It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Dagney McMullen on June 14, 2022, at Royal Columbian Hospital. Dagney was born on April 22, 1928, in Langley, BC.
Dagney was a serious child, one of two daughters born to hard-working immigrant parents from Sweden. She attended Otter Road School and worked at Otter Co-op, where she met the love of her life, Harold.
She and Harold raised two young daughters at their home in Burnaby, Lougheed area. Dagney was a dedicated mother and homemaker. Her gardens were large and bountiful. She climbed ladders to pick fruit and also to tackle paint jobs. She had great skill in intricate sewing and in making jams/applesauce.
In 1961, she suffered traumatic injuries in a car accident on the family’s vacation. She unexpectedly survived and was determined to walk again - a process over many years and surgeries. She achieved her goal and walked, although with difficulty.
In 1965, the family moved to New Westminster, near Woodward’s, where Harold worked for more than 30 years. Dagney loved being around her grandchildren and other children, volunteering at Herbert Spencer Elementary. She lovingly took on the role of “Gramma” for many - both children and adults. She also enjoyed fellowship at Queens Avenue United Church. Always creative, in later years Dagney enjoyed first attempts at water colours and acrylic painting. She loved animals, Hallmark movies, and doing puzzles with her family.
She was predeceased by her adoring husband Harold and her eldest daughter Janice Nicholson (Wayne). Dagney passed peacefully in hospital, after the care and vigil of her loving granddaughter Monique Green (Jeff). She is also survived by her devoted daughter, Wanda Gendron (Garth), Grandsons Adrien Nicholson (Krista), Roger Gendron, Randy Nicholson (Drealle), Owen Gendron, and great-grandchildren Breanne, Paige, Shya and Jase.
We gratefully acknowledge the excellent care provided by New Westminster first responders, and the nurses, doctors, and support staff at RCH emerg and the 6th floor units.
The family will be having a celebration of life in their yard for friends and family on July 9th from 2pm-4pm. In lieu of flowers (which her cat, Lucky, will unwisely eat) please consider making a donation to BC Women’s Health Foundation in her memory.
Please enjoy a special video of an adventure day that Dagney had a few years ago, by visiting this link (all lower case) bit.ly/dagneym