Maureen “Mo” Hartigan

With heavy hearts we are sharing the passing of Maureen “Mo” Hartigan on June 6, 2024 in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Mo was born in Stouffeville, Ontario. She, along with her identical twin sister Colleen, were adopted as infants by Orville and Marguerite Cox. Mo had countless fun, crazy & memorable adventures in Toronto over the years. She was fiercely independent and was always looking for new adventures. She was hardworking and committed to many different places of employment throughout her life. She was employed in many varied administrative positions such as receptionist at the Department of National Defense in Toronto & Halifax, secretarial work at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, and office manager for an independently owned Automotive business, where she was also a “mom to all her boys in the shop”. She was not afraid to try something different and loved to share her experiences of being an auxiliary police officer in Toronto in the early 80’s.

Mo came to the Yukon from Ontario in the mid 80’s and the Land of the Midnight Sun became her forever home. She joined her twin sister, Col, in Watson Lake where they managed the Gateway Motor Inn. Always looking for a new adventure, Mo went on to work with Sa Dene Hes Mine and when the mine closed, she moved onto working with a local road crew.

She met her life partner, Paul, when he was passing through Watson Lake and for a time they worked on road construction together. They worked hard, laughed a lot, made new friends and lifelong memories. Mo and Paul lived in Marsh Lake for 30+ years. Paul built a beautiful house, and Mo made it into a beautiful home. Mom took pride in her family, home & community. The Old Screen Door Bed & Breakfast became a dream of Mo’s, and with Paul’s support, she enjoyed 15 years of hosting guests. Mom loved operating the Old Screen Door and made many lifelong friends and connections. She was a valued member of the Southern Lakes Bed & Breakfast Association and took on the role of President for a few years, a role she thoroughly enjoyed.

Over the years, Mom loved gardening, camping, fishing and time with her family. Nana Mo also loved visits with “her” Bria and Lennox. She had a keen sense of style and loved fashion. Mom loved yard sales and often went with her sister Col that she loved to call sissy… “Sissy, are we going yarding this Saturday??” We will also remember her love of shopping (til you drop!), chocolate and Coronation St. Don’t even think about interrupting an episode of “Corny”!

Mo & Paul passed away within 4 months of each other and our hearts are broken. We hope they have wandered off to do some gardening and fishing together.

Mo is survived by her daughter, Kelly and son in law, Glenn; son, Brian and daughter in law, Jackie; grandchildren Bria, Lennox, Alex, Megan  and Billy; twin sister & partner in all twin shenanigans, Colleen (Norm); sister, Louella (Claude); nieces Lori, Tracy (Peter), Marlene; nephew, Jason (Lisa).  Mo is also survived by many other fond family members and extra special friends that she held close in her heart though the years.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Quong, Dr. Kmet and all the amazing staff at Whitehorse General Hospital and Wind River Place. The healthcare world is a better place because of you all.

There will be a shared Celebration of Life for Mo & Paul in June of 2025 in Marsh Lake. It will be a time to remember, celebrate, and share stories of two beautiful souls.

“You wouldn’t even believe some of the things I’ve done!” Mo could have written a very interesting and riveting book, but with a laugh she would say, not all things are meant to be shared! Oh the stories you could tell.

Thanks for the memories Mom, you will live on. We love you Nana Mo. Rest in peace. Don’t worry, we will leave the telly on so you don’t miss Corny.

A Shared Celebration of Life for Mo & Paul will be held on

Saturday, June 14th, 2025 from 1-3 pm (drop-in)

at the Marsh Lake Community Centre