Jennifer Earlene Rutledge-Gordon

With immense sadness we announce the passing of Jennifer Earlene Rutledge-Gordon, after a very courageous battle with cancer.

 Jennifer was born in Calgary and raised in the Edmonton area where she built the foundations of life long relationships with many people very close to her heart. With a passion for art, her creative mind was always in motion with an eye for beauty in everything she touched. After attending UofA faculty of Arts, carried her artistic expression into all aspects of her life, always finding ways to transform the ordinary into something meaningful and fabulous.

 After getting married and having three amazing children, her focus in life was being a Momma Bear.  She created a home filled with love, and one where her kids knew that no matter what, she would be there for them. Her children were everything to her and even so, Jennifer would not hold them back from learning what life and the world had to offer. Whether celebrating victories or helping them mend broken hearts, Jennifer showed up with unwavering love.  She was a hockey mom in all the best ways and was there for the wins, the loses and had a magical way of mending the heartaches. Every game Jennifer would say “Play …” her daughter or son would respond “hard”…. She would then say “Play with…” and her daughter or son would say “heart”.

 Art remained a constant thread throughout her life.  Jennifer, along with Whistler, became known in the neighbourhood as the “art teacher”, birthing Canvas and Cupcakes, offering paint nights to local children. She found great joy in nurturing creativity in young people and would say that the best feeling in the world came from the many different types of talent but more importantly the excitement of all the children after they had completed their very own masterpiece.

 Later, Jennifer devoted herself as a volunteer to a non profit which she held very dear in her heart, The Nina Haggerty Centre for The Arts. It was at this point in her life that Jennifer’s love of art collided with her tenacious love for making people smile. She formed lasting bonds with the artists and the staff and the centre became an extension of her family.  Jennifer’s Momma Bear instinct automatically kicked in and she made the Nina her main focus, a fulfilling career and truly felt that outside of family, the Nina was her next greatest accomplishment. 

 If you knew her, you loved her. If you ever heard her laugh you would remember it as the most beautiful, silly laugh that was contagious. If you ever had a hug from Jennifer, you would know that no hug would ever compare. If you were very lucky enough to hear it, or see it in her incredible penmanship, Jennifer would always say “ I love you bigger than the skies…”

 Family and friends, Jennifer could never have enough of you and her love for her family was by far the foundation and the glue. So proud of her family, she had many photos to show to anyone she met. And most recently became a proud Nana with the birth of her Granddaughter, Aaliyah, who brought her great joy.

 Survived by her husband Craig and her loving parents, Bill/Lorraine Rutledge, sister Jillian (Craig), Brother Jon (Erin). Her children that meant the world to her, Kross (Gaby), Loch and Whistler. As well as her granddaughter Aaliyah. And her lifetime best friend Jennifer Greenough.

 Jennifer also loved her pets with absolute passion and her boy Lincoln will be waiting for her on the other side.

Additionally,  we know that her loving friend, Athena Skagos, will be welcoming her with open arms.

 In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a Donation to the Nina Haggerty Centre For The  Arts.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 25th at the Nina Haggerty Centre For The Arts (details to follow)