Obituary of Desirée Karen Marya Hutton

The Livestream of Mass for those unable to attend can be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89nxbjSHo38

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Desirée K.M.H. Hutton (née Steele) in Regina, SK on August 24, 2022 at age 30 after a courageous cancer journey. 

Desirée was born to David and Dorene Steele in Calgary, AB on 17 March 1992, a younger sister to James.  Saskatoon was her home from 1995 until 2018.  She attended Georges Vanier Catholic School and Holy Cross High School as well as homeschooling for six elementary years.  Active in academics, choir, debate and drama, Desirée graduated from Holy Cross in 2010, receiving awards and scholarships for academic prowess and commitment to service and justice.  She passed the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations for Grade 8 Piano with Honours while simultaneously qualifying as a Greystone Scholar at the University of Saskatchewan.  At St. Thomas More College Desirée served for three years on the STM Student Union, ultimately as President, and was elected Academic Vice-President of the U of S Students’ Union.  She earned a B.A. with High Honours in Political Studies with a Minor in Social Justice and the Common Good before entering the U of S College of Law.  After articling as a clerk with the Regina Court of Queen’s Bench she worked as a Crown Prosecutor in Regina.

A gifted and avid musician, Desirée learned to play the violin, piano, guitar and ukulele from music and by ear, to stepdance, jive and polka at lightning speed, to sing with strength and soul and harmonize her lovely alto voice, and to accompany fiddle players with skill and verve.  In elementary school she accompanied her brother James on the keyboard as they entertained at seniors’ homes.  She brought joy to many through music. 

Desirée first met her future husband Simon during an Encounters with Canada trip in 2008.  They became engaged in the summer of 2019 , were married in May 2020 and, eight months into her cancer journey, Desirée and Simon celebrated their wedding with many of their family and friends in June 2022.  She wanted to thank everyone who came to celebrate with them that day.

Desirée lived her life joyfully, laughed infectiously and lit up any room she entered.  She lived her faith in God daily and, at age 12 adopted the motto, “Preach the gospel with your actions at all times and, when necessary, use words.”  She made friends everywhere she went and was a friend to all, generously sharing her understanding and encouragement impartially.  Her favorite memories include accompanying her brother James on the keyboard while he fiddled for a variety of audiences.  She enjoyed socializing, especially with dear friends and family, dancing, debate, hiking with Simon and the beauty of nature, particularly at Meota and Emma Lake.

To everyone in her life, Desirée said: “I would like to thank all the people who have been part of my journey in life.  Each one of you is a gift.  I so appreciate who you are and all the support and encouragement you have given me.  I know I did not answer all the messages I received but I want you to know I appreciate each one of you and I felt your encouragement, so thank you so much.  I wish you well in life and I encourage you to thank God for all the good in life each day.  I am filled with joy and peace; all is well.”

Desirée was predeceased by her grandparents Gerry and Maude Steele and Mike Hadubiak.  She will be mourned and deeply missed by her beloved husband Simon Hutton, her parents David and Dorene Hadubiak Steele, her brother James, honorary sisters Sophie, Whitney, Sarah and Brianna, honorary brother Raini, her parents-in-law Gary and Chanz Hutton and numerous relatives, friends and colleagues.  Desirée and her family thank Dr. Lee and all those at Allan Blair Cancer Centre, Pasqua Hospital and Palliative Home Care who cared for her during her journey, and all the friends who supported her and her family in many ways.

A visiation will be held at Saskatoon Funeral Home on Monday, August 29 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon, SK at 1:30 pm on Tuesday August 30, 2022, with reception and interment to follow.  Parking is available at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Cornerstone Church and Resurrection Lutheran Church at the corner of Lenore Drive and Redberry Road.  The livestream of the Mass may be viewed at the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89nxbjSHo38.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Desirée Hutton (née Steele) Legacy Fund (https://sscf.ca/desiree-hutton-legacy-fund/).  Desirée established this fund to continue the work close to her heart by helping to remove barriers for marginalized students, including those in the first generation of their family to seek post-secondary education.