Video Transcription
Established in 1897, the Victorian Order of Nurses, also known as the V—O—N has helped Canada through many incidents including both world wars. They are important to local communities and they touch the lives of many Canadians daily. And in Lambton County, there is one VON that particularly touched the lives of Lambtonites -Winnifred James.
Winnifred James, was born in Brussels, Ontario in 1925. She received her nursing degree from Victoria Hospital in London and her Canadian Public Health Nurse certificate from the University of Western Ontario. Following her graduation, Winnifred was appointed Nurse-in-Charge of the Victorian Order of Nurses in Truro, Nova Scotia.
Winnifred returned to Ontario and worked in senior positions with VON Branches in Kent County and North York. In 1958, Winnifred was appointed Nurse-in-Charge of the VON Branch in Sarnia. Under Winnifred's guidance, the Sarnia VON - which primarily focused on maternal and childhood health at that time - expanded their efforts to include Lambton's elderly population.
Throughout her career, Winnifred sought to improve the quality of life for elderly pensioners and worked to expand the reach of VON services to include those who needed at-home assistance. For her efforts, she was appointed VON Director in the Prairie Provinces and spent the remainder of her career building VON home care programs across the Prairies.
We salute Winnifred James, for her amazing work with the elderly and her dedication to Lambton County.
Additional Information
Winnifred James was born in 1925 to Albert and Mae (Little) James. A native of Brussels and graduate of Victoria Hospital London and the University of Western Ontario, Winnifred received her Canadian Public Health Nurse certificate and left for Truro Nova Scotia to take the position of Nurse-in-Charge of the VON there. She subsequently went to Kent County Health Unit and was senior staff nurse on the VON North York Branch before coming to Sarnia.
In 1958, Winnifred became the new nurse in charge with the VON in Sarnia, succeeding Margaret Farrell who left after being in charge for three years to accept a position on the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit. The Sarnia branch is the largest (four nurse) organization of which Miss James was in charge of. Other members of the Sarnia VON Branch at the time was Mrs. Grant Smith, Mrs. Sidney Hall and Miss Anna Howell.
Under Winnifred's guidance, the Sarnia VON - which primarily focused on maternal and childhood health expanded their efforts to include Lambton's elderly population.
Throughout her career, Winnifred sought to improve the quality of life for elderly pensioners, and worked to expand the reach of VON services to those who needed at-home assistance. For her efforts, she was appointed VON Director in the Prairie Provinces, and spent the remainder of her career building VON home care programs across the Prairies.
Winnifred loved athletics, both as a participant and spectator. She loved bowling, skating, and long walks. She passed away in 1997.
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