Book of Memories for Dr.Helen Kathleen Mussallem

Condolence From Aurorae Little UE

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 10:51:42 EDT

Had the privileged of working in her brother's footsteps at IOL and later learn about heraldry, which lead me to learn more of your legacy. My FindAGrave #161501047 passion has allowed me to honour the family in Maple Ridge by getting them all connected again. God Bless ALL your accomplishments, and those of your entire family! Honoured & never forgotten. You remind me of my Auntie Beatrice Brigden!

Story shared: The Moon, Mussallem's & Muscle Cars

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 21:36:03 EST

The sun emits warmth. The moon does also but its warmth is mostly in the hearts of people when they fall in love. Believe me, I know. The moon made me think of another very special woman in my life whom I met -- Dr. Helen Mussallem, CC, FNCN., someone whom I thought of as truly Canada's Nightingale Nurse. Not many years ago, I had the honour to be in the presence of Dr. Helen Mussallem as a dinner guest. In her presence, one listened. And, our little encounter was an opportunity for me to learn about her life experiences which took her around the globe as she represented Canada with the World Health Organization. My golden and warm opportunity to dine with Dr. Mussallem came about this way. But, whoa You're Grace, who in the RCMP would not recognize the name of one of Canada's most famous women? Dr. Helen Mussallem was as much of Canada as the Hudson's Bay Company. The question, 'Who is she?' is paramount to standing in midtown Manhattan, and asking a Red Cap, 'Where's Macy's?' Well, alright! Perhaps members might be forgiven for not knowing of Macy's and I suppose it's also fair if you had never been posted to 'E' Division's Lower Mainland (BC). For several years, I have attended the Annual Ottawa St. John Ambulance Charity Dinner. My association with St. John went back to 1957 when I first joined Army Cadets in Grade School and I have always thought highly of St. John's work around the world. Other RCMP Officers were also present at the annual affairs such as my friend, Ottawa Vet O.1045, A. D. F. 'Al' Burchill. There were usually about 150 invited guests in attendance. On one particular evening, I was seated across the table from Dr. Mussallem. When the time came for the guests to be seated, I held Dr. Mussallem's chair and while doing so I glanced at her name card on the dining table. Her name immediately stuck me (from 'ole Haney, BC days) and I decided to play along as if I had not recognized her identity. As it turned out, my playful conversation with Dr. Mussallem caused her to laugh and laugh during dinner and we became friends -- close and thick as a Saint John fog. Dr. Mussallem was born in Prince Rupert, BC. Later, she moved to BC's Lower Mainland and studied at the Vancouver General Hospital to become a nurse. Her father, Soloman Mussallem, moved to Haney, BC where he opened a garage and car dealership. After studies, Helen volunteered and served as a nurse during WWII. She earned a PhD at Columbia University in New York and for years she worked for the World Health Organization and travelled the world on their behalf. Dr. Mussallem was awarded the Order of Canada and her life accomplishments and volunteer work made her one of Canada's endearing names. She was a Dame of the Grace of the Most Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Presently, Haney is known as Maple Ridge BC -- it's across the Fraser River from Langley, BC. Haney was a small village when I was posted there for three years between 1967 and 1970. On this evening, Dr. Mussallem and I shared an enjoyable conversation to and fro. At her age, (which I would not dare mention here) she was easily able to recall advances in medicine such as insulin for diabetes and she could well compare one generation of nurse's work to another. All the while, I wanted to find an appropriate time to introduce a few bits of information which I knew about her family name. Dessert and coffee arrived. 'Well', I said, 'Dr. Mussallem, I know something about your background and I can tell you a little story about your family name'. 'And, to be honest, I have a memorable connection to your father.' 'No', she said politely, 'it's not possible because we have just met.' 'Alright, does Haney BC mean anything to you', I asked? 'Well, good for you!' Then she began to laugh and laugh. She said 'you have got my attention, please, tell me your story about Haney.' 'OK', I said, 'but my little story has a wee twist -- it will include a quiz component. Are you game for the test question also'? 'Yes', she said, 'begin'. And so I began. 'After a year on Harley's at Pattulla Bridge Detachment, I was transferred in 1967 to Chilliwack Sub/Division and Haney, BC. Upon my arrival, I was interviewed for about three to five minutes by the NCO IC, Staff Sergeant Roland Harding. Then, suddenly, he pointed at me and said, I have just found the right man for a new job! Healy, you're Haney's first Traffic Man.' 'You see', Dr. Mussallem, 'faster than a Haney flash, I was transformed and promoted by an RCMP Staff Sergeant from a simple Police Motorcyclist to a fully intact Traffic Man. One moment, I was an incomplete Constable, then the next I was apparently fully complete', I said. 'Yes, I can see how it happened', she said, 'but what is the quiz'? 'Wait, wait, you have to wait', I said, 'I have to set the stage so that you fully understand the situation in Haney. Surely, you don't want to fail the quiz'? 'No', she said, politely. 'but I never failed exams when I was a nurse. I'm quite sure I can handle your quiz.' 'Oh, we'll see', I responded. 'But, this quiz question will be phrased more difficult than you expect'. 'The pie is delicious, isn't it?'. 'So, after I was notified that I was to be Haney's new Traffic Man, I gave alot of thought to how I would perform my highway duties. You see, my good Doctor, a police car had not been assigned to me. Did the Staff Sergeant want me to walk? In effect, I could arrive at the office and there would be no car for me'. 'But, I should not have worried. Staff Sergeant Harding said that a very, very special car would be assigned to just me. And, here is useful information for you to consider as part of the quiz. The Staff Sergeant said that the Traffic Car given to me would have white doors'. 'It's true', I said. 'I have a memo which said that I would be entitled to drive a police car which had its front doors painted white.' 'Now', Doctor Mussallem, 'here is the quiz'. 'Tell me, why his emphasis on the white doors for the police car?' 'That's the big question.' 'What say you'?, I gently prodded. 'Well', Joe, 'I have never heard anything quite like this before'. 'It's almost bizarre'. 'I can't imagine'. 'I have seen some police cars with white doors but they ... but I never paid much attention'. 'Really'. 'Surely, you also didn't know what the Staff Sergeant meant, did you?' 'Actually, yes', I replied. 'You see, Dr. Mussallem, I had been given the answer to the riddle from other members at Haney Detachment. Naturally, the other guys were General Duty guys whereas I had been assigned to Traffic Enforcement. In the minds of some police officers, the two roles were not quite the same. As an aside, I had been told by some General Duty guys that a Traffic Man was highly specialized. He would drive by a bank robbery in progress rather than investigate and wouldn't think twice unless there was a minor fender bender in the bank parking lot'. 'Dr. Mussallem, you must stop laughing, I'm trying to be serious'. 'Are you sympathic to General Duty guys'? 'Focus', Dr. Mussallem, 'think carefully about the quiz'. 'Think white doors'. 'Ok, give up'?

'OK, this is what I was told. See, I'm just repeating what I was told. The reason for traffic guys to have white doors is because it helps them identify the doors which they are supposed to open to get in. Dr. Mussallem, don't spill your coffee. But, it is funny, isn't it?'

'And, Dr. Mussallem, here's the rest of the story. The Traffic car which was assigned to me had been purchased at your father's garage, Mussellem Motors in downtown Haney. See, that how I knew all about you. The best police car which I ever drove was from Mussallem Motors. And it had white doors! End of my story'. Dr. Mussallem, you've been laughing all the while. You haven't touched your pie'.

Dr. Mussallem passed away on November 9, 2012 in Ottawa, Ontario. Canada misses her and I do too.

It's been Memories down Police Lane. Reporting from Fort Healy, J. J. (Buffalo Joe) Healy, Ottawa, Ontario 613-52104017

Condolence From Dina Haché

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:57:40 EST

Sympathy to the family and to the nursing community... Lost a a remarquable person... Dina, nurse in NB

Condolence From david Gregory

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:41:15 EST

It is with heartfelt sadness that I learned of Dr. Mussallem's passing. Helen was a gift to Canadian nursing and our world is diminished without her presence. I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Mussallem for a research project--at her condo in Ottawa. I was truly in the presence of one of nursing's great leaders. We talked about her life as a nurse, the wonderful awards bestowed upon her--all over a good cup of tea and dainties. An occasion of great privilege for me. Rest in Peace, Dr. Mussallem.

Condolence From Ellen Jackson

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:23:10 EST

Many strive for fame or legacy during their lifetime. Your purpose was to improve caring for all. This world is a much better place because of you. Thank you.

Story shared: Her Caribbean sojourn

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 14:10:12 EST

In Helen's autobiography there is a section on her travels and contributions in the Caribbean. I read it with great delight as I am originally from Trinidad and much of what Helen recounted she had shared with me when I was doing research for my book on Nita Barrow. They remained good friends until Nita's death. In fact, Helen paid me the honor of writing the Preface to my book" Breaking the Glass Ceiling". We have kept in touch over the years especially at Christmas but I seemed to have lost touch the past two or three years. I admired her very much and found that despite her many accomplishments she remained a humble person.

Condolence From Don Chutter

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 13:40:05 EST

The obituary notice in the Ottawa Citizen was quite brief and probably just as Helen would have wished but perhaps the general reader should have been advised of the great contribution she made to her profession and country! When she was invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada back in 1992 she was described as Dr. Helen K. Mussallem, C.C., DStJ, BN, MA, EdD, LLD, DSc, DU, FRCN -- these initials reflect her accomplishements and honours. Indeed, the U.K. Royal College of Nursing described her as "Canada's most distinguished nurse in her generation...acclaimed for her role in fundamentally reshaping Canada's nursing education system and revered for her efforts in improving the status of nurses worldwide." Helen was the long-term Executive Director of the Canadian Nurses' Association, a past-president of the Victorian Order of Nurses and Consultant to the World Health Organization. Her position with the CNA in Ottawa led her to join the Institute of Association Executives (now the Canadian Society of Association Executives). She was the only woman in the founding group of the IAE. We were fellow directors of the Ottawa chapter and she continued to attend CSAE meetings for old times' sake until she was well into her 80s. Those of us who knew Dr. M. have only the most pleasant of memories of her and I would like to extend my sincere condolences to members of her family.

Memorial Candle lit by Jocelyn Hezekiah

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 13:34:58 EST

Jocelyn Hezekiah

Condolence From Joe Kupkee

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 09:49:07 EST

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!

Condolence From Canadian Nurses Association

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:52:48 EST

The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is celebrating the life of Dr. Helen K. Mussallem, a remarkable nurse leader who contributed tremendously to the nursing profession and to the lives of those around her. Dr. Mussallem was our executive director from 1963 to 1981, a time of tremendous growth for CNA. Helen led our organization during the acquisition of CNA House, the building at 50 Driveway in Ottawa that remains our home today. Across a stellar international career, she became one of the most compelling and influential figures in Canada’s nursing history, and she is still the country’s most decorated nurse. We offer Helen’s family, friends and colleagues our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy.

Photo shared: Coat of Arms Dr. H.K. Mussallem, Cousin to Cleo Bryant.jpg

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:31:52 EST

The Robert Watt crafted Coat of Arms of Dr. H.K. Mussallem.

Condolence From Diana Rivington

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:39:37 EST

Although it has been a few years since our paths last crossed, I will always remember Helen for her professional integrity and her personal graciousness. An important leader for the CNA. My condolences to her family.

Condolence From Robert D. Watt

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 01:06:06 EST

It has been a great privilege to have known Helen for more than thirty years and to have counted her as a friend. Her distinguished career speaks for itself; what a marvellous contribution she has made in Canada and in so many other countries as a nurse and nursing educator. Her interest in heraldry came in the later part of her life and she was deeply interested in the work of the Canadian heraldic Authority and gave generously to a number of special projects which simply would not have happened without her philanthropy. The love of heraldry was what she shared especially, but I will never forget the warmth of her hospitality, at her Ottawa home. In every sense and the best sense she was one of a kind and she will be deeply missed, especially wherever nurses gather to reflect on one of the leaders of their profession. Alison joins me in expressing our deppest condolences to Lynette and all her family while we marvel at such a long life so richly lived. The motto on her personal arms is so apt an epitaph for her because she lived and believed it so fully, to those who have received much, much must be given back by them.

Condolence From Patricia Mohr

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 12:13:11 EST

I've had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Mussallem for more than 40 years and cherish her many acts of kindness. When a difficult pregnancy confined me to bed rest, Dr. M. sent Elizabeth Crawley to stay with me during working hours instead of performing her regular duties as Dr. M's Secretary at CNA House. A birthday highlight was always a phone call from Dr. M. and her memorable rendition of 'Happy Birthday to You!' Rather than mock my star-struck reaction when I opened her Christmas Card from Pierre Berton --a genuine celebrity in my young eyes -- Dr. M. shared that she'd been a guest at his wedding, and even recited the names of his five (I think) children. No matter how small the accomplishment, Dr. M. never failed to acknowledge her pride in me. Her achievements were stellar! I hope I always remembered to let her know how proud I was -- and am -- not just of her professional milestones, but to call her my friend and mentor. I also hope I never mispronounced her name -- the one thing bound to ignite the fire of annoyance in her eyes. Dr. Mussallem will be missed ..... but never forgotten!

Condolence From Elizabeth Crawley

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:12:41 EST

My sincere condolences to all members of Dr. Helen Mussallem's family. Their personal loss is shared by so many others who knew and loved "Dr. M". I have known Dr. M since I was 19 years old -- more than 40 years ago. It was my great privilege to learn from a mentor who was not only a brilliant and innovative mind but a warm caring person who could relate to anyone. Her talent at composing warm, empathetic and incredibly astute letters and articles was legendary: some of her phrases I still use today. I shall never forget her: her family and the world, have lost an awesome treasure but we can always be consoled by our many happy memories of her.

Photo shared: 2012-20-0976 Mussallem younger crop.jpg

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:42:09 EST

Photo shared: 2012-20-0976_Mussallem_older_crop.jpg

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:26:50 EST