'She told the truth:' Hazel McCallion’s children mourn her death but celebrate her life
Following the death of former long-time Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion on Sunday, two of her children shared what made her special, both as a mayor and a mother.
Linda Burgess and Peter McCallion spoke with CP24 outside their mother’s house Sunday afternoon following her passing at the age of 101.
They say they want McCallion to be remembered as the person she was throughout her decades-long career as a public servant, during which time she gained a reputation as a fierce, pragmatic leader who was unapologetically herself.
“I just hope people remember her as the person she was,” Burgess said.
“She always told the truth, she didn't sugar-coat anything and she just was herself.”
Burgess said that in addition to her commitment to serve her community, McCallion was also very family-oriented and supported her children in whatever they were passionate about.
“She was always very supportive and always wanted us to do what made us happy,” Burgess said.
“And [she] was proud of us. As long as you did a good job, it didn't matter what job you had, if you did your best, then she was proud of what you did.”
When McCallion first became mayor of Mississauga in the late 1970s, Peter said that despite the increase in work load, his mother always made time for her children.
“When she got to Mississauga, it was a lot bigger obviously, but she still came home and cooked dinner back then,” he said.
“She did a lot for us.”
Both Peter and Burgess said they had time to prepare for McCallion’s passing, and are relieved that she’s no longer in any pain.
Hazel McCallion sits inside one of the exhibits that make up “Hazel: 100 Years of Memories” on its opening day. (Scott Lightfoot/CTV News Toronto)“She's with my dad now, so they're back together. She missed him a lot. She really loved him,” Burgess said.
“Someone asked her if she was going to remarry, [and she said] ‘I married for love the first time, the second time will be for money and I haven't found anybody rich enough.’”
Though McCallion’s physical health had been deteriorating in recent months, Burgess and Peter say her mind was as sharp as ever right until the very end.
They say she enjoyed the many visits she received over the last few days from friends, including Premier Doug Ford and Mayor John Tory.
“[She was] sharp as a tack. She was constantly talking politics [and] she knew everybody and she was really happy that she had great friends that wanted to see here and pay their respects,” Burgess said.
“[John] Tory was here. She was telling him how to run the city,” Peter added.
“Which is normal, it'd be unusual if she wasn't. So that was wonderful.”
McCallion, who officially retired from politics in 2014 at the age of 93, has been an active community member since then, holding several positions in different sectors, including at post-secondary institutions and the Greater Toronto Airport Authority.
Peter said she was determined to continue serving her community until she no longer could, and that drive is what kept her sharp and active at such an advanced age.
“She just wanted to get involved, but she wanted not to stop, because when you stop, you die,” Peter said.
“So if you keep busy, keep your mind going and your body going, you'll live a lot longer, and 101 is pretty good.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.