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Mildred CANESSA Obituary
July 20, 1927 - February 19, 2017
Our wonderful mother Millie passed away peacefully in her sleep in Langley, BC at the age of 89. She is lovingly survived by her children Dennis (Wendy) and Donna; her grandsons, Steven and Robert (Tasha); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her loving husband Jack, as well as her brother Don and sister Elaine. Our mother dedicated her life to fight for people's rights and to make this world a better place. She was devoted to her family and spent a lifetime showing that devotion in so many ways. Her presence in our lives will be missed and she will be in our hearts forever. Our family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Langley Memorial Hospital and Hospice for the gentle and devoted care she received while she was there. A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2017 at First Memorial Fraser Heights Funeral Chapel - 14835 Fraser Highway, Surrey, BC. In lieu of flowers donations to the Kidney Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
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15 Entries
Emet Davis
March 2, 2017
I had the privilege of working with and meeting Millie last year, along with a small group from BCGEU's PE women's committee, when we undertook the ambitious documentary film project about women in the BCGEU. Millie had a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face as she recalled her activism with the union. She was modest, gracious, and committed to the advancement of working people and to social justice. RIP.
Lorraine Logan
March 1, 2017
Millie was a great friend and mentor to me as she passed her torch to continue with her enthusiasm and passion toward systemic barriers for all but mostly seniors. Her angelic smile fooled many. Millie is going to be missed ,our memories will hold her truth, dignity, respect,integrity and in particular her sense of humour. Time now to rest and let us go forward with her messages. Donna and Dennis, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time - you have an awesome Mom!
sav dhaliwal
February 28, 2017
Millie: Altruistic Always.
gord larkin
February 27, 2017
Millie was a fighter for the rights
of working people. Her contributions to those causes will
live on in her memory.
RIP Sister!
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Joan Sawicki
February 27, 2017
Kind in spirit and in deed, consistent in values and beliefs, Millie was an inspiration to all who seek political activism as a vehicle to bring about positive change.
For many years, Millie was the glue that helped build Burnaby-Willingdon into the strong constituency that it was. She was always willing to serve and do whatever was needed; she was never judgemental and she was often the voice of calm reason when we needed it most.
To me personally, Millie was a mentor, confidant and friend. From the time I ran for the nomination through to the end of my political career, Millie was unwavering in her personal support. Especially during tough political times, I often turned to Millie when I needed some clarity, wisdom and perspective.
Even these many years later, Millie continued to call me from time to time and we would talk about the political issues of the day - and I would once again be reminded of her unshakable faith in the power of political activism and, above all, of her uniquely kind and generous nature.
I will miss those telephone calls but I will continue to cherish the influence Millie had upon my life, both personally and politically.
February 27, 2017
Our family members want to convey how saddened we are to hear of 'Millie's' passing on 2/19/2017.
A remarkable woman who will be fondly remembered by many individuals she met and served with over the years. The dedication and involvement within the various organizations speak volumes about who she was throughout her life.
We were grateful for the help and interest she offered regarding the family's past to create a bronze sculpture bust of 'John Canessa'. Millie would have been intrigued to see the final work upon completion although a permanent placement has not yet been fully realized.
Do know that we are appreciative for the encouragement given by her abundant knowledge of the 'Canessa' genealogy.
On behalf of the Vincenzi Family and Peg Vogan, who kept in touch with Millie, please accept our deepest condolences to each of you.
John, Cliff, Ed, Donna, Peg and families.
Svend Robinson
February 25, 2017
Millie was a kind and gentle woman with a heart of gold and a passionate commitment to working people and social justice. Whether in the BCGEU or COSCO or in so many NDP campaigns, including every one of my campaigns as Burnaby's MP, she always fought with determination to make the world a better place. Condolences to her family, be proud of this amazing sister.
February 24, 2017
Millie was a very good friend of mine. She did lot for working people as an activist with BCGEU. She created a forum for all retired GEU executives and staff to meet twice a year. It was a real pleasure to see her at retirees lunch which she arranged. She will be missed for long time by all her friends and co-workers. Mohammed Alam, Surrey BC
Rudy Lawrence
February 24, 2017
I am proud to be able to call Millie my friend. Millie was my secretary d during my term as President of the Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of BC (COSCO). She was an amazing woman standing up for the rights of all people and will be missed.
Rudy Lawrence
February 24, 2017
With Millie's passing, I have lost a very good loyal friend. Millie was my secretary during my term of President of The Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of BC (COSCO) and was a great inspiration to me to stand up for the rights of all human beings. She made huge imprints on COSCO, BC Forum, BCGEU, etc. etc. a remarkable human being and I am proud to have had her as a friend and supporter . Rudy Lawrence
Gary Steeves
February 23, 2017
There was no one like Millie. She was a rare human being who spent countless hours connecting people with purpose. The cause was always the same - social justice and for Millie, people and their needs was what it was all about. She was so kind and so thoughtful. The world really is a poorer place without her.
George Heyman
February 23, 2017
Millie was both inspiring and humbling - particularly because she did so much for so many while, making insisting it was so little. I remember sharing a lunch with Millie and Jo Fox in which we learned so much about the challenges she had faced early and throughout life, challenges she met, handles and turned to motivation to help others. Millie's life was truly a life to be appreciated and celebrated. We will miss her.
Brian Gardiner
February 23, 2017
I always enjoyed working with Millie, both at the NDP and the BCGEU.
John Fryer
February 23, 2017
Reading Millie's obituary--which she wrote herself--gives you a very good sense of the life of this incredible woman. She gave of herself in order to make better the lives of so many others. "What we desire for ourselves we wish for others",the J. S. Woodsworth motto of the BC Federation of Labour, was Millie's guiding principle that she lived up to every day. Millie worked to help her community,her province and her country become better places. She worked to ease the lives of others less fortunate and she worked like a tiger to build and support her Union and the trade union movement . And she did all this in a dedicated and determined way with both grace and gentleness. Millie was an exceptional, one of a kind, person who will be irreplaceable. It was a privilege to know and work with her and I feel very blessed that we were friends and comrades for almost half a century. "Thanks sister for a life very well lived".
De Whalen
February 22, 2017
Millie was an inspiration to all young (and not so young) union members, encouraging us all to speak up for women's rights and labour rights in general. She will be sorely missed,
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14835 Fraser Highway, Surrey, BC V3R3N6
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