Harriet Mary McCall (Brissenden)

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our loving mother Harriet McCall on December 13, 2022 in Toronto. Born on November 17, 1927 in Lachine , Quebec she was the daughter of William Brissenden and Esther (Olson) Brissenden. She was the eighth of nine children and was predeceased by one sister and six brothers and is survived by her dear sister June (Brissenden) Moreira, London, Ontario. The family was a Navy family with her father William, two of her brothers, and Harriet herself all serving in the Royal Canadian Navy. After retiring from the Navy Commander Brissenden purchased a farm outside of Ottawa near Osgoode, Ontario where Harriet and June lived until they left home. The Farm, as it was called, was a place she would return to often to visit her parents and bring her family to spend summers. Harriet did numerous jobs such as teaching after graduating from Grade 13 and eventually she joined the Navy and was one of the first post war Wrens. While posted at Cornwallis, Nova Scotia she met and married Midshipman Michael McCall in January 1953 and they had six children together. Her greatest love were her children; Michael (Kathy), Carol (Charles), Leslie (Victor), Thomas, Allison (Enzie), and Barry along with eight grandchildren Emily, Melissa, Kymberly, Lilian, Virginia, Frances, Alice, and Alexander, as well as four great grandchildren Madeline, Henry, Leslie Grace, and Elizabeth. She also had many nieces and nephews. Our mother was very loving and nurturing and so enjoyed being around her children and their families. Over the years she did some gardening which brought her great joy. She loved being surrounded by the simple beauty of nature in the song of birds, the majesty of trees, and the glory of flowers in bloom. Our Mother was a big walker and found much pleasure in a long walk and meeting and chatting with people along the way. She had a wonderful sense of style and colour and could assemble stunning outfits, as she always knew what little extra accessories completed a fashion. She worked in Sears in the women’s clothing department for three years in the early 70’s in Ottawa. Mom was in her element during this time helping women and teens choose clothes for special occasions or everyday and felt a great deal of personal satisfaction in the job and making her own income. Our Mother always made our house a home and knew how to give it her personal touch. We all felt loved and cared for and she will be forever missed by her children, family, and friends. We would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff on the 2nd floor of Wesburn Manor, Etobicoke, Ontario for all their kindness and care. Cremation has taken place and interment of ashes and a celebration of our Mother’s life will be held on June 10, 2023 11 AM at Reids Mills Cemetery in Osgoode, Ontario. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to the SPCA, Diabetes Assn., or Canadian Cancer society or a charity of your choosing. “God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.”