Hazel McCallion, longtime mayor of Mississauga, Ont. passes away at age 101

Hazel McCallion Facebook

Hazel McCallion, who ruled Mississauga, Ont., as mayor for 12 terms and into her 94th year, has died. She was 101.

It was announced by Ontario Premier Doug Ford that McCallion died at home early Sunday morning.

“Hazel was the true definition of a public servant,” Ford said in a statement announcing her death. “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.”

In a statement, McCallion’s successor, Bonnie Crombie said, “Hazel was not only my mentor and political role model but the reason why so many women were inspired to enter politics.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement that he remembered the “unstoppable” McCallion.

“We will remember her as a trailblazer whose career in politics and service to her community will remain an inspiration to all of us. But mostly, we will remember her as a dear friend,” he said.

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