The New West Hospice society would not exist without the founding and continued contributions of women on our community.
This year, we are spotlighting three women without whom the NWHS would not be the organization it is today.
Founder, Kay Johnson
There would be no New West Hospice Society without the vision, wisdom and perseverance of Kay Johnson.
Kay is the founder, charter member, first Board President, and first Executive Director. She is responsible for the first hospice society in BC built on the Compassionate City philosophy and charter.
Kay’s leadership put compassion into action: supporting the dying and bereaved and normalizing the conversation around death – which has led to the betterment of our community.
There is still more work to be done, but thanks to Kay, we have made a good start.
Co-President, Dr. Wendy Johnson
Wendy Johnson is a retired public school teacher, principal, school trustee and School Board Chair. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UBC.
She’s a founding member of NWHS and has been a New Westminster resident since 2015.
Under Wendy’s co-presidency, the vision of bringing a hospice to New Westminster is flourishing. She is active in community and provincial conversations, believes deeply in the vision of a Compassionate Community, and represents the best of Kay’s legacy for the New West Hospice Society.
Her tireless efforts and dedication have brought the rallying cry of “New West Needs a Hospice” to the lips of local government and Fraser Health.
Wendy is also an active member of the Compassionate Community, coming out to as many of the NWHS events as is possible for one woman!
Voice for the Vulnerable, Sharon Ennis
There are volunteers, and then there is Sharon Ennis.
A dedicated member of the Compassionate Community here in New West, Sharon is a staunch advocate for connecting compassionate end of life planning to members of the community who may struggle with access.
Sharon dedicates her time to Voice for the Vulnerable. What began as a joint operation between NWHS and the City of New West, is now Sharon’s lasting legacy and continued work.
It is safe to say, that New Westminster is a more Compassionate City because Sharon is here.