After bravely enduring Alzheimer’s for several years, Margaret Hatlen passed away on May 21, 2019. Our family wish to thank the staff at Oak Bay Lodge for her extraordinary and thoughtful care over the past three years.
Our Mom, Elizabeth Catherine Hatlen (Margaret) was born in Nelson, BC, in 1926 and grew up in Rossland, BC, with her loving parents, Josephine 
and Emile Leduc. She moved to Victoria in her early twenties, where she met Jens Casper Hatlen. They married in 1949 and began their more than 50-year journey together. Margaret and Jens raised five children as they moved to various pulpmill towns in BC – Ocean Falls, Castlegar, Prince Rupert and Prince George, returning to Victoria in 1968. Mom made relocating to different cities every few years with five children seem like an easy adventure, and she excelled at settling the family into new homes, making new friends and building new communities. She treasured the friends she made along the way.
In the early seventies, Mom began work with the provincial government and a few years later, moved to the position she loved: recording debates of the legislative assembly and its committees. She was proud to be part of this non-partisan team for two decades, developing a keen interest in politics that never left her. She made many life-long friends during her career.
Mom was predeceased by her four brothers, her loving husband Jens, her grandson Matthew, her daughter-in-law Debbie and her son-in-law Bryan. She was the best of mothers to Peter (Susan), Jo-Anne, Mark (Lili), Paul (Theresa), and Patti (David). She was the most amazing and proud grandmother to her 12 grandchildren: Troy, Tara, Jason (Shoko), Jessica (Chris), Matthew, Krysta (Jared), Meghan (Brendan), Mark-Jens, Charlene, Kassandra, Jennifer (Kevin) and Emma; and she was so excited to become a great-grandmother to Taylor and Jordan, Tiida and Miia, and most recently Levi.
To know our Mom was to love her, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren benefitted from her love – and from her active involvement and always excited interest in their lives. The memories and stories captured in the hearts of her children and their children are testaments to how special she was. Mom’s life was filled with raising her family with our Dad, going on road trips, often with children or grandchildren invited along, and spending time on the boat that her and Dad enjoyed so much. Sewing, knitting and reading were at the top of her “leisure” activities, and her faith brought her comfort and serenity.
We will forever treasure Mom’s spontaneous feistiness, her wit, and her ability to rise above any situation and seek the positive.
We are grateful, as Mom was, to all who were part of her life.
A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria, BC, on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at 12:10 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Valerie McGregor
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Lydia and Dan Vosper It is hard to put into words the thoughts and feelings that come to one’s mind when considering how to honor and respect someone like Marg. Someone who provided such crucial support and love at a time in my life that made the difference. I have been fortunate to have met many people in Marg’s generation that were open, loving and understanding. Margret embraced these values. She is an inspiration for living life and being a positive influence. I will honor her life by trying to be a bit better person everyday as I believe this was her message – be a bit better every day.
With Love Lydia and Dan Vosper
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Marilyn Pollard Marg was a lovely woman and I’m sad to learn of her passing. She was working as a Recordist at Hansard when I came on as a Transcriber, and eventually progressed to recording also. Marg was welcoming and gracious, fun to be around and always so very well put together! I have thought of her often, and know she will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. To Jo-Anne and family, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of this very special person in your lives.
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Wendy Coates Jo-Anne
We were saddened to learn of your Mom’s passing. So many great memories around the table with Edna, Andrea, Bertha & Isabel reminiscing of their youthful days in Rossland! What a wonderful life so fully lived! Margaret will be ever remembered for her zest for life and our lively times together.
Wishing you and your family peace and love as she remains ever in your hearts and ours. oxoxWendy & John
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Ann & Brendan Smith Its always a great loss when your mother passes on. Jo-Anne our thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family at this difficult time. Its never an easy time
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Brenda Jmio Pattie
Marg was a very special lady. I’m blessed to have had her in my life.
My sincere condolences to all of the family.
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Dolores Darbel She was a strong and beautiful women both in her heart and her life
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Nancy Tuura Patti
We wish all your family comfort at this difficult time. It does not matter how old you are, losing your mother is a profound loss. I only knew your mom for a short while but she was always smiling and fun to be with. I will always cherish the memories of all us girls on the dance trip together 3 generations. Sending my love
Nancy
Jo-Anne & family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Marg at Hansard several years ago. Although always the consummate professional, she was also lots of fun to be around.
What especially impressed me about Marg was how kind and helpful she was, not only to her colleagues, but also to newcomers to the Hansard group.
Marg was a major contributor to the spirit of teamwork and mutual respect in our workplace.
My sympathy on your loss.