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HEATHER MCLAREN
Born: Aug 05, 1941
Date of Passing: Mar 25, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHEATHER MCLAREN
Heather Mary McLaren (née Fowlie) died peacefully, with her son at her side, on March 25, 2024.
Left to mourn her death but also celebrate her life are her beloved sons, Andrew, David and Paul of whom she was justifiably proud; their father, Jim; her treasured daughters-in-law, Chiara Galbusera (David) and Catherine Card (Paul); and her grandchildren, Luca, Sara, Oscar and Lochlan, whom she loved with all her heart. Heather welcomed Andrew’s partner Richard, as a more recent addition to her family. There was always room for one more at Heather’s table and in her heart. Also left to mourn are her sister, Kathy, who was her best friend, her brother, George and his wife Susan, along with nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and the many friends who loved her.
Heather was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 5, 1941, to Kathleen Elizabeth (née Abraham) and George Porter Fowlie, a commander in the Royal Canadian Navy. Following the war, the family moved to Toronto where Heather graduated with a Diploma in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto in 1962.
In 1968, Heather headed “out west” to pursue her career. In Winnipeg, she fell in love with and married Jim McLaren. Heather left full-time work to raise their three children. In 1983, Heather started law school at the University of Manitoba. She graduated in 1987 and was called to the Bar in 1988. Her career as a legislative analyst - and ultimately as the Director of the Legislative Unit of Manitoba Health - had an enormous impact in the province she loved.
Once retired, Heather never stopped working. She sat on innumerable boards and volunteered tirelessly at her church and at Fred Douglas Place, her final home. But her most cherished role was being Nanny or Nonna to her grandchildren. She was so well suited to the position that in addition to her four beloved grandchildren, Heather had many chosen grandkids acquired through decades-long bonds of friendship. Watching them excel at their activities, which she attended whenever she could, brought the greatest joy to her heart.
Heather always made the extra effort to be present for people. It was a remarkable gift and its impact on those of us lucky to know her was tremendous. She understood deeply the importance of the everyday and was always genuinely interested in the details of our lives. She fortified us all with consistent love and support. We adored her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend in person.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the organizations she supported such as End Homelessness Winnipeg, the Main Street Project, or another charity of your choosing.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2024, Apr 02, 2024
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I met Heather more than 10 years ago. We served together on Prairie Presbyterian Church’s session, where Heather brought her life experience, her legal experience, and her general world view and wisdom into our decision making. She added greatly to the decisions we made and implementing those decisions. She loved God. She loved her family. I am out of town this week and cannot attend Heather’s memorial service. But I am as shocked as anyone that she is gone. She will be missed by her church family and by me. Much love and comfort to Heather’s family. And to all those who miss this amazing woman. - Posted by: Mary Brabston (Friend) on: Apr 02, 2024
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I am saddened to hear of Heather's passing. I remember her kindness to me as a "junior" physiotherapy student when she was a senior physiotherapy student at the Toronto East General Hospital - she made the first scary days of a clinical placement so much easier. Years later, we reconnected in Winnipeg and I followed Heather's legal career with great interest. She never lost her connection to physiotherapy and applied her knowledge to assist the regulation of the profession. Her service to Manitoba through her roles in government and Manitoba Health was exemplary and we are the better for it. My condolences to Jim and her family. - Posted by: Juliette Cooper (Former colleague) on: Apr 02, 2024
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To the family and friends of Heather McLaren, my deepest condolences. Over the 11 years, I had the privilege of working with Heather as Secretary of the Legislative Review Committee of Cabinet, I came to value her professionalism, integrity, dedication, innovation and most of all her sense of humour. She played a significant role in the development and application of the law in the health sector of Manitoba a legacy that continues to live on today. May she rest in peace. Rick Mantey - Posted by: Rick Mantey (Former Co-worker) on: Apr 02, 2024
Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery
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