Gillian Ethelnuna McCutcheon

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gillian McCutcheon (née Mudge) on October 21, 2026, in Duncan, a few months prior to her 80th birthday. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, following a brief illness.

Born on January 29, 1947, in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, to Gerald and Helen Mudge, Gillian grew up as the daughter of an RCMP officer, moving between cities and provinces every couple of years. She graduated from high school in Kingston, attended university in Regina and Winnipeg, and lived in Hamilton before eventually finding her true home on Vancouver Island.

Gillian dedicated her career to education, mainly teaching Grade 1 at elementary schools in Victoria, including Doncaster Elementary, Cloverdale Elementary, and McKenzie Elementary. Over the course of her career, she introduced hundreds of children to reading.

Gillian was the devoted mother of Beatrice and Robert, who are immensely grateful for her constant love and support. She maintained a deep and lasting friendship with their father, Brian McCutcheon, throughout her life.

She loved the flowers in spring, a good book, and a proper cup of tea. Her greatest joy in life was undeniably her grandchildren – a sign outside her home proudly announced, "Grandchildren welcome (parents by appointment)." She was also a champion worrier, whose fierce care for those she loved touched every part of her life.

Gillian is survived by her daughter, Beatrice (Richard); her son, Robert (Kim); her four cherished granddaughters, Eleanor, Caitlin, Lavinia, and Freja; her sister, Beatrice (Gary); and her former husband, Brian. She was predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Helen. She will be fondly remembered by her extended Mudge and McCutcheon families, friends, and neighbours.

A celebration of Gillian’s life will be held in the new year, with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Cowichan Valley Basket Society.