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Early Life: Growing Up on Signal Hill and Nursing School

Heather Claudette Cutler (née Burry) was born on November 26, 1970, to Peter and Jennie Burry in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The youngest of three children, she grew up with her two older brothers, Keith and David, on Signal Hill Road. Her father, Peter, worked as a bus driver for a children’s rehabilitation centre, while her mother, Jennie, was primarily a homemaker and also worked at the local post office.

During her school years, Cutler participated in trips to Vienna and other parts of Europe. After high school, she attended the General Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1981. Employed by Eastern Health, she worked at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s. Cutler spent two decades in neurosurgery before transitioning to obstetrics, where her role involved supporting families and welcoming new life.

On December 25, 1998, while attending a family gathering, Cutler’s water broke, leading her and her husband, Barry, to the hospital, where she gave birth to Christopher, the first Christmas baby born in St. John’s that year. The occasion drew media attention, and Cutler was interviewed by local outlets. Her daughter, Bethany, was born on October 30, 1992. Known for her dedication to family, Cutler often balanced night shifts to be home for her children after school.In this stage of life, she resided at 31 Harnum Crescent until moving to Osmond Place in 2021.

After a 35-year career in nursing, Cutler retired and turned her focus to hobbies such as home improvement and gardening. She enjoyed camping at Terra Nova National Park and took vacations in Florida.

In her final years, Cutler was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a disease with limited treatment options. She spent her final hospital stay in the 5 North B unit of the Health Sciences Centre, where she had worked for much of her career. Heather Cutler died on May 5, 2024, at her home in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, surrounded by her family.

Musical Discography

Holiday’s With Heather - December 25, 2024

Ten holiday tracks celebrating the warmth and magic of family Christmases, now layered with nostalgia and profound loss. Discovered on a burnt CD after Heather’s passing, this collection reflects her love for the season and the cherished memories she left behind.



Who was Heather Cutler?

Heather Claudette Cutler (née Burry) was a Canadian registered nurse and the namesake of The Heather Cutler Foundation. Born on November 26, 1960, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Cutler was the youngest of three children. She was raised on Signal Hill Road by her parents, Peter and Jennie Burry. Her father worked as a bus driver for a children’s rehabilitation centre, and her mother held roles as a homemaker and part-time postal worker.

Cutler graduated from the General Hospital School of Nursing in 1981 and began her career with Eastern Health at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s. She spent 20 years working in neurosurgery before transitioning to obstetrics, where she supported families during childbirth. Her work was marked by a commitment to patient care, balancing her professional responsibilities with raising her two children, Christopher and Bethany.

Where was Heather Cutler born?

Heather Cutler was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, on November 26, 1960.

Where did Heather Cutler receive her nursing education?

Heather Cutler graduated from the General Hospital School of Nursing in 1981. Her education provided the foundation for a successful career in healthcare.

When did Heather Cutler Die?

Heather Cutler died on May 5th, 2024 surrounded by her family at home in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland.

Who was Heather Cutler employed by?

Heather was employed by Eastern Health, the provinces regional health authority now known as Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

Where did Heather Cutler work as a registered nurse?

Heather Cutler worked at both the Health Sciences Centre and St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, as part of Eastern Health, the regional health authority for Newfoundland. She worked in neurosurgery and later transitioned to obstetrics.

Where is Heather Cutler buried?

Heather Cutler is buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada together with her father, Peter Burry. Peter passed away in March of 2024.

Full Name Heather Claudette Cutler (née Burry)
Born November 26, 1960, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Died May 5, 2024, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Cause of Death Pancreatic Cancer
Manner of Death Natural Causes
Resting Place Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Date of Burial May 7, 2024
Nationality Canadian
Education General Hospital School of Nursing (Graduated 1981)
Occupation Registered Nurse (RN)
Field of Work Nursing
Employer Eastern Health
Years Active 1978–2019
Known For Foundation Namesake
Spouse Barry Cutler
Children Christopher Cutler
Bethany Cutler
Parents Peter Burry
Jennie Burry
Languages English
French
Work Location Health Sciences Centre, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Field Neurosurgery
Obstetrics
Notable Work The Heather Cutler Foundation
Jingle Bells (feat. Peter Burry & Jennie Burry) - Single
Patient Perspectives: Living with Stage IV Cancer
ISNI 0000000494144610
Instagram Username heatherc.23
Find a Grave Memorial ID 275712666
Geni.com Profile ID 6000000210077095835
Signature Heather Cutler Signature
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Barry and family We were sorry to hear of the passing of your loving wife. we send condolences to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.