Janet Lynne Hutcheon (née Hamilton), of Lethbridge, AB, beloved mother and sister, passed away peacefully with family by her side at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the age of 79 years, after bravely facing her third battle with breast cancer.
Lynne is survived by her daughters, Kim Hutcheon and Susan Hutcheon-Roberts (Shaphan); her brother and sister-in-law, Glen and Sally Hamilton; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Bob and Ina Hamilton, and beloved aunts and uncles.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and raised in Thunder Bay (Port Arthur), ON, Lynne was a precocious child who loved outdoor adventures, sports, and playful mischief with her big brother and friends. Her lifelong friends fondly remember her infectious smile and laughter, sometimes even getting them into trouble with their teachers!
After college, Lynne began her teaching career, bringing her energy and love of learning to classrooms across Lethbridge, including Senator Buchanan, Galbraith, and Westminster elementary schools. She was beloved by her students and remembered long after they left her class—she had the apples to prove it!
As a devoted single mother, she poured her heart into raising her two daughters, supporting their every endeavor and extending her wisdom and guidance to their friends, many of whom credit her as an inspiration to pursue teaching themselves.
Lynne will be remembered for her warmth, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor. Her deep love for dance was a lifelong passion she shared generously. She cheered from the audience, offered hugs after performances, and encouraged others to believe in themselves. She had an extraordinary gift for making others feel seen and supported, whether through thoughtful messages, creative tutoring sessions, or wise counsel during life’s challenges.
To many, she was more than a friend—she was a second mom, a dance grandma, a confidant, and a steady source of hope. Her fierce love for her family, her boundless belief in the future, and her uplifting spirit are legacies that will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
In retirement, Lynne found joy in traveling to Phoenix with her Aunt Ruby, exploring the world with her childhood friend Cookie, and antiquing with dear friends Mary and Karen. She shared her love of talent shows like The Voice and America’s Got Talent with her good friend Jody, keeping meticulous lists of their favorite performers. She also cherished time spent with her friend Jean, whether taking spontaneous day trips or traveling to Kalispell.
Even in her final days, Lynne’s passion for sports never waned as she followed the NCAA Basketball Championship, World Curling Championship, and more, surrounded by loved ones cheering alongside her.
She was a true fighter with an indomitable spirit, holding onto her humor and quick wit until the very end. Her legacy lives on in the love she shared, the wisdom she offered, and the joy she found in life’s simple moments. She showed us the meaning of resilience and grace, and though we miss her deeply, we will carry her strength in our hearts always.
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.” -A.A. Milne
A Celebration of Lynne’s life will take place at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Patrick Siedlecki officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Lynne’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
For those who wish to honor Lynne’s memory, donations can be made to St. Michael’s Health Centre through the Covenant Foundation at: https://www.covenantfoundation.ca/donate, or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation at: https://www.albertacancer.ca/donate/, in support of the compassionate care and research that meant so much to her and our family.
