Hazel McCallion dead at 101, former mayor of Mississauga for 36 years

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Published January 29, 2023 at 8:24 am

Hazel McCallion dead at 101

Hazel McCallion, the former mayor of Mississauga for 36 years, has died.

She was 101.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement in a statement on Sunday morning, noting that the longtime mayor had “passed away peacefully at her home in Mississauga early this morning.”

“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.”

The current mayor of Mississauga, Bonnie Crombie, tweeted out this message about Hazel McCallion.

Today, we grieve the loss of Mississauga’s matriarch, Hazel McCallion, a fierce and passionate leader who touched the lives of so many. She lived a life of service before self – everything she did was for the betterment of our City. My deepest condolences to the McCallion family.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted to the news with a statement on McCallion’s career and her bold political style, which he called “unstoppable.”

“My dear friend Hazel was an extraordinary woman who wore many hats: a businessperson, an athlete, a politician, and one of Canada’s – and the world’s – longest-serving mayors. Nicknamed ‘Hurricane Hazel’ for her bold political style, she was unstoppable.

“‘I want to assure you that the people will come first during my term’ she told a cheering crowd when she won her first term as mayor almost 45 years ago. And that was how she served: by putting people first. She inspired countless others, including myself, in her decades of tireless and selfless service. I will miss her as a friend, and I’ll always cherish the conversations we had, and the wisdom she shared over the years.”

Many others went online today to mourn and commemorate McCallion’s life:

 

Mississauga’s beloved matriarch Hazel McCallion was 101 when she passed away.

She would have been 102 on Valentine’s Day.

A lot has changed in the city since she retired as mayor, but one thing that hasn’t changed is that Mississauga is still Hazel Country.

Take a look at photos of Mississauga’s Mayor Hazel McCallion through the past 7 decades:

A section of the final County of Peel Council, in 1973. Included are J. E. Archdekin, the Mayor of Brampton, J. I. Mullin, the Reeve of Albion, Hazel McCallion, Streetsville Mayor, and J. C. Saddington, Port Credit Mayor.

McCallion promotes the Streetsville Founders Bread and Honey Festival. Created by the Streetsville and District Chamber of Commerce in 1973, publisher/husband Sam McCallion became the organization’s first President in 1974.

Hazel meets the public at the 1987 opening of the new City Hall.

Catch of the day at the 1988 Mayor’s Invitational Fishing Tournament.

Cutting the Canada Day cake, 1993.

Mississauga Symphony Orchestra performs at the City Hall opening weekend in 1987.

New Wave group Images in Vogue (“In the House”) meet with Hazel.


Officials from Kariya, Japan visit with Hazel to present gift in celebration of the new municipal offices. The two cities have been “sistered” since 1981.

Hazel performs with The Nylons at the opening of the City Hall in 1987.

Hurricane Hazel was surrounded with over 1000 of her closest friends and supporters to celebrate her official retirement gala of her 36 years in office on October 11, 2014. Jean Chrétien was the suprise guest that evening.

Former Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien surprises Mayor McCallion with his visit to the gala.


Hazel McCallion still stayed active as she joined hosts Khaled Iwamura and Scott Willats and current mayor of Mississauga Bonnie Crombie at the 2016 NYE Celebrations at Celebration Square.

Last year for her 101st birthday, McCallion was visited by Crombie as well as representative from both the Peel Regional Police and Mississauga Fire Department at her Mississauga home.

 

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