Mary Nutting, the founding Executive Director of the South Peace Regional Archives, passed away on April 20 at the age of 67 (Photo: Fran Rodgers Photography / South Peace Regional Archives)

By Shaun Penner

Regional Archives Founder

Regional Archives look to carry legacy forward following passing of founder

Apr 25, 2020 | 7:00 AM

Members of the Peace Country’s heritage community are mourning the loss of an original archivist, as Mary Nutting passed away on Monday, April 20 at the age of 67 following a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

Nutting was the founding Executive Director of the South Peace Regional Archives in 2000. She was at the helm of the archives until her retirement in 2017.

“Just devastating news,” said Alyssa Currie, who took over from Nutting as Executive Director of the archives. “Mary was the face of the archives. She led us from a dream and a hope, to becoming the first regional archives in Alberta,”

“Frankly speaking, we would not be here without Mary and much of our community history would be lost without her years of hard work.”

Mary Nutting (nee Geerligs) was raised in the Peace Country and lived much of her life in the Grande Prairie area. She worked for many years in public service for the City of Grande Prairie in varying roles.

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That said, archival preservation of history was not always her focus, but following a one-year residence with her family in the United Kingdom in the late ‘90s, Nutting grew a passion and appreciation for the history of the country. That brought her back to Grande Prairie with a new sense of direction.

While volunteering with the Grande Prairie Museum, Nutting completed a survey of the archival records in the Peace Country in 1999. Following that survey, Alberta’s first regional archives were born.

“In a renovated shop, shared with museum collections staff,” said Currie. “Our organization has grown to something that is a dedicated, separate professional organization thanks to the work of Mary and her tireless dedication to the cause.”

Currie feels that one of Nutting’s greatest motivators was to use the region’s history to provide it with a sense of identity, adding that she also believed a community’s story was best told through the people of its past.

“Mary once said: You don’t realize how heroic people are and how much they’ve done until you see all the documents in their life.”

“And I think Mary is going to be remembered as a hero.”

Nutting also authored or was a contributor for several historical publications over her career. Her work also had her involved in founding the Aurora Home, a charity for women at risk in the community. The charity is operated today by Rising Above Ministries.

“Mary was just such a gift, and I think she would be happy that we are carrying on.”

Nutting is survived by her husband, Jeff, and her two sons Robert and Jan and their families.