Maggie Mills

Maggie excelled at everything she did - sports, academics, adventure - but what she gave defined her life and the impact she left behind. Maggie graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc., where she played for the Augustana University Volleyball team; she received five scholastic Athlete of the Year Awards, three Highest Academic Student Awards, and a Canadian Collegiate National Athlete Scholar Award. She then went on to complete her Masters in Cardiovascular Perfusion from Midwestern University.

Maggie's perfusion career took her from Denver to Portsmouth, Boston, Miami, and Ottawa, before coming home to Edmonton to work at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Stollery Children's Hospital. Maggie was particularly passionate about pediatric perfusion; the 'little ones' put a sparkle in her eye and was her happy place. She was dedicated to research, always reading the latest journal article and looking to improve her practise. Maggie was an active member of the perfusion community and served on the CSCP Meeting Organizing Committee from 2020-2022. She was an integral member of the committee when they were faced with the uphill task of transitioning to a virtual meeting platform. Maggie was crucial to the success of the committee, ensuring that CSCP members continued to have access to continuing education opportunities. Maggie helped to build one of the CSCP's most robust and comprehensive programs by securing world renowned international speakers such as Filip De Somer, Dr. Serdar Gunaydin, George Justison. Maggie's dedication to perfusion connected her with colleagues and mentors worldwide. But it was her passion, energy, generosity and kindness that was the foundation to her many friendships across the globe. 

Maggie lived a big life. Outside of work, Maggie would express her artist side by creating custom pottery pieces for her friends and family. She was a wine connoisseur, active gardener and lover of all fur babies. Maggie's love for scuba diving, underwater photography and especially the ocean, took her on adventures around the world. 

Maggie will be remembered her for her big smile, loyalty and her willingness to lend a hand or look out for you when you needed it. A treasured daughter, big sister, friend, colleague, and dog-mom to her rescued Husky, Kallie, her kindness, caring, and compassion in work and play have left a lasting legacy. Our "Mags" is so very missed but will forever be in our memories and hearts.