
Canada flag flying at half-mast in conjunction with NHH Auxiliary Annual Meeting in honour of active and former Auxiliary volunteers who passed away in the last year
The Canada flag outside the main entrance at Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) is flying at half-mast tomorrow, July 24, in honour of 19 active and former NHH Auxiliary volunteers who are known to have passed away over the last year.
This annual tradition—which is coordinated in conjunction with the Auxiliary’s Annual Meeting, also held tomorrow—recognizes the extraordinary commitment of volunteers throughout the hospital, and was initiated to specifically honour those who are known to have passed away over the last year.
With over 40,000* hours of service logged in the past year by more than 325 volunteers, Auxiliary volunteers contribute to NHH in a variety of unique and important ways that help enhance patient and provider experience across the hospital. Volunteers greet patients on arrival, provide wayfinding support, deliver water to patient rooms, offer a comforting presence in the Emergency Department, serve customers in the Little Treasure Shop gift shop inside the main entrance, and sort and sell gently used items donated to their community thrift shop, Petticoat Lane, to support the hospital’s capital equipment needs.
“The NHH Auxiliary is comprised of so many talented and dedicated individuals—both past and present—who have donated the most valuable, priceless thing that one human being can give to another: their time,” said NHH President and CEO Susan Walsh. “The spirit of volunteerism at NHH has never been more vibrant and diverse. This is truly a testament to the strength of our community, where volunteers play a critical role in so many institutions. While it is always bittersweet to remember Auxiliary volunteers who are no longer with us, we are grateful to honour these individuals’ contributions and the kindness that they have left behind, which is forever woven into the tapestry of NHH.”
We honour the following active Auxiliary volunteers, who passed away in the last year:
Name | Years of Service | Date Deceased |
Kim Heydie DeMattos | 2022-2024: 2 years | January 3, 2025 |
Heather Diane Smith | 2012-2025: 13 years | January 29, 2025 |
Suzanne Marie Gibb | 2022-2025: 3 years | April 19, 2025 |
Elizabeth Mae “Libby” Orovan | 2013-2025: 12 years | June 25, 2025 |
We also remember the following past Auxiliary members who passed away this year. They are:
Name | Years of Service | Date Deceased |
Evelyn Gail “Kitty” Lipa | 2015-2021: 6 years | August 2, 2024 |
Barbara Jane Campbell | 2009-2011: 2 years | November 1, 2024 |
Elizabeth Zavi | 1990-2010: 20 years | November 17, 2024 |
Daniel Lewis Parsons | 1999-2007: 8 years | December 1, 2024 |
Yvonne “Nobie” Trevor Millar Clarkson | 2001-2020: 19 years | December 5, 2024 |
Edith Doherty | 2007-2012: 5 years | December 31, 2024 |
Myrtle “Heather” Neill | 2010-2017: 7 years | January 4, 2025 |
Patricia Millicent Gummer | 1985-2011: 26 years | January 12, 2025 |
Joyce Ann Porter | 2001-2014: 13 years | January 25, 2025 |
Beverly Annabelle Kerr | 2008-2020: 12 years | February 17, 2025 |
John Robert Manning | 2008-2012: 4 years | March 4, 2025 |
Douglas John Cunningham | 2009-2020: 11 years | March 6, 2025 |
Mary Agnes “May” Clark | 2003-2023: 10 years | March 7, 2025 |
Sylvia Rosalie Blinkley | 2005-2011: 6 years | May 12, 2025 |
Robert John Clement | 2002-2012: 10 years | May 17, 2025 |
For more information about volunteers and volunteering at NHH, please visit our website at nhh.ca.