MISSISSAUGA, January 29, 2023 – Former Mayor of Mississauga, serving 12 consecutive terms from 1978 – 2014, ‘Hurricane’ Hazel McCallion passed away peacefully shortly after 6:30 a.m. today, January 29, 2023 at home with her family by her side. Hazel McCallion was 101 years old.
The official announcement of the legendary mayor’s passing was made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who in 2019 had appointed Hazel McCallion as a special advisor to the province’s minister of municipal affairs and housing.
“At the request of the family, I announce with a heavy heart, the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Hazel McCallion.
Hazel passed away peacefully at her home in Mississauga early this morning at the incredible age of 101.
Hazel was the true definition of a public servant. She dedicated her long life to her community, including 36 years as mayor of Mississauga – the longest serving mayor in the city’s history. She led the transformation of Mississauga into one of Canada’s largest cities. Hazel’s mark on her community can be found in the many places and organizations that bear her name, including the Hazel McCallion Line.
There isn’t a single person who met Hazel who didn’t leave in awe of her force of personality. I count myself incredibly lucky to have called Hazel my friend over these past many years. As I entered the world of politics, I was fortunate enough to learn from her wisdom and guidance, which she selflessly offered until the very end.
Hazel will be missed dearly by the people that she so faithfully served. I know we will all miss the wit and tenacity of the one and only Hurricane Hazel.
On behalf of all Ontarians, I want to extend my condolences to Hazel’s family, especially her children Peter, Linda and Paul. Thank you for sharing your mother with us for so many years.
Her city, and our province, are better places because of the amazing life of Hazel McCallion. Rest easy, my friend.”
Mississauga’s current mayor, Bonnie Crombie expressed her sincere condolences to HAzel’s family and friends.
“Today, I stand alongside our residents, staff and my Council colleagues as we grieve the passing of Mississauga’s matriarch Hazel McCallion, the longest serving mayor of our beautiful city,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Hazel was not only my mentor and political role model but the reason why so many Canadian women were inspired to enter politics. She has left an indelible mark on our City and her legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. We should all strive to follow her example. Today, I join all Mississauga residents in expressing my sincere condolences to Hazel’s family and friends.” See Mayor’s full statement.
“Hazel lived a good life and the truth is that even in her final days, she never stopped giving back to this great city and to the people who proudly call it home.
“As our first female Mayor at a very critical time in our history, she helped grow and shape Mississauga from farmland and fruit trees into the seventh-largest city in Canada with a quality of life that is ‘second to none’” said Mayor Bonnie
Since leaving the Mayor’s office, she has taken on roles with University of Toronto Mississauga, Sheridan College, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Ontario Women’s Hockey Association, the Ontario Government, and Revera Incorporated, among others.
Hazel was married to Sam McCallion, who passed away in 1997. She is survived by her three children, Paul (Marie), Linda Burgess (the late Peter) and Peter McCallion, and her grand daughter, Erika.
Memorial arrangements and details will be provided once they are available. In lieu of flowers, the McCallion family has asked that donations be made to Trillium Health Partners Foundation or to the Hazel McCallion Charitable Foundation for Arts, Culture and Heritage.
SOURCE Premier of Ontario and City of Mississauga
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