Fiona Mary Margaret Seeley Hasegawa

Fiona Hasegawa, beloved wife, mother, grandmother (Oma), great-grandmother, entered Hospice care in Calgary after a long and fulfilling life in August 2025 at the age of 91.

Born in Carlow, Ireland to Thomas and Margaret (Peg) (nee Whelan) Seeley, she was the second of two children and was raised in a supportive family surrounded by extended family of many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Fiona was educated with loving attention in the local Catholic Parrish schools and always had many stories to tell of being “raised by nuns”.

After graduation, she embarked on a personal adventure in 1956 by attending Nursing School in London, U.K. She found success in both academic learning and employing her Irish social talents in quickly making many new friends. Funds were needed to continue studies past the first year, so Fiona found office employment with the London Transit Commission. It was at this time that she inquired more on the message of hope, faith, and the purpose of life taught by young missionaries while walking near Hyde Park. She was very soon converted and baptized and continued in faith all her life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Within a year she realized her further life goals would be better realized by immigrating, along with some of her newfound friends, to the United Sates. After a week-long voyage across the Atlantic they landed in the Port of New York in 1958. She and her troop of friends convinced each other that Canada had even better opportunities, so they packed up again and journeyed to Toronto as a new Canadian immigrant. Sensing even more promising horizons, the throng once more packed up and trekked westward where she happily made Calgary a permanent home.

Dating began in earnest and soon Fiona accepted William (Bill) Hasegawa’s proposal, followed by taking vows of marriage and were sealed in the Cardston, Alberta Temple on July 18, 1959. Bill was a newly minted graduate of the University of Alberta Engineering Program with an expertise in concrete construction with tremendous career prospects.

While Bill provided a new home and built a career at both Portland Cement, and later as principal owner of Hasegawa and Associates, Fiona focused on raising four very active children. Running a household, participating in Church activities, and supporting friends and neighbors in their Charleswood community for 14 years. As the family needed more space, a move to University Heights in 1974 was completed. Fiona and Bill resided in their final family home for the next 49 years until the year of Bill’s passing. Fiona showed great fortitude in keeping family strong during Bill’s busy business activities.

Friends and family gatherings, listening to tales of the old country, helping with Irish genealogy, and socializing were essential to Fiona’s happiness. She was always grateful for the support and the listening ear of many good friends during many difficult life challenges including the loss of a stillborn son.

Fiona and Bill were blessed with opportunities to travel many times to Hawaii, embark on a memorable Japan and Asia excursion, and journeyed on an extensive trip throughout Chile at the conclusion of a son’s missionary service in that beautiful country. They hosted numerous extensive dinner parties including the famous annual Christmas social where family, neighbors, and anyone in town were invited to share in the festivities of the season. Fiona and Bill were quick to offer monetary and personal support to any friend or family with life challenges who needed assistance.

Fiona’s love and talent for music and Classical Opera were evident in her abilities and passion for attending and supporting the local opera society. She furthered her classical vocal training by participating in classes at the Mount Royal and Toronto Conservatory of Music. Every week she always generated a little extra hymnal vocalization to the church congregation. On occasion she was asked to sing at various church groups throughout the city, and she eagerly participated in many choirs, Handel’s Messiah being one of her favorites. She found the same joy just socializing and singing at home solo or with friends as occasion would present.

Fiona will be remembered for her unique and sociable personality that helped her develop numerous long-standing relationships. Her legacy of throwing social events and becoming friends with anyone she met will live on.

Fiona was predeceased by her mother Peg and father Thomas Seeley of Carlow Ireland, and her beloved and ever patient husband Bill Hasegawa and son Lawrence Hasegawa.

She is survived by,

Son Derek & (Sandra) Hasegawa of Calgary AB, & Chad and (Kelsey) Hasegawa, & #9 great grandson on the way of Halifax NS, and Kent Hasegawa of Calgary AB.

Daughter Michele & (Brian) Rasmussen of Okotoks, AB, Trent & (Audrey) Rasmussen & William of Queens, New York, and Rachel Rasmussen and (Reed) Parsons & Henry of Savannah, Georgia and Victoria & (Mitchell) Pope & Hudson and Lincoln Pope of Lehi, Utah, Eric & (Halley) Rasmussen of Sandy Utah.

Son James (Jamie) & (Julie) Hasegawa of Chestermere AB, and Matthew Hasegawa of Calgary AB, and Daniel (Kristin) Hasegawa & Grayson & Nate of Chestermere AB, and Brandon and (Kiara) Hasegawa of Calgary AB & Odette and Jensen Hasegawa of Calgary AB.

Son Ian & (Michelle) Hasegawa of Glendale, Arizona & Noah & (Kaycee) Hasegawa of Tucson Arizona.

Fiona is survived by her older brother Odran Seeley of Carlow, Ireland & numerous nieces and nephews in Ireland, Canada, and the United States.

A Celebration of life for Fiona will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - West Stake Center (6560 Silver Springs Crescent NW, Calgary) on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10:00am. Visiting with the family from 9:00 to 10:00am. Celebration of life from 10:00-11:00 AM. Luncheon follows at 11am-1:00 pm.