It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mona Lee Blusson on August 10, 2025. Beloved Wife, Mom and Nana, she touched the lives of all she knew. The deep friendships she made over the years have a strength and bond that will never be broken.
Born May 21, 1940 in Comox, BC to Stan and Nancy Gallaway, and little sister to brother Bill, she grew up in Courtenay and spent her youth camping with family, playing sports and excelling in the classroom. Following high school, she moved to Vancouver, graduating from the VGH School of Nursing in 1962. After some time working in Kitimat and traveling Europe with nursing classmates, she returned to VGH in 1964 and soon became head nurse of the recovery room.
While busy nursing, Mona did find time to meet the man of her dreams and married Ross in 1971. Sons Michael (1973) and Robert (1977) soon followed, and Mona’s focus turned to supporting her young family. Lots of memories were made at their home near 37th and Cambie. Helping her boys with school and sports, there wasn't anything she wouldn’t do to put them first. Summers were spent travelling and camping with the family, with much time spent in Courtenay visiting her mother Nancy and brother Bill and his family.
Mona developed a love for the game of tennis. And so blossomed another group of dear friends. You could find her at the Queen Elizabeth tennis courts laughing and having a great time with the ladies. This was a game she also enjoyed playing with Ross and the boys, with countless hours spent on the courts down at Snowater. The tennis connection also led to her bridge playing club, and Mona became skilled in that too.
Mona never let a home be empty. Anyone and all were welcome. There was always someone invited in for tea, something to eat or for just a chance to sit and chat; there wasn’t one person in the neighbourhood that Mona didn’t know. Friendships were gold. Mona hosted countless luncheons with her nursing classmates. Her famous cheese sandwiches and angel food cake was the signature meal. The place settings went from the standard 8 to 12 and then 16...more if needed. No matter what the occasion, there was always room for a friend at her table.
In 1997 Mona became a grandmother for the first time with the birth of Michael’s first daughter Mikayla. And so began a new chapter in her life, this time as a devoted and loving Nana. The grandchildren continued with the birth of Madison in 2000 and Mitchell in 2002. In later years Robert's children followed with Elliot, Audrey and Jack. The grandchildren were Mona’s pride and joy and she adored watching and cheering them on in their various activities. A birthday or special occasion was never missed, even if she couldn’t be there in person. That just meant sending homemade cakes, cookies or presents by whatever means necessary…more often than not Greyhound overnight bus service!
No matter what outfit she wore, whether nurse’s uniform, apron, tennis skirt, everyday or evening wear, Mona did it all with class and style. She was an incredible woman who carried herself with kindness and compassion.
A celebration of Mona’s life will be held for friends and family on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 11am at the Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel, with a reception to follow.
September 15th, 2025
I was a young mom when I worked as a new Recovery Room nurse along side Mona. She was so generous with her knowledge and support and completely confident in my abilities when I did not have the same foundation! She was someone I aspired to be. She loved her family dearly, had many nursing colleague admirers, and when I knew her, had taken on tennis and bridge with as much focus as she applied to nursing. She will forever be a very fond memory amongst many nursing recollections. Meeting that smile first thing on a busy day ahead was such a joy to experience. My heartfelt condolences to Mona’s many family, friends and fellow nursing colleagues.
September 2nd, 2025
Dear Ross and family
Sorry to hear about Mona. She was a wonderful person.
Our kids still remember you guys meeting up with us in Carson City about 2,000 years ago - or so it seems.
It was a wonderful day.
Best to all of you!!!!
David & Elizabeth Todd and Family
Kamloops BC
August 31st, 2025
I was a young mom when I worked as a new Recovery Room nurse along side Mona. She was so generous with her knowledge and support and completely confident in my abilities when I did not have the same foundation! She was someone I aspired to be. She loved her family dearly, had many nursing colleague admirers, and when I knew her, had taken on tennis and bridge with as much focus as she applied to nursing. She will forever be a very fond memory amongst many nursing recollections. Meeting that smile first thing on a busy day ahead was such a joy to experience. My heartfelt condolences to Mona’s many family, friends and fellow nursing colleagues.
August 29th, 2025
Memories of Aunt Mona go back to my childhood and through every stage of life and major milestone.
Picnics in Stanley Park – I still use her corn and bean salad as my go-to summer side dish. Beach play and summer gatherings with Stu and Marilyn at Lyons Bay that continued when the cousins started having our own children. Playing at Queen Elizabeth Park and watching her killer tennis serve. Weddings, baby arrivals, holidays and Christmas celebrations Aunt Mona's sweet smile and gracious embrace infused every occasion.
Mona’s presence meant encouragement, and the warmth of being in place where you were accepted unconditionally. You knew you were important to her, and she never missed an opportunity to express that – even going to great lengths to be there for you.
Uncle Ross, Troy and I remember how you and Mona took a private float plane and cut your reunion in Powell River short in order to be present at our wedding. And what a gift it was to celebrate our wedding day with you!
Her children and grandchildren were her greatest treasures and source of deep pride and joy. Michael and Robert, you have made your mother proud in all the ways that matter most.
Dear Mona,
For the countless hands you held, offering comfort and dignity; for the countless times you opened your door and heart to me and my family and others, never failing to extend hospitality with perfect Canadian manners; thank you for showing us unconditional love and devotion.
August 28th, 2025
When I think of Canada, I think of my family there and their Canadian ways, and no one is more Canadian than Auntie Mona. Her quiet, consistent hospitality was always a staple of our visits and I will always cherish the way she used to laugh at the conclusion of every Uncle Ross story - even the ones that were a bit of a stretch to believe. The labels of wife, mother, grandmother and friend are well represented in this lovely lady who has graced us all with her quintessential Canadian ways - kindness, gentleness, manners, dignity and femininity. She will be missed and well remembered.
We pray that the “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles” would move in power in this time of loss (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
“Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with all who love you.”
Book of Common Prayer
May God bless Mona and all who love her.
August 26th, 2025
Ross, Michael and Robert and families,
I have many fond childhood memories of your summer visits to Courtenay. Mona was always pure class and I
remember her always being dressed to the "nines" .
She was a wonderful person!
Hugs to you all.
Tracy
August 25th, 2025
I worked with Mona in surgical day care, played against her in doubles and faced her at the Vancouver bridge club. A very kind person. We will miss you Mona!
August 23rd, 2025
Mona was one of my dearest nursing friends. We went north to Kitimat after training to start our nursing careers,and,after travelling,we returned to Vancouver to start work at VGH. Our rental apartment at. 12 th and hemlock became party central. When I would return yearly to Vancouver, Mona would always get the nurses together for lunch at her place. We travelled together and bridged together after retirement. She was a large part of the life of the Class of 1962 and we will miss her terribly.
August 21st, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Mona.
She was such a kind and generous person. My dad and Anita had wonderful vacations with Mona and Ross that will leave lasting memories.
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