Maureen Anne Hambley (nee Pineo)

Maureen was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Glenn (Hammer) Hambley in December 2019.

She is survived by her children, Carol (Tony) Loudon and Brian (Shelby) Hambley, her four grandchildren, Daelen, Reyna, Emersyn and Blake, her mother, Evelyn (Charlie) Pineo Spencer, sisters Diane (Ron) Bennett, Donna (Mike Rose) Dunn and Margaret “Margie” Blackley as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Maureen was an Island girl born and raised. She was one of five children born to Robert (Bob) and Evelyn Pineo. Maureen attended Brechin Elementary, Woodlands Junior Secondary and Nanaimo District Senior Secondary schools. After high school she enrolled in a Fine Arts course at Malaspina College followed by a Clerk/Steno course at Nanaimo Vocational School. This led her to her first “real” job as a clerk in the Welfare Office (as it was called then). In 1978 Maureen was hired by the Nanaimo School District. She had a long and fulfilling career with the Nanaimo and Ladysmith Public Schools, most recently as Associate Secretary Treasurer before her retirement in 2022 after 44 years of service.

Maureen met and fell in love with Glenn in 1971 and they were married in 1972. Two children followed, Carol in 1976 and Brian in 1979. Maureen had many interests. One of these was hockey. Both Maureen and Glenn played recreational hockey at the Nanaimo Civic Arena where Maureen was known as “Mighty Mo”...hence her nickname. She was also a strong skier starting with the rope tow and T-bar at Green Mountain to Forbidden Plateau and Mount Washington. She and Glenn enjoyed several skiing vacations at Park City Utah; Mount Bachelor, Bend Oregon; and Bogus Basin, Boise Idaho. Mo was also a talented artist. She enjoyed sketching, painting, photography, and crafting. She became known for her Christmas centerpieces which she, year after year, would make for herself as well as for the holiday tables of family and friends. She loved interior design with her latest project being a complete renovation of her kitchen, including knocking out doors, walls and windows. The result was a warm, friendly space for family and friends to gather. Maureen adored her children and grandchildren. Sundays were family days when she would often make her famous standing rib roast dinner for everyone.

As their children were growing up, the family enjoyed summers camping at Horne Lake and Brannen Lake. Later, as empty nesters, Maureen and Glenn began traveling to Hawaii where, every year, they would spend 4 to 6 weeks vacationing and visiting with Glenn’s sister, Barbara and brother-in-law, Henry. This was their happy place!

Unfortunately, Maureen struggled with health issues through the last year of her life. She faced these challenges with courage and strength with Carol, Brian, and her sisters always at her side. She passed away peacefully at Oceanside (Trillium) Hospice. She is missed!

A gathering of family and friends is planned for later this month.

The family wants to thank the medical staff and volunteers at Nanaimo Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit and Oceanside (Trillium) Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they gave Maureen. She could not have done it without all of you.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.