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
19 Responses
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
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
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
What beautifully written and loving words describing Maggie’s full and vibrant life. Rest in peace Maggie. We love and miss you. xoxo
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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