Heather Helen Chetwynd

Born November 14, 1943, in Montreal, Q.C.; Died April 23, 2026, in White Rock, B.C.

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With hearts full of gratitude and profound grief, we announce the passing of our guardian angel, Heather Helen Chetwynd (nee Lothian), who took her final bow with courage and enduring spirit, on April 23, 2026, surrounded by family.

From humble beginnings in Montreal, Heather built a life defined by caring for others. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend and guardian angel to many. Heather came from a family deeply rooted in healthcare, aviation, and breathtaking creativity which shaped her profound impact on others over the course of her life. At an early age, she fell in love with classical music, skating, travel and creative design. Hours were spent with friends at the MacDonald arena outside Montreal, perfecting her double Salchow and Camel spins. Weekends and summer were spent in Perth, Ontario canoeing under the stars, swimming in Otty Lake, creating legendary skating rinks, and evenings singing by the piano.

Following graduation from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital of Nursing in Montreal, Heather began her nursing career at the Verdun Hospital, now known as the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. She worked closely with patients requiring inpatient mental health care. Early on, she understood the positive and therapeutic impact of physical activity on mental health, and would often be seen in her nurses’ whites, playing tennis with patients.

While in Montreal, Heather met a tall, athletic, adventure seeking lad by the name of Robin John Talbot Chetwynd. The two married, and shortly thereafter picked up and moved their lives to Don Mills, Ontario. As a newlywed (and soon to be new mom) in a new province, Heather pivoted from front line shift work and applied to an office job at a “new hospital in the field”, now known as North York General Hospital. She pursued a decade long role as a clinical office manager for a cardiac surgeon, bringing comfort and reassurance to many. In her time outside of work, Heather and Robin participated in VW car rallies in their Rabbit GTI, zipping across the country. In her 8th decade, Heather still drove a 5-speed stick shift with the tenacity of Formula 1 legend Sir Stirling Moss.

Eventually Heather moved into Occupational Health nursing and had an impactful career supporting employees at companies including CN Railway and Loblaws. In 2012, Heather packed up her Honda and drove out West to finish off the final chapter of her career with Loblaws.

Privately, outside of her nursing career, Heather extended her life of service to family, community, teaching, volunteer pursuits, and the arts. Her greatest joys included taking her grandkids to school, soccer and skateboarding, volunteering in Surgical Daycare at Peace Arch Hospital and playing Mahjong with her dear friends. She was dedicated to caring for others, applying her lifelong love for nursing to taking family and friends to medical appointments, ensuring they were well cared for.

As the quintessential hostess, her home was the place to be for gatherings. What started as a small family get together to exchange cookies one holiday turned into a 30-year event, attended and fondly remembered by many family and friends. Her creativity shone through with late night Halloween costume building for family over many years; who knew one could make a Chewbacca costume out of old brown bathmat! An avid gardener, she extended her hosting through the summer months, with garden parties and easter egg hunts enjoyed by all.

Heather is survived by a legacy of strength, courage, determination, curiosity and compassion. With young children at home, she faced cancer early on, not only surviving, but thriving and leaving her children with a lifelong lesson in determination in the face of obstacles. She leaves behind not just her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends, but also a blueprint for living with courage, humor, and grace. She showed us how to find our own voices, how to face challenges with resilience, and how to stand tall in the face of adversity.

Her spirit lives on in those she guided, nurtured, and cheered on in their pursuits. To know her was to be seen, to be remembered, and to be loved. She was, and always will be, a force to be reckoned with.

Heather, we promise to keep the legacy going-with love, laughter, and memories of you.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation in support of nursing education and palliative care programs.

Details for her Celebration of Life will be shared separately.

"Successful mothers are not the ones who have never struggled. They are the ones who never gave up despite the struggles," – Unknown