In the words of Hurricane Hazel: 5 memorable quotes from Hazel McCallion

At 93, after three decades as mayor of Mississauga, the woman known as Hurricane Hazel has seen a lot in her time in public life. But it's her feisty, honest and straightforward approach that has earned her much popularity and deemed her a force to be reckoned with. Here are a few of our favourite 'Hazelisms' that reflect some of her vision and leadership.

"I'm not saying all seniors should be running a city or running a business, but I am saying seniors are good for a lot more than simply running a bath, baking cookies or babysitting grandchildren."

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is greeted by Hazel McCallion, July 6, 2010. (Reuters/Fred Thornhill)

"I say it the way it is. I don't play around. That has been my success, in my opinion, for Mississauga."

Prime Minister Paul Martin is embraced by Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion in 2005. (CP/Tobin Grimshaw)

"I've been called other things too, and some of them uncomplimentary and sexist like the 'Queen of Sprawl', 'Attila the Hen,' 'The Mom who runs Mississauga' and the 'Mississauga Rattler', so it's little wonder that my favourite nickname is Hurricane Hazel."

"I could never toe the party line. I'd wear out the carpet crossing the floor."

"I learned to do with little. And that's why today, I only spend the taxpayers' money like I spend my own, which is seldom. The people of Mississauga love that."