Condolence: 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!

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

Condolence: 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: 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.

Condolence: 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.

Condolence: 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: 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.

Condolence: 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: 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: 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!