Mission honoured a long list of community supporters last week at the annual Community Service Awards Ceremony.
The event, held at the Clarke Theatre, featured more than 25 recipients being honoured.
The following is a list of all the 2016 recipients and the comments made about their efforts to help the community:
Sarah Baban
Community Service Award (under age 25)
Sarah Baban is an enthusiastic and positive young woman who has been volunteering since she was a teenager. Sarah joined the Junior Optimist Club at age 14 in order to meet other young people and, before long, was busy fundraising and helping to organize events for youth throughout our community. Over the years, Sarah has donated her time in support of many different community-centred causes. She has organized dances, picked up litter for adopt-a-block, and is a bouncy castle operator extraordinaire. In 2015, she participated in the BC Youth Parliament program and went to Victoria to advocate for programs that would benefit youth throughout the province.
Sarah loves Mission and says that volunteering has helped her put down roots in the community in a way that she might not have otherwise. It also taught her the importance of helping young people, many of whom face significant challenges and are in need of support.
Mission Special Olympics Soccer Team
Against the Odds Achievement Award
The Mission Special Olympics Soccer Team is a remarkable group of hard-working individuals who competed at the regional, provincial and national levels over a four year period, earning the right to represent Canada at the World Games in Los Angeles in 2015. A combination of seasoned veterans and younger, less experienced players, this team did Canada, and Mission, proud by coming in 4th in international competition.
The Special Olympics promote health, activity, acceptance, inclusion and the pursuit of excellence among its members. And while the competition is stiff, the focus is not solely on winning. Other values, such as confidence, commitment, courage, and friendship are of equal importance, which is why these athletes are more than just champions. They are local heroes who represent the very best in Canadian sportsmanship and teamwork.
Ken Selvaraja
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ken Selvaraja has lived in Mission since 1974 and has been involved in the community in one way or another ever since. One of his first acts of volunteerism took place not long after his arrival when he saw an article stating that the local Seniors Lapidary Club was in need of young volunteers. He signed up hoping to be of assistance and, before long, discovered his love of the field. To this day, Ken is grateful for the support and encouragement that he found there and credits the club members with having turned him into a jeweler. He notes that this often happens when you reach out to help others – you end up reaping far more than you ever sow.
Over the years, Ken has been involved in many different community initiatives. He was an active member of the Cedar Valley Lions Club and has sponsored numerous golf tournaments and raffles in support of Mission Hospice, Canuck Place and the Stone Soup Initiative. He is a proponent of education, a skilled fundraiser, and a kind and caring human being.
Ken says that he is very proud to be part of this great community and that he is humbled and inspired by all of its extraordinary volunteers, both past and present.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Roy Archer is a longtime member of the community and of the Mission Elks Club. During the 30 or so years that he has been volunteering on behalf of the organization, he has touched the lives of countless people with his kindness, enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile for others.
Currently serving as the President of the Mission Elks Club, Roy is perhaps best known for his involvement in the Bail for Jail Campaign and the Elks Easter Egg Hunt, and for his tireless efforts on behalf of the Elks Club Concession. These are, however, just a few of the many ways in which he has made the world around him that much better for his presence.
Roy is a caring man who believes that we need to identify the needs within our community and then do whatever we can to meet them. Described by one of his colleagues as representing the very best of what it means to be an Elk, Roy is one of the first people to sing the praises of those around him. The District of Mission owes a debt of gratitude to Roy and to his fellow Elks for their ongoing contributions to our community.
Canadian Cancer Society, Mission Unit and Its Volunteers
Community Service Award
The Mission Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society has been in operation here in the community for the last 33 years. Staffed primarily by its 15 regular volunteers, the unit promotes public awareness and engages in a variety of fundraising activities throughout the year. This includes their annual daffodil campaign, which supports the society, and their ever popular Robbie Burns Supper and Dance, which this year raised over $5,000 for COPS for Cancer’s pediatric cancer research and Camp Goodtimes.
In addition to these efforts, the volunteers provide tremendous support to those individuals within our community who are living with cancer. They host the Canadian Cancer Society wig bank and are always there to answer questions and lend a hand. Most importantly, these are people who care - about each other and about the community.
In a world where funding dollars are in short supply, this amazing team works together to provide encouragement and support to people when they need it most.
Luca Paniccia
Community Service Award (under age 25)
Luca Paniccia is 17 years old and is described by those who know him well as an individual with emerging leadership skills and enormous potential. He believes in helping others and, while he has volunteered for a number of different causes over the years, has focused most recently on youth related programs and initiatives. A member of the 2015 and 2016 Youth Fest Planning Committee, the Mission Leisure Centre youth mentorship program, and the Leisure Centre Tween program, Luca says that he volunteers because he enjoys seeing people smile and because it is important to try to make the world a better place. In recognition of his hard work and dedication, Luca has been contracted on a part-time basis at the Mission Leisure Centre to work on other youth related projects.
MY House Volunteers
Special Accomplishment Award
Mission Youth House, commonly known as MY House, officially opened its doors in September of 2015. An initiative of the Mission Youth Homelessness Committee and over 15 service providers in Mission, MY House provides a safe place for homeless youth and those with unmet health and social needs to eat, shower, do laundry, access medical and other services and receive help from caring adults. Open Monday to Friday, MY House would not exist without the invaluable contribution of its many kind and dedicated volunteers. From fundraising efforts, to the renovations required to open the doors, to the ongoing provision of services, the MY House volunteers are the sustaining force behind this invaluable community resource. A tireless crew who believe in the importance of supporting youth, the MY House Volunteers are making a real difference – one person at a time.
Doug Pearson
Lifetime Achievement Award
Doug Pearson has been a member of our community since 1969. As one of nine children on a family-run dairy farm, work in one form or another has always been a part of his life. He was in Scouts and 4H when he was young and, as a parent, enthusiastically volunteered for whatever activities his children became involved in. He was a 4H leader and a dedicated volunteer with the Mission Marlins. He was also a member of the North Fraser Fire Department, participated in an early version of the District’s recreation advisory committee, and spent 27 years of his life serving the community as a member of the Kinsmen Club.
Since his retirement 14 years ago, Doug has continued to keep busy. As Vice-President of the Seniors Activity Centre and President of the drop-in centre, he enjoys organizing fun activities and events for his fellow seniors.
No description of Doug would be complete without mention of his very special assignment, direct from the North Pole, to represent Santa Claus here in the District of Mission. For the past 35 years, Doug has been fulfilling his duties as our resident Santa and, in 2015 alone, made over 26 appearances, bringing smiles and laughter to young and old throughout our community.
Doug is a down-to-earth guy who believes in filling his days with good people and good things and says that volunteering is really just about being part of the community.
Eugene Sepke
Sports Volunteer of the Year Award
Eugene Sepke is a longtime Mission resident who loves sports, the outdoors and spending time with his family. As a coach for the Mission Minor Football Association, he has mentored many of our young people, and is a tireless organizer and fundraiser for both Mission Minor Football and the Fraser Valley Mountain Biking Association.
Eugene is also a true trail blazer and has spent hundreds of hours constructing, renovating and maintaining hiking and biking trails throughout the District of Mission. In conjunction with Forestry Staff, he has organized various trail-building events, teaching others how to care for and maintain our trail system and be better stewards of the environment.
Eugene loves spending time in the forest with his family and encourages everyone to go outside and explore the beauty that Mission has to offer.
Thanks to Eugene and his tireless efforts, we can all do so more safely.
Rick Grant
Sports Volunteer of the Year Award
Rick Grant began playing hockey the year that the ice was first installed in the south arena and has been in love with the game ever since. A coach by age 19, Rick believes in the importance of physical exercise and skill development but also values the social component of the game, noting that many of life’s most valuable lessons are best learned in a team environment.
Over the years, Rick has worn many hats within the Mission Minor Hockey Association and was on its executive for over a decade, serving as both President and Vice President. More recently, he was recruited by the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association to serve as the Managing Director for the Fraser Valley East League which includes all “C” teams in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope and Mission. In this role, he continues to provide leadership and guidance in the sport, thus ensuring that each new generation of young hockey players has the same opportunity to fall in love with the game as he did all those years ago.
Valley Youth Partnership for Engagement and Respect (VYPER)
Community Service Award (under age 25)
VYPER, or the Valley Youth Partnership for Engagement and Respect, is a collaborative project that aims to reduce and prevent harm to youth from non-prescribed drug use.
Run by youth from the Fraser Health Region and funded by Health Canada, the partnership works to improve life for young people by creating conditions that support resiliency. This includes encouraging youth to engage in meaningful relationships with caring adults, providing them with opportunities to explore their abilities within the community, and raising expectations in order to foster a greater sense of optimism and control.
These young people have been instrumental in designing, developing and promoting a number of initiatives, including the 2014 “Pulling Together” conference, which opened a dialogue between adults and youth on topics pivotal to youth today. VYPER is also an important advocate of Mission Youth House, and continues to guide and inspire the project. We are deeply impressed with their commitment, accomplishments, and dedication to improving life for Mission youth.
Tom Nguyen
Sports Volunteer of the Year Award
Tom Nguyen is a learning support teacher at Mission Secondary whose dedication to young people extends well beyond the borders of the classroom. A longtime volunteer, Tom moved to Mission five years ago and has been encouraging and inspiring children in our community ever since.
While Tom has coached a number of sports over the years, he is perhaps best known for his involvement with the Mission Soccer Club. As a coach and a parent, he recognized the need for more volunteers at the executive level and stepped in to serve as their Registrar a couple of years ago when none could be found. More recently, he also agreed to serve as their President and Field Allocator and, as if that isn’t enough, also holds a position on the Mission Sports Council.
Known as an excellent organizer, coach, and mentor, Tom is the first one to recognize the efforts of other volunteers, both past and present. He points out that there is often a significant gap between the funding that is available and the needs of the community and believes that volunteers really do make a world of difference.
Denyse Tavener
Community Service Award
Denyse Tavener is a lovely person who likes people and believes that it is important to give back when you can. While she enjoys pitching in and helping out, Denyse does not necessarily think of herself as a volunteer.
She is a member of both Communities in Bloom and the Mission Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society, and participates in a variety of fundraising initiatives and events. Denyse is a sometimes Gorilla Gardener and, along with her canine friend Lola, comforts the elderly as part of a therapy dog visitation program. When time permits, Denyse can also be found gardening and mentoring other women on behalf of the Women’s Resource Society.
Mission Heritage Association and Fraser River Heritage Park Volunteers
Lifetime Achievement Award
The story of Fraser River Heritage Park is very much the story of Mission.
Located on the grounds of St. Mary’s Mission, from whence Mission gets its name, and the St. Mary’s Indian Residential School, the park today is the jewel of the Fraser Valley and a testament to the vision and commitment of the volunteers past and present who have given so much in service of the community.
Tonight, we honour those volunteers for their truly remarkable achievement in creating a park we all value for its historic, cultural, and spiritual significance, and its remarkable natural beauty.
From the early days of Sternwheeler volunteers, with the motto “Join the Team Build the Dream” the creation and growth of Heritage Park has been a community affair.
The site was originally secured under the leadership of Norma Kenney, and officially became a park on Heritage Day in 1986 when the provincial government announced a 50 acre grant of the former St. Mary’s Mission lands.
From the first Sternwheeler volunteers to those who have followed, the park brings together people from across our community with diverse interest and talents, all with an interest in improving the quality of life in Mission and building what is truly a world class park.
And today, the park brings together diverse people from around the globe to experience its natural beauty and historical, cultural, and spiritual value.
If you take your time as you walk around the park you will quickly find markers that recognize the many important milestones and remarkable people of Mission.
From the Norma Kenney House, built to honour Norma and her vision for our community and the park, to the grotto that sees an annual pilgrimage in the thousands, to the special and beautiful memorial garden and the Marcellus Rhododendron Walk that is home to our official flower, and of course the Ernest Jacobsen Rose Garden, home to hundreds of Ernie’s beloved plants and the annual rose garden tea – for three decades now volunteers at the park have established lasting memorials to those who helped shape community, and in doing so have created a remarkable setting for local residents and visitors from around the world.
The park is also, fittingly, home to markers that recognize the troubling legacy of residential schools and that open a path to reconciliation. From the bell tower that holds the original cast iron bell from St. Mary’s Mission and Residential School, generously donated to the park by the Sto:lo Nation, to the Sumas monument that honours the healing process and reconciliation. The park truly creates a common ground for cultural dialogue and healing.
It is also a site for celebration and festivities. Families and visitors alike enjoy the phenomenal view and live music all summer long as part of the concert series. Thousands of car buffs flock to the park for old car Sunday. The Mission Folk Music Festival brings visitors and world class entertainment from around the world, and of course the events that bring our community together like the illuminaria festival and Canada Day.
In creating this space we all hold so dear, the many volunteers at Heritage Park have created a gathering place and a landmark that embodies the seed of Mission’s existence, and forms the core of the community that grew around it.
The many volunteers at Fraser River Heritage Park have secured our history, honoured the events and the people who shaped Mission from the very beginning, and created a public space where we can come together to celebrate and continue to grow as a community.
Mission Healthcare Auxiliary Society
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Mission Healthcare Auxiliary Society, formerly known as the Mission Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, was formed in 1920 by a group of visionary and hardworking women who raised the funds required to build and sustain Mission’s first hospital.
With a current membership of approximately 130 men and women, the Society now fundraises on behalf of the hospital as well as a variety of other care facilities here in the community and throughout the region. They also provide a variety of services, including but by no means limited to: lending equipment, helping out in the ambulatory day care, visiting seniors in residence, and supplying emergency clothing to those who have been in accidents.
In the past five years alone, this amazing group has donated over 135,000 volunteer hours at Mission Memorial Hospital and the Cottage Thrift Store and has contributed more than $600,000 to the community. They have purchased a vast array of equipment for the hospital, including a bariatric bed, stretcher and commode, a wheelchair scale, fall mats, a pharmaceutical fridge, and countless other items that we often mistakenly assume are funded by our provincial healthcare system.
As a community, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to these tireless volunteers.
John Retallick
Community Service Award
John Retallick is a hardworking and fun-loving man with a formidable spirit and a passion for helping and encouraging others. For many years now, John has put his considerable construction and renovation skills to work in the community on behalf of a variety of worthwhile causes, while still finding time to run his own business.
In the spring and summer of 2015 alone, John donated hundreds of hours to the MY House renovation project. He gutted and rebuilt the basement, installed new plumbing, strengthened the structural foundation, framed new walls and doorways for the Rotary Youth Medical Clinic, and essentially served as a volunteer general contractor for the project. In addition to this, he spent time mentoring young people from Mission Secondary and the Riverside College Construction program.
John stresses the importance of having a positive outlook regardless of what life may bring. A retired police officer turned businessman, John suffered a massive stroke in 1990 that left him, quite literally, starting over. He encourages people to think young, to be positive, to make people laugh, and to always, always, expect that today will be a very good day. John would like to acknowledge Barry McLeod of Youth Unlimited and Myles Ferrie of Riverside College for their work on the MY House renovation project.
Neighbourhood School Champions
Community Service Award
The Neighbourhood School Champions are a dynamic group of individuals who are united by a common desire to make the world a better place. Self-described as a grassroots collective of parents from the French sister schools, École Christine Morrison Elementary and École Mission Central Elementary, the Neighbouhood School Champions believe in the importance of localized education to the social fabric of a community. They promote safety, equity, diversity, resiliency and community, and they seek out positive and pragmatic solutions to whatever challenges come their way. In the past year, they have organized numerous events, including the cleanup of the forested area between Mission Central and the Mission Public Library, and the Sing-A-Long on the Stairs event that lit up the Welton Stairs with lights, laughter and song in advance of the 2015 Candlelight Parade.
It is rare to have so many worker-bees in one group but that seems to be part of their success strategy. To any identified problem, they ask the question, “What can we do?”, devise a plan and then get to work.
It is almost impossible to speak with any member of this group without wanting to jump in and become part of the solution.
Heidi Smith
Special Recognition Award
Heidi Smith has been an active and dedicated community volunteer for over 20 years. A past award recipient, Heidi was honoured in 2008 for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Paint the Town initiative and again in 2012 for her work with the Gorilla Gardeners and Mission Adopt-A-Block. Over the years, she has also volunteered countless hours on behalf of the Women’s Resource Society, the Clarke Theatre and the Mission Historical Society.
Heidi is one of this community’s many supporters of the Stone Soup Initiative and strongly believes that everyone should have a safe place to call home. She has a compassionate, hands-on approach and has helped some of Mission’s most vulnerable citizens by identifying resources and assisting with the transition from homelessness into housing. She recognizes the importance of listening to people and acknowledging what matters most to them.
District of Mission
Student Leadership Awards
These awards were established by council to recognize students from the Mission Public School District who are leaders among their peers, and who, through that leadership, contribute to the betterment of their school and their community.
These are students who challenge themselves to do more and, as true leaders, inspire those around them to rise to the occasion. They are highly engaged, not only in their studies and their personal development, but also in volunteerism and pursuits that better the community around them. Their efforts in Mission, and wherever life takes them, will surely make the world a better place.
This year 11 Student Leadership Awards were presented. The recipients are:
From Mission Secondary School:
• Rebecca Flynn
• Vince Lising
• Chloe Belanger
• Lyza Murphy, and
• Dylon McLay
From Hatzic Middle School:
• Nikki Baban
• Gracie Dougan, and
• Tanner Geringer
From Heritage Park Middle School:
• Larissa Potma
• Jenai Konings, and
• Faith Collier
Deborah Handley
Arts and Culture Service Award
Deborah Handley has been a member of the community for almost a decade and a half. During that time, she has committed her remarkable talents to promoting arts and culture within the District of Mission. A member of the Cultural Resources Commission, the Serenata Singers, and the Mission Arts Council, she has also been both a volunteer and a paid employee of the Mission Folk Music Festival. Most recently, Deborah and her choir have brought their special blend of melody and comfort to the Christine Morrison Hospice, singing to the residents and their families.
Deborah believes in the importance of community. She values her fellow volunteers and the sense of camaraderie and unity that develops when you are part of a team. She encourages everyone to discover what they love and what matters most to them and then invest their time and their talents to that end.
Michele Chapman-Sheaves
Special Accomplishment Award
Michele Chapman-Sheaves is relatively new to Mission. Since her arrival in July of 2014, she has inspired countless others with her positive, roll-up-your sleeves, can-do approach. Not one to shy away from hard work, Michele adopted the forested area between École Mission Central Elementary and the Mission Public Library through Adopt-a-Block and started cleaning. With the help of her fellow Neighbourhood School Champions, she also organized a community clean-up of the area. One of a number of events that she has been instrumental in organizing, the community clean-up was tremendously successful. It serves as an empowering example of what can happen when people come together with a common cause and a commitment to seeking positive solutions. It is also a reminder to us that we are all part of a greater community of people. Michele is quick to point out that everyone, absolutely everyone, deserves to be treated with kindness and respect and she lives out that philosophy as she works with the other Neighbourhood School Champions to make the District of Mission a little bit better for us all.
Paul Horn
Citizen of the Year
Paul Horn is a community-minded individual with a desire to help others and the kind of dedication and drive that gets things done. Actively involved in a number of organizations and projects over the years, Paul has also been at the foundational core of both the Mission Community Wellness Committee and the highly innovative Stone Soup Initiative. The Committee advises Council on matters pertaining to social planning, community well-being, and quality of life indicators, while the Stone Soup Initiative seeks creative solutions to issues related to homelessness in our community.
Paul is quick to point out the collaborative nature of the work that he has done, noting that powerful things happen when you tap into the ability and the desire that people have to help one another. “Stone Soup, in particular,” he says, “is about harnessing that sense of neighbourly-ness and creating networks that support people in an organized way.” Highly motivated, extremely knowledgeable and genuinely dedicated to being part of a group that seeks solutions, Paul encourages people to get involved because the rewards of volunteering far exceed the investment.
Barbara Fehrmann
Freeman of the City
Barbara Fehrmann is a two-time Queen’s Jubilee Medal recipient who, over the past twenty-five years, has given generously of both her time and her many talents to a wide variety of causes and organizations within the community.
While her volunteerism is diverse and extensive, Barbara has demonstrated a notable commitment to improving the lives of seniors within our community. She is a longtime member of the Mission & District Senior Citizens Housing Society, which operates Welton Towers, and has served for many years on the Mission Association for Seniors Housing Board. She was also an instrumental part of the team that developed MASH’s new life lease building, Cedar Valley Manor.
In addition to this, Barbara is a Charter Member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Mission, and is currently serving at both the local and the provincial levels. She volunteers on behalf of the Mission Community Archives, is a supporter of the Archive’s Path and Pathfinders program, and spent many years volunteering at and on behalf of Fraser River Heritage Park.
Barbara is described by those who know her as caring, positive, trustworthy, gracious, humble and unselfish. When asked about her experiences in the community, Barbara said that she loves Mission and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. For this and for the many ways in which she works makes this community even better, we are deeply and truly grateful.
Steve Sharpe
Freeman of the City
Steve Sharpe has lived in Mission since the late 1950s but his relatives first began to settle the region at the turn of the 20th century. He is a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee winner and a recipient of a Community Service Award (in 2000), a Sports Volunteer of the Year Award (in 2003), and a Special Accomplishment Award (in 2014). Two years ago, he was inducted into the District of Mission’s Sports Hall of Fame as part of the organizing committee that made our 2014 BC Winter Games such a tremendous success.
Steve has served multiple terms on the Economic Development Commission, has been a coach and a mentor to many, and quietly supports a number of worthwhile programs and causes within the community.
In addition, for the past 25 years, Steve has been a member of the Fraser House Board. With understanding and compassion borne of personal experience, Steve is an avid supporter of this remarkable organization which provides counseling and prevention services to adults, youth and families with concerns around substance use.
When asked about his volunteerism, Steve says that he doesn’t really think about it much – that he does it because he loves Mission and because it is a part of him. Steve vows that he will continue to volunteer and serve the community as long as he is able.
Judith Ray
Freeman of the City
Judith Ray is a longtime community member and a lifelong volunteer. As the daughter of a clergyman, she was taught from an early age that it is important to contribute to society and to help others. Judith became a registered nurse, had a long career in health service administration for the Ministry of Health, and served as the Executive Director of a non-profit organization, Pleasant View Housing Society, before her retirement in 2008. She also volunteered extensively.
Over the years, Judith has served on behalf of a variety of groups, organizations and committees, including but by no means limited to: the Mission Rotary Club, the Serenata Singers, the Seniors Advisory Committee, the Affordable Housing Task Force, the Mission Healthy Community Council, the Social Development Commission, and the Seniors Centre Task Force. She is currently a member of the Mission Community Wellness Committee, on the board of Mission Literacy in Motion, and is the Chair of Mission Association for Seniors Housing. She was also one of the key people involved in the development of MASH’s new life lease building, Cedar Valley Manor, and is an integral part of the Stone Soup Initiative.
Judith is an intelligent and hardworking individual whose ability to lead is matched only by her willingness to serve.
Heather Stewart
Freeman of the City
Heather Stewart is a longtime Mission resident who is known for her dedication to serving others and her commitment to the community. An educator, volunteer, former municipal Councillor, and local leader, Heather’s informed and diplomatic approach has earned her the respect of others while her passionate and tireless conviction has made her a champion for gender equality, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, post-secondary training, and sustainable development.
Heather is a founding member of the Mission Communities in Bloom Society and a Charter Member and the current President of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Mission. Over the years, she has also been a member and supporter of the Mission Historical Society, Mission Literacy in Motion, the Mission Rotary Club and the Farmers Market Society – to name but a few. In addition, Heather served two terms as a municipal Councillor and has been an inspiration and a mentor to countless young women in our community.
Among her many honours, Heather has been recognized by Rotary International (Paul Harris Award, 1992), the Abbotsford Mission Soroptimist Club (Ruby Award, 2010), the District of Mission (Citizen of the Year, 2004) and the Mission Community Archives Paths and Pathfinders Program (2011 Honouree).
Lilian Dudfield
(November 28, 1920 – December 19, 2015)
Freeman of the City
Lilian Dudfield was a remarkable woman who was respected not only for her strength and determination but also for her boundless compassion and her skillful diplomacy. She was an administrator, an organizer, a fundraiser, a lobbyist, and an advocate but, perhaps most of all, she was a natural leader with a gift for inspiring others to join her in making the world a better place.
Lilian volunteered her time and talents on behalf of countless organizations and causes over the years, but she is best known as a longtime member of the Mission Healthcare Auxiliary Society and the beloved founder of the Mission Hospice Society.
With her passing in December of 2015, Mission lost one of its finest citizens. While we are saddened by her passing, we are deeply grateful to Lilian for the extraordinary life that she lived and for her many contributions to our community.