Obituary of Lynette Wright

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Margaret Lynette Charlene WRIGHT (née Lewis)

February 20, 1936 - May 28, 2023

It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Lynette Wright formally announce her passing on May 28th, 2023, at the age of 87. After a recent diagnosis of cancer, Lynette fought but ultimately succumbed to her illness. In her final days, she was in the loving care of her family, supported by the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul's Hospital. Lynette is survived by her devoted husband, David Wright; her adoring children Verity Moore-Wright, Jennifer Wright-Froggatt (Brad), David Rodas-Wright (Jina); and her loving grandchildren Robyn (Sam), Katie (Emily), Andrew (Laura), Christopher, Alexis, Alene, Henry, and great grandchildren Jameson, Grayson, Desi, and Cruz. She is pre-deceased by her father and mother, and her brothers.

Lynette was born on February 26, 1936 in Dodsland, Saskatchewan, to Gorrell and Georgina Lewis. She grew up with Bob and Ted Lewis, her spirited and beloved older and younger brothers. Rural Saskatchewan was a tough place to grow up in the depression, but education and personal growth were always important for Lynette. She graduated from Nutana Collegiate in 1953, before completing her Nursing degree in 1958, at City Hospital in Saskatoon. It was during her studies that Lynette encountered her future beau and love, David Henry Wright.  Once both graduated from their studies, Dave and Lynette married on July 4, 1959, and set forth to build their family and careers for the next 64 years.

Lynette went on to work as a nurse at City Hospital, in the Emergency unit, dedicating herself and her skills to helping others for over 10 years. That commitment carried over to building and nurturing her family, with the arrival of her children Verity, Jennifer, and David Lewis. Lynette was a major influence in her family life, advocating for her children and cultivating their futures as independent and loving spouses and parents in their own right. She was a huge supporter of her husband, Dave, and his rising legal career, from associate to partner, and during his appointment as a Queens Bench justice.

Lynette was a strong supporter of feminism and empowering women in the workplace and in society. With her children grown up, she returned to her studies obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of Saskatchewan, and her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina. In the 1990s, she once again brought her advocacy and expertise to bear on the health profession when she joined the Saskatoon Cancer Centre. She was quickly promoted to Director of Social Work, ensuring patients and their families received critical attention during the very painful journey of treatment. Among several initiatives, Lynette created the "Happy Room" at the clinic, to provide a sanctuary for families, especially children.

Both Lynette and Dave were active in the community, building a significant network that would expand across Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. She was at Dave's side during his tenure as a judge, ensuring they remained engaged with the community, friends and with their church. This was especially critical during challenging times, including Dave's work as Commissioner to the Neil Stonechild Inquiry. As a practicing Anglican, Lynette also supported her husband's work as Chancellor of the national church, for which he received the Award of Merit. As Dave says, she equally deserved such honours.

Lynette was a regular supporter of live theatre in Saskatoon, and enjoyed performing arts and the symphony. She was an avid reader and leader of book clubs, enjoyed cooking and entertaining, and spending time with her children and their families. After retirement, Lynette and Dave traveled extensively, visiting South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, France, the UK, Costa Rica, Australia and New Zealand. It was, however, Palm Springs in California, that her and Dave made their home away from home, welcoming family and entertaining. There too, Lynette engaged in the community, including with the Episcopal Church of St. Paul in the Desert.

Lynette will be remembered for her devotion as a wife and mother, her constant drive to learn, and her respect for and commitment to her community. Lynette was serious minded, with a quick wit, and healthy sense of humour; all characteristics that others have come to love about her. She will be missed dearly, and always remembered as a quiet beam of light.

The funeral for Lynette Wright will take place on Tuesday, June 6th, 11:00am, at St. John's Cathedral, 816 Spadina Crescent East in Saskatoon. It will be followed by a small reception at the Parish Hall. The service will be livestreamed at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com, where condolences and stories may be left for the family. In lieu of flowers, for those so wishing, the family requests that donations be made to The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, in Saskatoon; or, to Palliative Care Services with the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation.