Margaret Rose Mullen (Hamel), 56, of Victoria, BC, passed away peacefully of Congestive Heart Failure in the tender embrace of her husband, Steve, at Royal Jubilee Hospital on Thursday morning, March 3, 2016.
Our beautiful Maggie was born on December 7, 1959 in Sherbrooke, Quebec to Rodolphe and Charlotte Hamel.
Maggie was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, (TOF), a congenital heart defect resulting in “blue baby syndrome”. After pioneering surgery at the Montreal Heart Institute to repair the hole in her heart, Maggie was not expected to see her 14th birthday. She proved everyone wrong and persevered.
Maggie left home at an early age (16 years) to pursue her studies in Montreal. Upon completion, her fearless sense of adventure took her to Wainwright, Alberta as a nanny for a few years. It was here she met her close friend, Shawn Sheehy. Like minded, they decided to travel to Victoria, Shawn to visit her family and Maggie to see the ocean. Thankfully, they stayed!
On Valentine’s Day at “The Old Forge”(Yes it’s true) in 1980, Steve and Maggie met. Inseparable, they married on December 18, 1988.
Maggie pursued a career in Hairdressing and management for almost 25 years. When she decided a change was in order, always a numbers person, she went to work for HR Block. She took great pride in helping people and many of her clients became family friends. After a few years, she decided to strike out on her own, and established her Tax Business in a converted room, that once held a tanning bed, at the Phoenix Gym on Government St. Her business grew and she left her humble digs behind and opened an office on Douglas St. where she remained until her health forced her to retire.
Maggie dabbled in many artistic and creative outlets over the years, including web and graphic design, screenwriting, poetry and playing the guitar. She loved nature; the ocean and mountains were a lifelong source of serenity and quiet reflection. It will be in her favorite places that her ashes will be scattered.
Maggie is predeceased by her father, Rodolphe and mother, Charlotte. Maggie is survived by her loving husband, Steve. She also shared a special bond with her brother and sisters, Joseph (Joe), Cathy (Catou) and Patricia (Trish).
Maggie’s family is grateful for the exceptional, compassionate care provided to her by the Doctors, Nurses, HCA’s and staff of the Royal Jubilee Hospital.
A celebration of Maggie’s life will be held at the CFB Esquimalt Wardroom, 1586 Esquimalt Road, Esquimalt, BC on Saturday, April 23 at 2pm. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
“there’s no forsaking what you love no existential leap as witnessed here in time and blood a thousand kisses deep” ― Leonard Cohen
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Steve Mullen
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Steve Mullen Sweetheart, it has been a year now. I am thankful for our 36 years of marriage and think of you everyday. You were my tough little nut, that was not supposed to see your 14th birthday. Just think what we would have missed. All my love and treasured memories. Boo XXXOOO
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Jess Ingram Very sad to hear about this loss… We met Maggie through her tax business when a friend highly recommended her services. We had no idea we were about to meet such a lovely lady! We enjoyed our chats over number crunching, she always made us feel welcome and important. I wish we had more opportunities to get to know Maggie, her cheerful nature was contagious! We send love and warm wishes to her family and friend and are so thankful our paths were able to cross.
Jess, Tyler & Nico
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Kerry St.Cyr Maggie,
You were always a bright light in our lives and I enjoyed the many times we spent together over drinks, over food, or just having a laugh.
Your passing leaves a hole in the world.
Steve,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your soul mate.
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Tim and Marty Ball We enjoyed all the times we met in the hallway of our condo in downtown Victoria.
Had wonderful chats and exchanges. Fond memories.
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Pedro -Janie Arauz We are so sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you Steve and to your extended family. We just want to say we are thinking of you.
Pedro and Janie Arauz
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Micca Hart Steve,
I was truely heartbroken for you when I heard of your loss. Whenever you mentioned Maggie, you always spoke with love.
My deepest condolences,
Micca
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Terri Primus Dear Steve,
I am so sorry for your loss! My sincere condolences to you, Steve and to your extended family.
Maggie was one in a million, ever ready to give a helping hand in what ever way possible. She believed in me and encouraged me through some tough times, with Maggie I felt I could reach the stars! It was an honor to be in Maggie’s life and to have the privilege to give back to Maggie in her last days, (though I refused to believe those were her last days).
Steve, Maggie was one lucky girl to have you in her life. You showed such strength of character in the last few months and gave without concern for yourself. She was well cared for right up to the end.
“My Dear Maggie, you are free now of the weak body that held you back. I can only imagine what you are up to now, you crazy girl.
I love you Maggie and miss you terribly. Your friend forever”. Terri
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Brigitte Sévigny I’m so sorry for your lost, I’m Brigitte, Cathy is my best friend, I just wanted to say I’m thinking of you Steve I never met you but Cathy told me a lot of great things about you. What you wrote above is just fantastic. She’ll always be thier watching over you. Condolence to Cathy, Joe, Trish.xxx
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Violet Nancekivell Steve, our deepest sympathy, Maggie was a dear and wonderful Lady and we were pleased to have to have known her even if it was only for a short time. Cherish all your Happy Memories. Hugs Violet & Reuben Nancekivell
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Triva Landry My sincere condolences to you, Steve, and to Maggie’s family. May the memories you had a chance to create together help soothe you during this difficult time. Triva Landry
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Joan Lively Hi Stephen: I am a friend of your father’s. He’s talked a great deal about you and Maggie and of Maggie’s illness of recent date. May I tell you how sorry I am that you’ve lost your spouse, your best friend, and your soul mate.
“Widows and widowers are often referred to as brave people. Not only have they survived the terrible ordeal of losing their spouse but they have dived back into the flame to save all that is so dear”. So very sorry, Joan Lively
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Lisa (Mullen) Landry What beautifully written and loving words describing Maggie’s full and vibrant life. Rest in peace Maggie. We love and miss you. xoxo
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elaine yarmie Maggie, you were the best friend anyone could ask for, you were always there when i needed someone to help me out or just talk to, you will be greatly missed. I will also miss your smile and laughter at bingo. my prayers go out to steve and the family. love elaine
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Laura Nevile Rest in peace my dear friend. You were one of god’s finest creations. Always willing to help. Always with a smile. You touched so many people by listening and lending a helpful hand even when you were not feeling yourself. I was amazed at what you accomplished year after year. Just amazed. Without a doubt you will be truly missed by many. I will miss you.
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Lisa Aubrey I knew you only for a little time, Maggie, but I saw that big, loving heart of yours reach out to so many people. My condolences and thoughts for Steve, your family, and community. Rest in peace, my friend.
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Carol Duggan I am so sad to hear Maggie has passed away. She worked out of the office beside me and we
would have a little visit most days. She always had a story to share with me and I often wondered how she had all the energy to run her business as well as give so much of her time to care for a friend in need. I will remember the days we would sit together in the lunch room and work on the crossword puzzles. She always came up with the answer much faster than I could.
I haven’t known Maggie long, but I will remember here and miss knowing that she is no longer here with us. I also know that Maggie was truly blessed with a loving husband and my heart felt condolences go out to him.
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Trish Nancekivell Maggie, you were an exceptional person and I miss you so much. You are my role model. I’ll miss our chats and you trying to give me big hair. Steve, you are an amazing man standing by her and giving her unconditional love. Love and miss you each day, Trish
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Steve Mullen Maggie, I remember that wonderful afternoon in Old Montreal, the way you looked at me, melted my heart. I miss you, all my love, Boo. XX OO
Thoughts of you make me smile, thank you for our wonderful years together. Love Steve.