Long-time friend shares fond memories of the late Hazel McCallion
A long-time friend of the longest-serving mayor in Mississauga's history has fond memories of the trailblazing woman.
Fran Rider, who met Hazel McCallion in the 70s, spent much of the 101-year-old woman's final seven weeks by her side.
"Truly, Hazel had incredibly strong values and believed she was on this earth to serve people every single day of her life," said Rider.
McCallion died peacefully at her home on January 29.
The one-of-a-kind former Mississauga mayor's larger-than-life status can be credited to her ability to listen to everyone she met.
"Each person has 24 hours per day to live a good life and to have enjoyment in their life. Clearly, that day in the lives of people who saw Hazel, met her, had a picture, had a few words with her, that was one of the best days they ever had in their lives," explained Rider.
That ability to make time for others and try to understand their perspective was key in the political success that saw McCallion lead Mississauga for 36 years.
"She loved being mayor because she was closer to the people, and she was truly respected in the political world at all levels of government," added Rider.
Rider, president of the Ontario Women's Hockey Association, remembers McCallion's love for the sport and her pride in players who were taking a stand.
Rider noted McCallion, a star with the Montreal Kik in 1940, lived every day to the fullest, especially as an advocate for women's hockey.
"Players are now taking a voice and taking it very, very well, and certainly, that's something Hazel was very proud of. She was thrilled to meet and be with the players that played with team Canada and even played the game at all," said Rider.
Calling McCallion the best friend anyone could have, Rider said one of her friend's proudest feats was her relationship with young people.
"When Hazel was around, the young people came up to Hazel, and her eyes brightened because of the fact that she could connect with them, and it did so because she brought them strength and she truly recognized those are the next leaders of this world," said Rider.
She noted McCallion approached every day with an open mind.
"I would preface something by saying, 'do you want to try' and her eyes would light up, and you knew it was going to be a yes whether it was kayaking, sea-doing, boating, snowmobiling. No matter what it was, she was up for the challenge," said Rider.
The funeral for the woman affectionately known as 'Hurricane Hazel' is set for Tuesday, on what would have been her 102nd birthday.
Her friends say she still had a full agenda of things she wanted to accomplish.
"She would be really thrilled if we gave her the gift that we lived in her spirit, her honour and carried forward the work that she had not finished in 101 years," said Rider.
Rider recalled that even in the weeks before her peaceful passing, her good friend's spirit never wavered, and she never once complained about her illness.
According to Rider, even in her final days, when people were there to support her, McCallion was the one checking on them to ensure they were doing well.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.