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 just found today out about Noreen, so sorry to hear this, my condolences to her family. Over the years we shared the cockpit together on a variety of aircraft, with Air BC, and always a pleasure to work with her. We will all miss the distinctive voice over the ATC channels that we all recognize as Noreen, God Bless..