Elizabeth Ann Mcfadyen

The Honourable

ELIZABETH ANN MCFADYEN

August 31, 1940 – May 12, 2023

The family of 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 fifty 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 Dept 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 honored 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,

theater, and was supportive of Canadian artists.

Elizabeth will be lovingly remembered by her immediate and extended

family for her generosity, humility, and unwavering support.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 24, 2023 from 1pm to 4pm at

the University Club, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road.

Please RSVP by email to: colron33@gmail.com