Tribute

Amelia (Dolly) Hassett was born Oct 12 1924 in Castlemaine, County Kerry, Ireland to Michael and Annie O’Neil.  Dolly was number 13 of 14 children and when she was born her brother thought she looked like a doll resulting in the name of ‘Dolly’.  When Dolly was about 18 she started working in Tipperary where she met Thomas Hassett, who was farming with his brother. Tom wanted to immigrate to New Zealand but the long wait for a boat caused them to decide to immigrate to Canada instead. Dad came first in 1947 and soon found a job in the mill at Powell River. Mom followed in Oct of 1948 arriving by train to Vancouver, where they were married on Oct 12.  They soon settled into married life in Powell River where they raised their six sons. They made sure that their home was full of love and happiness.

After Dad’s sudden passing April 13th 1978, Mom adapted to life as a relatively young widow.  In April 1982 death struck our home again when youngest son Tommy was killed in a car accident. Still mom carried on; living in the family home that her husband had built and where she had raised her children.  Mom always had an open door and when we moved away, our friends were always welcome home with us. Through the years her home was always a central part of family gatherings where her gravy, pails of butter tarts and apple pie were the stars of every occasion.  Mom loved her soaps, playing bingo and darts and her daily walks that she continued until the age of 95.  Dolly stayed in the family home until her recent admission to Powell River General Hospital.

Dolly passed away Aug 18th 2023 in Evergreen Extended Care in Powell River after a short stay.  Dolly is survived by her son’s, John (Iris), Michael, Joe (Rita), James (Lois) and Mark (Monica) as well as 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Tom and son Tommy (19) as well as her parents and 13 siblings.

Mom leaves us with many good memories. She was a great mom and we owe so much to her. She will be missed by us all.