Dr. Helen Kathleen Mussallem

Dr. Helen Kathleen Mussallem obituary

Dr. Helen Kathleen Mussallem

Helen Mussallem Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province from Nov. 13 to Nov. 14, 2012.
Dr. Helen Kathleen Mussallem January 7, 1915 - Nov.9, 2012 Peacefully at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus on Wednesday November 9th, 2012 in her 98th year. Beloved daughter of the late Solomon and Annie Mussallem. Predeceased by her brothers and sisters George, Nicholas, Mary, Peter, and Lily. Fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Her niece, Dr. Lynette Harper, invites family and friends to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair and McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa Ontario on Thursday November 15th, 2012 from 4-8 pm. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday November 16th, 2012 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Canadian Nurses Foundation would be appreciated by the family.  Special thanks to Patty Rupnarain, Dr.S.Litwin and staff for all their loving care and compassion. A memorial service will take place in Vancouver in early January, 2013.

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January 13, 2013

Wendy MacLeod posted to the memorial.

January 4, 2013

Harry David Frith-Smith posted to the memorial.

January 4, 2013

Susila Bryant posted to the memorial.

18 Entries

Wendy MacLeod

January 13, 2013

I have always felt so blessed to have had Dr. Mussallem in my life as her Executive Assistant 42 years ago in Ottawa, Ontario. We have always kept in touch. What a remarkable, lovely LADY. My condolences to all her family.

Harry David Frith-Smith

January 4, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Susila Bryant

January 4, 2013

As a member of the Mussallem family through my Mother, the late Catherine called Cleo Mussallem Bryant, I would like to invite you to come to Dear Helen's Memorial Service in Vancouver. It will be held on Saturday, 12 January, 2013 at The West Point Grey United Church, near 8th Avenue West, & Tolmie Streets. The time of the Service is 1:00 P.M. Plan to allow time to visit with the family following the service. Feel free to let others know about this Memorial, in case they are interested to attend. You may also like to cut and past the web page address for the church, which follows here. Peace to you.
http://www.wpguc.com/

Anita Seymour

December 20, 2012

I just returned from 2 months away and learned of Helen's passing. I share my deepest sympathy with all the family and friends. Helen and my parents were neighbours in Ottawa, (Zourdoumis in 1701) and I visited with her on my many trips to Ottawa. Here in Vancouver we saw each other a few times, and whenever I walked past her building I would look up to see if she was here or in Ottawa. She was always very kind to my mother (also a Helen 1922-2004) and I am guessing they knew each other since the mid to late 1960's. Please accept my condolences and know that I will remember her always. Anita Zourdoumis Seymour

Genelle Leifso

November 23, 2012

It was such an honor to lunch with Dr Mussallem after I was selected as the first recipient of the Dr Helen Mussallem Award. Although I had previously known her by reputation, that lunch and several subsequent visits, helped me to know a bit of the remarkable person she was. Her special legacy will include her continuing inspiration for Canadian nurses.

Brad

November 19, 2012

Helen was always a joy to have around when she came out to Vancouver to visit her sister Lil and her two nieces Janis and Lyn. She was always one for a good time - whether it be a Christmas party or a theme night where she had to sport a plastic nose. What a fun and lovely person! Her family and friends will miss her enormously, and I am grateful to have been counted among those who knew her.

Diane McKnight Renaud

November 17, 2012

I graduated from VGH in the Feb.1960 class. Helen was our director when we first entered the school. I met her again when I moved to Ottawa. We went to the same hairdreeser. She was charming and very friendly and I enjoyed her friendship, her wonderful sense of humour and her generostiy on many occassions. She was a very admirable person and certainly Canada's most famous Nurse. My condolences to those who where closest to her and my thanks for her friendship

Diana Panton

November 17, 2012

I only met Dr Mussallem very briefly once or twice, I think, but I remember how very-much loved she was by her nieces, and how her visits were always highly anticipated. My condolences to all who knew her, especially those who were fortunate to call her family. God bless you all!

Joe Kupkee

November 17, 2012

Canada has just lost a very special and prominent woman from an amazing family. Dr. Helen Mussallem was so close to your Father George's age when he passed in 2007. What an incredible family of six children came from your paternal grandparents (whom I remember very well). She is the last of a family of great Canadian citizens, all of whom made an indelible mark on this province and nation, during the 20th Century. You must be so proud of your heritage, as well you should be.

Interesting, in terms of looking at the photos of Dr. Mussallem in her early and later years, - that her features aged, but her eyes remained the same – visionary! Such a striking person! Dr. Mussallem and her siblings significantly helped to shape this nation and deserve our everlasting respect and admiration – Canadians one and all!

November 14, 2012

Dr. Mussallem will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. A wonderful lady who inspired all of us who were in nurses training during her time as director of Nursing at VGH.
From a grateful VGH graduate

Colleen Stainton

November 14, 2012

Helen was the Director of Nursing when my class entered the VGH School of Nursing in 1957 as part of the UBC program. She welcomed us and quickly learned our names. We quickly welcomed her as mentor and model. Since then, she has been a constant throughout my career with her outstanding leadership in nursing, health care, education, governance and personal development. She had a deep sense of justice combined with a deep sense of fun. Graciously and continuously interested in others, her many decorations and recognitions only showcase the deep love and respect held for Helen across Canada and in the world. THANKYOU Helen and THANKYOU to her family whose love and support were so important to her. Her presence will be missed.

Sally Thorne

November 13, 2012

Helen left a remarkable legacy over a long and productive career. The characteristically "wicked" twinkle in her eye and her gleeful enthusiasm for developments in the profession inspired generations of nurse educators, policy makers and leaders. She's been a visible and valued presence on behalf of Canadian nursing internationally, and across the country, even in her later years. She leaves Canadian nursing all the richer for her life's work, and will not be forgotten.

November 13, 2012

Peace to Mussallem Family members at the passing of Dr. Helen K. Mussallem. Friends may connect with her outstanding life through the lovingly prepared online autobiography here: http://drhkm.ca/ and also links found in Wikipedia about Dear Helen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Mussallem

November 13, 2012

Dear Lynette, Janis, Anne, Robert, David, Marian, Matt and all the families and descendants of Great Uncle Solomon & Hanne Mussallem: Sincere condolences to each and every one of you and yours in this time of transition and loss. Cousin Helen's enthusiasm for life and learning was exemplary, and her finely tuned sense of humour will be missed. On behalf of the Family of her Uncle Najeeb and Solomon's sister Masadi Mussallem, I extend our love and compassion.
May God rest Helen's soul.

Margaret Hilson

November 13, 2012

Helen was an incredible mentor and inspiration for generations of Canadian nurses. She was a wonderful supporter of the international programs of the Canadian Public Health Association and I remember with glee dancing with Helen and her sister Lil at an international public health meeting in Mexico.
Her contribution to Canadian life and culture will be lasting.
She was a giant.

Janet Mann

November 13, 2012

Dr. M has always been and will continue to be an inspiration. She was joyful, modern and so supportive of nursing and nurses. It was a delight to know her. Each time I saw her she would remind me of how much she enjoyed riding in my red pick-up truck.

November 13, 2012

It is difficult to say goodbye to such a wonderful nursing leader and former teacher of mine. With heartfelt sympathy to Helen's family---Alice Baumgart

Barbara Crowder

November 13, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathy to Helen's family and friends. Helen Mussallem was a beautiful person. She will be missed by many.

Barbara Crowder, retired Exec. Director, Association of Canadian Clubs

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January 13, 2013

Wendy MacLeod posted to the memorial.

January 4, 2013

Harry David Frith-Smith posted to the memorial.

January 4, 2013

Susila Bryant posted to the memorial.