It is with great sadness that we share the news of Hilary's sudden passing in October 2019. 

Hilary graduated from Dalhousie University's Marine Affairs program with a Masters of Marine Management in 2012.  Some of you may have known that after her time in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Hilary went on to work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Guam, Systems Planning and Analysis Inc., and most recently the US Coast Guard. She also held a BA in International Relations and Environmental Studies from the College of William & Mary. Hilary had a passion for elasmobranch (shark, skates and rays) conservation, and her Master’s Project examined skate and ray management in the Northwest Atlantic. Her favorite activity was scuba diving, having become certified at age 13. Almost every vacation she planned, including her honeymoon, was centered around scuba diving. And she loved her Leafs, too.

Hilary was a dual American and Canadian citizen, and truly loved and valued her time in beautiful Nova Scotia with her lovely rescued dogs Brenna and Sophie. Over the years, she fostered 13 dogs and found homes for dozens more, even sending several strays from Guam to stateside homes.

We hold her family and friends in our hearts at this difficult time. If you would like to make a donation in her name to a charity, she was a passionate advocate for rescue animals and elasmobranchs, and I would encourage you to make a donation to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Guam Animals In Need (GAIN) charity, or the American Shark Conservancy (ASC):

 Link to ASPCA Memorial Gifts

 Link to GAIN Donations

 Link to ASC Donations

This news has come as a shock to all who knew her, despite that Hilary had struggled with mental health in recent years.  Losses like the loss of Hilary are very difficult to come to terms with.  In hindsight, it is easy to ask 'what if?' and to blame ourselves for perhaps not showing enough support to her. However, Hilary was tremendously loved, will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.

In her honour, we must find it in our hearts to share this important lesson. Mental illness affects so many. If you are struggling, please know you can always reach out and share your burden with those around you. There are people in your life that love you unconditionally and will help you find your way. Ending your life is never the right answer but the one that people choose too often. Never be afraid of judgement; please ask for help. 

We miss you Hilary, and you live on in all of us.

May you find peace in your final resting place.