Heather Mary McLaren

August 5, 1941 – March 25, 2024

The small dash between Heather’s date of birth and the date of her death holds the story of her lifetime. We will all keep a special part of that dash in our hearts forever.

Grief never ends… but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, not a lack of faith… It is the price of love. – Jessie Stillwater

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 attended Notre Dame High School, St. Joseph’s High School and graduated with a Diploma in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto in 1962.

In 1968, Heather set off on what would become the adventure of her lifetime, leaving the familiarity of Toronto and her family and heading “out west” to pursue her career. In Winnipeg, she fell in love with and married Jim McLaren. Heather eventually left full-time work to raise their three children. However, her keen mind and extraordinary energy meant she always found additional ways to use her skills, including teaching anatomy and pre-natal classes and serving as the registrar for the Manitoba Physiotherapy Association.

In 1983, Heather showed her children how important it was to follow your dreams no matter what your age and 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. Among her many accomplishments, she contributed to the Krever Inquiry on the Canadian blood system, helped the province navigate the then new world of Internet pharmacies and electronic health records, and played a key role in developing Manitoba’s Personal Health Information Act.

Once retired, Heather never stopped working. She was regularly asked to advise non-profits on privacy law; she sat on innumerable boards; and she volunteered tirelessly at her church and at Fred Douglas Place, her final home. Heather, an avid sports fan (go Jets go!), loved travelling, “glamping” at Spruce Woods (long before the term was in broad use), days at the lake, Scrabble games, playing bridge and spending time with an impressive complement of friends. 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 genuinely interested in the details of our lives. She was always among the first to arrive in times of celebration and in times of sorrow. She fortified us all with consistent love and support. We adored her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 4th at 2 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park", 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend in person.

Heather’s faith was strongly expressed in her dedication to volunteering and charity. We can honour her memory in the ways she would love best by helping to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and visit the ill.

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.

Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation – Rumi