In Memoriam: Leslie Tutty, Faculty of Social Work

The University of Calgary is saddened by the death of Dr. Leslie Maureen Tutty, PhD, Professor Emerita with the Faculty of Social Work, who passed away at the age of 74 on Sept. 24 at Pincher Creek Hospital in Pincher Creek, Alta.

Born in Prince Albert, Sask., Leslie spent her formative years in both Prince Albert and Calgary, cultivating a lifelong commitment to family, friendship and social justice.

A distinguished academic and passionate advocate, Leslie devoted her career to addressing interpersonal violence within families, especially its impacts on women and children. Her research and writing earned her widespread respect and admiration, both within scholarly circles and among those whose lives her work helped to illuminate and protect. She was unusually morally clear-sighted and courageous, even when that stance came with significant personal risks.

Beyond her professional and social contributions, Leslie was known for her affection for her dogs, and for nature and wildlife. She was deeply content living in the countryside near Twin Butte, Alta., where she spent her final decades surrounded by the natural beauty that place offers.

Leslie is survived by her loving husband, Michael; her sons, Jason and Evan; her daughter-in-law, Heather; her grandson, Boyd; her sister, Paddy, and Paddy’s partner, Billy; her brother, Bob; and sister-in-law, Debbie. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the causes she championed and the family she held so dear.

Public memorials celebrating Leslie’s remarkable life are being planned and will be announced in due course. Contributions in her memory would be welcomed by the Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca.

Alternatively, she was very supportive of the Anglican Alongside Hope program, which strives to support the needs of women and children in Africa and elsewhere (info@alongsidehope.org).