Municipality of Lambton Shores

Beatrice Clark

Beatrice Wight was a dedicated wife and mother with a passion for local history.

A lifelong resident of Thedford, Beatrice and her husband Charles raised four children while managing their local business, Clark's Garage, for over sixty years.

Work and family were not Beatrice's only pursuits. She was an avid historian and in 1977 published the Thedford Centennial Book, an excellent local historical reference book.

With over twenty years as a member of the Lambton Historical Society and thirty-nine years as a member of the Thedford Agricultural Society, Beatrice was also a 2003 Queen's Jubilee Medal recipient.

Beatrice was nominated by her children (Ernie, Pat, Joan and Robert), Dette Kronenberg and Wanda Lean. She passed away in 2003.

Elizabeth Davis-Dagg

Elizabeth Davis-Dagg is civic leader who serves as inspiration for many in her community.

Elizabeth was born and raised in a rural area near the town of Forest. Leadership and community involvement have been a passion throughout her life. Elizabeth was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Gold level award for leadership in 1992, has worked in a leadership capacity for two not-for-profit organizations, and has been Deputy Mayor of Lambton Shores since 2010.

Elizabeth has also focused on serving as a role model for young women in Lambton Shores. In 2012, she hosted a summer camp called “Back to Basics” where young women were taught life skills and daily living essentials.

Elizabeth was nominated by fellow community member Heather Willsie.

Stephanie Donaldson

Stephanie Donaldson is a tireless activist with an unbridled enthusiasm for community improvement.

Stephanie's involvement in community projects is wide ranging and diverse. Listed below is just a sample of her work.

She has donated wetlands to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, been a leader in the fight to keep Grand Bend Public School open, fundraised for Grand Bend Regional Health Centre, sponsored local school children to attend summer camp, led food drives for Lambton Shores food banks, and served on the Board of Directors for multiple community service groups and the Lake Huron Coastal Centre.

Stephanie was nominated by fellow community members Marilyn and Klaus Kennecke.

Vel Fraleigh

Vel Fraleigh is a hardworking community member who has been involved locally for over fifty years.

Born in Warwick Township, Vel's passion for community involvement began early. She was a teacher by trade but was also greatly involved on her farm, the Pork Producers Marketing Board, the I.O.D.E. and with her church.  After her husband entered politics in 1985, Vel moved to Ottawa where she became an active volunteer with both May Court and Life Line.

Upon their return to Lambton Shores later in life, Vel once again became involved. She volunteered with the North Lambton Community Health Centre and fundraised for the Shores Recreation Centre and the Forest Curling Club

Vel was nominated by fellow community member Don Coates.

Mary Jane Hutton

Mary Jane Hutton was the first female doctor in Lambton County.

Born in Forest in 1869, Mary Jane was the daughter of James Hutton, Forest's first physician and druggist. Mary Jane joined his practice after graduating from Trinity College in 1890.

Since few females trained to be doctors at this time, it was often noted that this service was a great benefit to the community. An ad from the September 1893 edition of the Forest Free Press mentions that special attention would be paid to diseases of women and children, only possible thanks to Mary Jane.

Mary Jane was nominated by two respondents: Sandy Burkhart from the Forest Library and Sylvia Freeman on behalf of the Forest-Lambton Museum. She passed away in 1946.

Ruth Illman

Ruth Illman is a dedicated volunteer, board member and leader in Lambton Shores.

A retired secondary school principal, Ruth has been a long serving board member for both the North Lambton Community Health Centre (NLHC) and the Bluewater Health Foundation. As volunteer coordinator for the NLHC from 2002-2012, she was instrumental in increasing their core volunteer base.

Ruth's passion for healthy living has extended beyond the health care system. She has instructed several local fitness programs, coordinated and supported Senior's Dinners, the Kinwood School Snack and the “Meet Me in the Kitchen” program.

Ruth was nominated by fellow community members Mary Overton and Carole Cleave.

Carolyn Jamieson

Carolyn Jamieson is positive presence and ardent supporter of her community and especially her local library branches.

A retired high school teacher and Thedford business owner, Carolyn spent twenty-five years in local politics. During this time, Carolyn's passion and substance were a positive example to the local community.

Carolyn's constant support and presence on the Lambton County Library Board and her dedicated promotion of the local library system contributed to the new library at the Thedford Legacy Centre being aptly named the Carolyn Jamieson Library.

Carolyn was nominated by fellow community members Dette Kronenberg and Wanda Lean.

Teresa Marie Jeromkin

Teresa Marie Jeromkin is a local artist whose energy and vitality for the arts is contagious.

An accomplished realism artist and portrait painter, Teresa Marie has been producing beautiful pieces of local art for many years.  Her involvement in the local arts scene goes beyond her own creative endeavours, as she has donated time to Paint Ontario and showcases her professional talent on the sets of the Huron Country Playhouse.

Teresa Marie was essential in the concept and implementation of a Board of Directors for the Grand Bend Art Centre. It was through her tireless work ethic that the organization has grown to become a key creative link between artists and their community.

Teresa was nominated by her friend Kelli Phillips.

Nola Mae Love

Nola May Love was a local historian and community volunteer with a respect for the past and a dynamic ability to embrace the future.

Nola had a passion for bringing history to life. Her keen memory was known and appreciated by many. Nola also had a unique link to the Lambton Heritage Museum, as she was instrumental in archiving the contents of the former Grand Bend Museum, which were eventually transferred here.

Nola's passion went beyond history. Her vision was instrumental in the creation of a local medical centre. Her personal time was spent organizing bus trips for seniors and reading to her visually impaired neighbour.

Nola was nominated by two respondents: her daughter-in-law Janet Love and her son Donald Love. Nola passed away in 2008.

Tuesday Lee Sutherland Moons

Tuesday Lee Sutherland Moons was a nurse practitioner who believed in giving clients the best care possible.

Tuesday's career goal of working in health care was achieved over several years. In that time, she was also a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister. After graduation, Tuesday worked in various locations, always remaining focused on providing the best care and support possible for those around her.

Tuesday recently battled and succumbed to cancer. Her family was comforted by memories of a spirited individual who accomplished many of the things that were important to her during her lifetime.

Tuesday was nominated by her mother Diane Sutherland. Tuesday passed away in 2013.

Emily Murphy

Emily Murphy, the leader of the “Famous Five,” was a pioneering Canadian women's rights activist.

Emily lived in Forest between approximately 1900 and 1903 with her husband Rev. Arthur Murphy. She also lived in Watford for ten months.

After Emily was the first woman in the British Empire to be appointed as a judge, she fought to have women declared “persons” in Canada. Joined by four other women (Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Henrietta Edwards and Irene Parlby), the “Famous Five” were ultimately successful in achieving “person” status for women.

Emily was nominated two respondents: Sylvia Freeman on behalf of the Forest-Lambton Museum and Jim Hansen. Emily passed away in 1933.

Rev. Dr. Christine O'Reilly

Rev. Dr. Christine O'Reilly is not only a minister, but an active community participant and advocate for rural churches in small communities.

Christine currently ministers at both Knox Presbyterian Church (Thedford) and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Watford). Her commitment to involvement in ministry extends to activities like playing in local sports leagues, watching television with congregational members and establishing personal connections with all of her members.

Christine also believes in the value of small churches and has become a leading figure nationally on this topic. Her focus on rural congregations and their benefit to the fabric of community life can be seen firsthand in her day-to-day life.

Christine was nominated by three respondents: Julie Stellingwerff, and Nick and Carla Sitter

Vera Paisley

Vera Paisley was a librarian who impacted many lives in her community.

Vera grew up in Warwick Township near Arkona. She was the librarian at the Arkona Library from 1939 until 1973. During this time she was on the local Cemetery Board, where she worked transcribing burial stones. This information was instrumental in the publication of the Arkona Cemetery Book in 1985.

As a dedicated community participant, she spent many years as the secretary for the Arkona branch of the Women's Institute and was involved with the planning committee for the Arkona Centennial.

Vera was nominated by fellow community member Linda Koolen. Vera passed away in 2005.

Edna Powell

Edna Powell was a devoted historian and preserver of heritage.

With a passion for history, Edna co-founded the Forest-Lambton Museum Society starting in 1962. In addition to being the museum's curator for over thirty years, Edna was also a member of the Lambton Historical Society.

During this time, Edna dedicated herself and the Forest-Lambton Museum to the preservation of local artifacts and archives. As a result of this perseverance, Edna was responsible for many items being saved and available for many future generations.

Edna was nominated by Sylvia Freeman on behalf of the Forest-Lambton Museum. Edna passed away in 2004.

Lynda Hillman Rapley

Lynda Hillman Rapley has been focused on writing about her local community for over three decades.

Serving as editor of the Lakeshore Advance for over thirty-one years, Lynda has worked tirelessly to provide a voice for the Lambton Shores community. She has helped cover and promote local activities for the benefit of her community.

Her upbeat approach to reporting is well received and has served as a great example for those interested in a news career.

Lynda was nominated by three respondents: Tricia and William Billington, and Glen Baillie.

Erryn Sheppard

Erryn Sheppard is a chef and local business owner.

Erryn gained a passion for the food industry at a very young age when she started working at Fleers Bakery in Grand Bend when she was just thirteen years old.

After being accepted into the Greenbrier Apprentice Program, Erryn traveled throughout North America gaining great amounts of culinary knowledge. With over thirty-five years of experience, Erryn returned to Grand Bend and opened F.I.N.E. restaurant in 2005.

Erryn was nominated by fellow community member Glen Baillie.

Dona Stewardson

Dona Stewardson is an advocate for farmers and a voice for local and international environmental concerns.

Raised on a farm in Thedford, Dona was involved with farming throughout her life. Later in life, Dona became interested in farm politics and would go on to become the first woman president of the Lambton County Federation of Agriculture, only one of many local, provincial, national and international appointments and breakthroughs in gender barriers. Dona asserted, “Gender did not play a huge role for me. What was important to me was how well one could fill the role…”

Now that her son and daughter-in-law have taken over the family farm, Dona can rest assured that the legacy of the Stewardson family in agriculture will continue.

Dona was nominated by Lambton Shores Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Davis-Dagg and personal friend Marilyn Cousins.

Catherine Stone

We don't know very much about Catherine Stone, but we do know she was a woman ahead of her time.

Catherine wrote a letter to the editor representing the Sons of Temperance that was published in the Sarnia Observer and Lambton Advertiser on September 17, 1857. She argues that people of “every class and portion of society” should enlist in the cause. With a strong, forward-thinking vision of the potential of women, Catherine wrote with conviction, “Show me, therefore, your women, and I will give you the character of your men, without even seeing them.”

Catherine was nominated by Greg Stott who commented, “… she articulated a position that might be termed proto-feminist… I like this example because it is so early.”

Miep Verkley

Miep is a gifted author of at least seven novels.

Miep has generously shared her knowledge and skill with her community. Her books are sought after as they focus on a woman's perspective through many different facets of her life, offering a unique voice that often gets forgotten in history books.

Topics in her books range from her childhood, to her life in Holland before and after World War II, to her experiences as an immigrant in Canada. Miep has provided readers with a unique account of a woman's life, feelings and struggles.

Miep was nominated by fellow community members Dette Kronenberg and Wanda Lean.

Elke Kleihauer Ward

Elke Kleihauer-Ward has been a trailblazer by succeeding in a male-dominated industry. She was one of the first women in Canada to challenge gender stereotypes and take on a leadership role in an unlikely industry.

A resident of Grand Bend, Elke was the first female tool and die maker in Canada and the first female shop teacher in Canada. These accomplishments reach beyond our municipal and provincial borders to the national stage.

Additionally, Elke was listed in the Who's Who of Canadian Women in 1997.

Elke was nominated by her former student Justin Speake.