The 2009 YMCA of Western Ontario Women of Excellence Honourees

Joan Francolini
Lifetime Achievement Award

“Joan is a true woman of excellence – a generous woman with a keen intellect who is blessed with many talents, infectious enthusiasm, boundless energy and good humor.”

Sister Kateri Ghesquiere,
Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph

A graduate of Business Administration and Secretarial Science at The University of Western Ontario, Joan became interested in community service while raising her six children. Among her many volunteer interests – the London YMCA, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Ontario Hospital Association, Tillsonburg Public Library Board, Thames Valley District Health Council, London Teaching Hospitals Council, United Way London and Middlesex, London Regional Art Gallery, Let’s Talk Science, London Community Foundation and Robarts Research Institute.

She served as Chair of the Boards of Foundation Western, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, and Brescia College University Foundation, providing strong and visionary leadership. Joan also served as the first Executive Director of the Lawson Foundation from 1992 to 2001.

Among the many honors Joan has received are the 125th Anniversary of Canada Commemorative Medal, the Dr. Ivan Smith Award for UWO Alumnus of the Year 2001, and the Order of Ontario.

Despite her many achievements, what sets Joan Francolini apart is her down-to-earth approach and personal warmth. She sees the potential in others and brings it out, quietly acting as a mentor and inspiration in every endeavor.

Read Joan's London Free Press article here.