ELIZABETH ANN MCFADYEN

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ELIZABETH ANN MCFADYEN

August 31, 1940 - May 12, 2023

The family of The Honourable Elizabeth Ann McFadyen are deeply saddened to announce her passing on May 12, 2023, in Victoria, British Columbia.

Elizabeth was a renowned Judge with an illustrious and ground-breaking career that spanned over 50 years. Throughout her journey she maintained focus on family while living a full life with many travels and adventures.

She is survived by her sister Linda McFadyen (Robert Ciastko), Winnipeg, brother Ron McFadyen (Wanda), Nanaimo, and her nieces, nephews and their families: David Miller, Kori Nightingale, Joshua Croll, Brandon McFadyen, Katrina McFadyen, Tricia Wambold, Susan Laskosky. Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Marie and Donald McFadyen and her brothers, Roy and Raymond.

Elizabeth was raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where she attended Nutana Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan. She was an exemplary student achieving many awards and scholarships. She was the only woman in her law class and awarded the Gold Medal in 1964.

Her legal career took her to Regina, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Calgary. She was a pioneer in her field: the first female Prosecuting Attorney in Saskatchewan; Director of the Department of Justice for Edmonton and Northern Alberta (at 31 years of age); first woman and youngest appointee to the District Court of Alberta in 1976 (later the Court of Queen's Bench 1979). In 1985 she was elected to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Judges Conference, now the Superior Courts Judges Association and in 1987 became a member of the Executive Committee. She played an instrumental role in drafting the Canadian Judicial Council's Ethical Principles for Judges which remains a model around the world. In 1990 she was appointed to the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada. In 1993 Elizabeth was elevated to the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Northwest Territories Court of Appeal. During these years she mentored students, taught at various universities, and became bilingual in French, graduating from the Judges Advanced French Language Program. At her retirement ceremony in 2012 she was honoured by her colleagues for her diplomatic and gentle manner and for her commitment to the pursuit of justice throughout her career.

Elizabeth cherished her circle of longtime friends, some dating back to her high school years. In addition to her many accomplishments, she loved to travel with friends and family throughout Europe, Central America, and Africa. She also enjoyed classical music, theatre, and was supportive of Canadian artists. Elizabeth will be lovingly remembered by her immediate and extended family for her generosity, humility, and unwavering support.

Memorial services to be announced.

Tribute page may be viewed at www.earthsoption.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 10, 2023