Obituaries

Victoria “Vicky” VanVliet (née Mirouski, formerly Hagen)

It is with love and gratitude that the family of Victoria “Vicky” VanVliet (née Mirouski, formerly Hagen) — known lovingly as Nanny Vicky — announces her peaceful passing on October 17, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in Lorette, Manitoba, Vicky was the daughter of Polish immigrants John and Kataryna Mirouski, who came to Canada with their young family in 1929.

Vicky’s early years were shaped by both hardship and heart. She was one of six children — Walter, Theadore, John, Mary, Victoria, and Louise. Her beloved sister Mary passed away at a young age, and her brother Walter later gave his life in service during World War II. When her mother became ill and entered a care home, Vicky and her siblings were separated. Vicky and Louise were taken in by the Siwicki family of Lorette, Manitoba, where she was raised with kindness and love. Those early experiences of loss, resilience, and compassion shaped the woman she became — strong, grateful, and endlessly giving.

After completing her training as a practical nurse, Vicky began working in Winnipeg, where her heart for caregiving truly shone. She found joy in her work, often skipping her breaks to check on patients and make sure everyone was comfortable. Her dedication once even caught the attention of the head nurse, who called her in — not to reprimand her, but to remind her to take time for herself. Nursing wasn’t just a job; it was her calling, as caring for others was simply who she was.

It was during these years that she met Joseph Michael Patrick Hagan, a young military man. When she first saw him walk into a dance in his uniform, she turned to her friend and said, “That’s the man I’m going to marry.” True to her word, they soon wed and began their life together, and following military postings eventually settled in Nova Scotia, where they raised their sons, Daniel, Andrew, Kenneth, and Joseph.

Having been a foster child herself, Vicky opened her heart and home to others, raising four young foster brothers — Cevin, Clarence, Charles, and Carl Dunn — alongside her own children. Many years after her beloved husband Joe passed, Vicky married again to Peter VanVliet, and she would often say, “Blessed I was to have two wonderful husbands.”

Vicky’s heart was as big as her laughter. She was known for her lighthearted spirit and her purse full of treasures — anything a person might need, you could count on her to have it. Growing up during the Great Depression taught her to waste nothing and appreciate everything. She even saved the smallest soap scraps to mold them together into a new bar — just one of the quirky little things that made her so her. She loved Sunday drives, telling stories, and the simple moments that made life beautiful.

She often reminded her family, “Don’t stress over yesterday’s garbage — we leave it at the curb for a reason.” Her wisdom, faith, and optimism carried her through life’s challenges and left a lasting mark on everyone she met. Vicky’s legacy is one of faith, compassion, and unwavering love.

As we bid farewell and wave until you are out of sight — just as you always did, standing in the driveway, waving until every last car disappeared — we will miss you, Nanny Vicky. We will never forget you. Your love endures; it lives on eternally in each of the lives you touched.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate her life. Friends and loved ones are invited to share memories, pictures, stories, or condolences on her memorial page, and donations can be made in her memory to Windsor Elms Village, where she spent her final years surrounded by extraordinary care and love.

She is survived by her sons Kenneth Hagan, Andrew Hagan, and Joseph Hagan, and was predeceased by her oldest son Daniel Hagan (spouse Susan Horn-Hagen). She also leaves behind her cherished foster children Cevin, Clarence, and Charles Dunn (with Carl Dunn predeceased in 2023) and their families.

Her grandchildren include Jessica Burnie, Amy Burnie (Michael Pillai), Koral Clark, Keileen Hagen (Marshall Atwell), Katelyne Keddy (Adnan Basaham), Sean Hagan, Jennifer Hagen (Billy Higgins), Jessica Jenkins (Riley Jenkins), Sarah Hagen, Michael Hagen, Kirsten Kirby (deceased), Joshua Finch (Kelly Finch), Alexander Hagen, Andrew Specht, Ryan Vantassel, and Earl Michael Vantassel (deceased), Dawn Hagen (deceased).

Vicky was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her endless joy.

Thank you, from all of us who loved you so deeply. We will carry your love with us always and remember the joy and beautiful heart you shared.