A WestJet flight attendant who recently lost her battle with cancer is leaving an unexpected legacy as the airline is reviewing its stance on staff wearing bright coloured makeup.
Michelle ‘Red Lips’ Malone, who passed away in August at the age of 38, was known for her bright lipstick and big hair but the flight attendant followed WestJet’s policy while on the job.
Jamie Miller, Michelle's husband, says his wife’s bright makeup not only lifted the spirits of others, but it improved her outlook as she battled the disease that eventually claimed her life.
“With her going through cancer treatments and everything, that was kind of what got her up in the morning,” explains Jamie. “Getting done up and presenting herself that way and always looking 100 per cent when she went out.”
“The last thing to go on, on the drive over to the hospital, was her red lipstick. It just made her feel so good.”
WestJet says bright colours were not allowed in the past because some people found them too harsh. The airline has hired fashion and makeup consultants to find acceptable options for staff who wish to avoid dull tones.
“We thought it was a fitting tribute to Michelle who was known for her bright red lipstick and her bright red nail polish in her off duty life and it certainly was the right time to do this,” said Robert Palmer, WestJet’s manager of public relations.
Michelle underwent 25 radiation treatments and six rounds of chemotherapy during her long battle with cancer.
Jamie says his wife stayed positive, and encouraged others to remain positive, and that's the legacy she'll leave with her family, friends and colleagues.
With files from CTV's Chris Epp
