The corgi Waltz
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The Corgi Waltz drew inspiration from Maureen’s love of corgis, as well as from photographs and stories shared by her family. Bouncy, joyful, and sincere, the piece is brimming with lightness and warmth, capturing the playful spirit, affection, and happiness in Maureen’s life. The Corgi Waltz invites listeners to smile, and celebrate the enduring laughter and love that surrounds Maureen’s memory.
Sub Lieutenant Maureen Vaughan
Maureen was born in England and moved to Ireland in her young teen years. She immigrated to southern Ontario in 1952 as a nursery school teacher and soon joined the Royal Canadian Naval reserves. Maureen was posted to CFB (Canadian Forces Base) Shearwater, in Nova Scotia and became a navigator. She trained pilots who served on aircraft carriers on the use of a simulator that allowed them to practice flying a plane using only the instrument panel. This was a necessity for all pilots to learn in order to fly in poor visibility conditions.
Maureen loved living by the Irish Sea. She enjoyed nature, gardening, sewing, bird watching, and especially loved corgis!
Bio & photo graciously provided by Maureen’s family
A Paeonia lactiflora “Sarah Bernhardt” Peony has been selected to honour
Sub Lieutenant Maureen Vaughan
Finley
Finley is in Grade 6 and composed The Corgi Waltz in 2023. Shortly after, the idea for the Honouring Garden was created by Sgt (Ret’d) Jessica Miller. Interestingly, Miller had been the recipient of a composition Finley created for Music for Veterans Project in 2022 to celebrate her service. The work was titled The Sergeant Farm and celebrated Miller’s incredible service “beyond the uniform” with the founding of The Veteran Farm Project Society in Nova Scotia. Finley has participated in Music for Veterans Project since 2021 and in April 2026 she received the 5 Years of Commemorative Music Award presented at Government House BC. She has performed at Bay Street Armoury for an event to celebrate veterans of The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s), where her piece The Journey of Service recognized Brigadier General (Ret’d) Michael Heppell. Most recently, Finley created a work to honour the service of Piper Angus Morrison, who fell in France during the First World War. A recording of the work premiered at an event called Pipers of the 16th & Beyond at Royal Oak Burial Park on June 6, 2026, where a Garry Oak tree was planted as part of Oaks of Remembrance. Finley currently takes piano lessons with Emily Armour. (June 2026)
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.