June Michell, a champion for victims of domestic violence in Montreal, remembered for selflessness

June Michell, well known for her work helping victims of domestic violence in Montreal, has died at 63. 

A survivor of conjugal violence, Michell was a co-founder of Women Aware, which offers long-term support and advocacy to women in need. 

More than 20 years ago, she fled a violent marriage, leaving her home with her then-five-year-old son, Tyson McClellan, to go to a shelter.

McClellan says his mother was always very caring and open with other people, especially those who were staying in the shelter with them.

"She realized that we were all in this together. She tried to make it better for each other and I guess, as part of that, outgrew the need for Women Aware that she created," her son recalled in an interview.

That work led to Michell being named Woman of the Year in 2015 by the Montreal Council of Women. 

"You wanted to know her, she was just nice," said Shirley Gyles, who was president of the Montreal Council of Women when Michell was selected as Woman of the Year.

She said Michell was an easy choice for the award.

"People talk about being selfless and she was a selfless person, just always giving herself," said Gyles. "[She was] not materialistic in the slightest way."

Michell, who was a member of the congregation at Union United Church, was also an active choir member.

"She had a big voice," said Gyles, noting that you knew "it was time to swing or clap" by watching Michell in the choir.

She also worked with the youth choir, as parent liaison, and with the finance team at Union United. 

But Gyles says Michell's greatest legacy was co-founding Women Aware.

"Here was an organization run by a woman who not only lived a violent relationship but decided to do something about it," wrote Montreal police officer Patricia Ann Bourgeois in a letter of support for Michell's Woman of the Year nomination.

"Ms. Michell is dedicated to reaching as many suffering at the hands of this tragic occurrence as well as working tirelessly to prevent it from happening."

Michell was found unconscious by a neighbour on Sunday night in her Montreal home.

Her son wants his mother to be remembered as a "shining light, an example for people."

"Her mentality was, 'be the change you wish to see in the world.' She was very fond of quoting Gandhi. She just always saw the best in people."