and losing track of time in a good conversation.
Noreen and I met in our early twenties while working at the Four Seasons in Vancouver. From the first exchange of smiles we developed a friendship that has lasted over 4 decades.
I admired so many qualities about Noreen; her strength, ambition, determination.
She loved nature, her two boys and all the creatures in her life.
I will cherish our candid and supportive conversations and never forget her terrific laugh!
You will be missed my friend, more than you know. Until our souls meet again!
I first met Noreen when she was a young teenager. Our family moved to Victoria in 1973 and Noreen was my sister Michelle’s first friend at her new school. Our paths crossed many times over the decades and we always kept in touch at Christmas. She was an inspirational mentor to my cousin’s daughter who wished to become a pilot. Noreen was a bright and courageous person. My sincere condolences to her family and to those who were privileged to be counted as a friend.
I cherished the time we spent together. We shared our hardships and always talked about our children. We supported each other. I admired you Noreen.
May you rest in peace. You are very much missed.
Although Noreen was Vancouver based and I Calgary based, as a flight attendant, I had the opportunity to work with her a few times. My interactions have always been Noreen commuting on my flights to and from Victoria to Vancouver. When time passed and we hadn’t seen each other on her commutes, she always asked where I have been and that she missed seeing me. We always had a moment to catch up before the passengers started boarding. She was funny and insightful. Her smile and warmth will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
I never met Noreen in person, but she left a lasting impression on me. Her spirit, tenacity and determination were a force to be reckoned with! I was delighted when she chose to join the College of Professional Pilots board. I knew that the staff was being passed to capable hands.
Many hugs and deepest condolences to those closest to her. We have lost a good one, far, far too soon.
Tom Machum
Past President of the CPPC