Directors' and Staff Members' Bios

Judi Huta, President

Judi Huta, a board member of the Surrey Hospice Society since 2004 resides in South Surrey. A refugee from Hungary, she fled to BC, grew up in Ontario, only to return to beautiful BC in 1990 with her husband and 2 sons. Her passion for “growing people, teams and building strong, safe communities” is evident in her personal and professional life over the past 25 years.

She is currently involved with the Surrey Hospice Society Thrift Store, Junior Achievement, Surrey/ Delta Soroptomists, Surrey Chamber ‘s Annual Police of the Year Awards and is self employed as a personal/professional coach, group facilitator parent educator, and program director. She has extensive experience working with at-risk youth, children in need of protection, people with multi-barriers, and facilitating groups for adult learners.

Having balance is key to living a full life” so Judi also works out regularly, reads, listens to music, walks on the beach and is forever grateful for her kids, her husband of 34 years, and the many wonderful friends she has in her life.

Working with the Board and staff at Surrey Hospice Society to bring enhanced community awareness and support for bereavement and palliative care is a challenge she strongly believes will be overcome through the team’s creativity, commitment and community connections. Through sharing the passion and heart Hospice Society staff and volunteers have with everyone we meet each day, Judi is convinced Surrey Hospice Society will grow and be able to meet increased service demands.

Marjorie Walters, Treasurer

Marjorie is an accountant, now in her 17th year with Manning Elliott, Chartered Accountants. She has a Business Certificate from Kwantlen University College and is a Simply Accounting Certified Consultant. She admires the work of the Surrey Hospice Society and volunteers, and has been involved in volunteer work for the White Rock Millennium Rotary Club. Having lived in Surrey for most of her life, she now resides in White Rock with her husband, Jeff, and their three cats.

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Janis Foster, Secretary

Surrey resident Janis Foster is a freelance writer and the editor of Sounder Profiles, a monthly magazine circulated in South Surrey, White Rock, and Cloverdale. She was a reporter for the Langley Times for 10 years. Janis was formerly on the board of the Langley Hospice Society and has been a member of the Rotary Wine Festival Committee for the past two years. Janis and her husband Roy are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters, two terrific sons-in-law, and the excited grand-parents of twin boys.

Thomas Crean, Director

In 1978, a death in the family required Tom to leave school during his final year of a Bachelors degree program in Philosophy at UBC, assuming the presidency of his family’s third generation family funeral home, Kearney Funeral Services Ltd., which Tom’s grand-father, Tom Kearney, started in Vancouver in 1906. In 1979, Tom bought Columbia Chapel in New Westminster. Tom and his brother, Michael, purchased Royal Oak, Woodlawn, S. Bowell and Sons from Loewen Group in 1991, and in 2000, opened a new branch office in Surrey.

Tom became involved in consumer advocacy and public education early in his professional career, as B.C. had little regulation with respect to funeral service. Tom serves locally on the board of several civic and professional organizations. Married to Jo-Ann and father of three, Tom is an avid songwriter/musician playing the guitar and banjo. He also enjoys hobbies of tennis, swimming, skiing, and fishing in his spare time.

Cindy Poppy, Director

In Cindy is a local realtor in the White Rock - South Surrey area since the 1990's.

Venturing into all avenues of Real Estate, from marketing to senior and single housing projects, and working with buyers and sellers throughout the lower mainland, she has experienced notable success as evident in most of her clients becoming her friends.

Studying both in Montreal and Vancouver, she obtained a degree in Business Management and then a Real Estate License. As a result of being conscientious in her work ethics, Cindy experienced many excellent employment opportunities, primarily in the Human Resource and Marketing fields.

Cindy and her 12 year old daughter enjoy an active life in the Greater Vancouver area.

Denise Seder, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary-Jane Wilson, Director

Mary-Jane Wilson is a lawyer with Greig Wilson & Rasmussen LLP in Surrey who has practiced in the areas of Real Estate and Financing, Estate administration, Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements, Appointment of Committees, real estate and estate planning since 1989. She is a frequent speaker at the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Society of British Columbia on real estate and estate planning matters and most recently on residential conveyancing fundamentals for legal support staff (March 2008). She chaired the first annual Residential Real Estate Conference in Dec. 2008, sponsored by CLE and the Canadian Bar Association. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.A. (1982) and the University of Victoria with a LL.B. (1986). She was Called to the Bar of British Columbia in May 1987.

Her PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS are as follows:
* Member of the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC), Real Property Section, Wills and Trusts Section, Women Lawyer Forum
* Member of the Real Estate Lawyers and Notaries Association (RELAN)
* Member of the Surrey Bar Association
* Member of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club
* Member of the Law Society of BC
* Member of the Canadian Parents for French
* Past Director of the Surrey Foundation
* Past director of the Surrey Board of Trade
* Past President of the Fraser Valley Estate Planning Council

When Mary-Jane is not working, she enjoys skiing, sailing and travelling with her husband and teenaged children.

Mary Martin, Honourary Director (Councillor, City of Surrey)

Since her election to Surrey City Council in 2005, Councillor Mary Martin has worked hard to bring Surrey’s diverse community together. Councillor Martin is dedicated to ensuring the adequate and proper care of City residents, and has used her 20 years of experience in the medical field to lead highly successful fundraising campaigns for hospital foundations.

Councillor Martin’s involvement in community work began while raising her three children. She has served as Co-Chair of the first PAC at Brookside Elementary in Newton, as Chair of the Parish Education Committee Board at Cloverdale Catholic School, and as Secretary and Treasurer of Kids Help Phone, which she helped launch in South Surrey/White Rock

As a Surrey resident for the past 17 years, Councillor Martin, her husband Tony and family feel blessed to live in such a beautiful, dynamic city and believe that community service is the key to building any great city.

Marion Brandner, Executive Director

Marion joined the Surrey Hospice Society on January 9th, 2006 following 3 years as Executive Director for the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, and before that 3 years as Director of Business Development with the Burnaby Board of Trade.

Marion brings with her extensive community and business contacts as well as event planning and business development expertise to help expand the Surrey Hospice Society. “It’s all about building relationships and trust. I would far rather do business or get involved with a person or an organization I know and trust before going out and looking for new ones. That takes time – it doesn’t happen overnight.”

Marion completed the volunteer training program (13 sessions) and has a much clearer understanding of what our work is all about. “I have a whole new appreciation for our 120+ volunteers, and the amazing work they do. This is a very carefully planned and prepared training program and resource. Most volunteer trainees find they have ‘issues’ to deal with and work through before they can move on to helping others. It definitely is for the individual who is selfless, compassionate and bestows a loving, neutral presence. They are truly ‘Companions for the Journey’ whether it be with someone with a life threatening illness in the Palliative Care unit, or the Hospice Residence, or with a bereaved family member trying to cope with a traumatic loss. Profound and sacred events happen every day in this work. It’s something we expect yet respond to in wonder and awe.

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Barbara Morningstar, Program Director

Barbara Morningstar, Program Director, joined the staff of the Society in December, 2003. She oversees the hospice programs, program staff and volunteers. Barbara has seen a lot of change in the 15 years (plus) since she first entered the hospice field. She has a wide range of experience in the hospice arena as well as in program development and volunteer support. Her experience initially began with White Rock Hospice in the early nineties. Barbara’s heart is firmly planted in the hospice field and she is ardent in her understanding and support of the hospice philosophy of care.

Barbara has served as a hospice board director, at White Rock, and her background includes experience in the performing arts, real estate, health care and athletics. Well respected by her colleagues, Barbara will continue to be directly responsible for the Society's volunteer program and will play a central role as the Society’s programs are expanded and new programs introduced.

Donna Burt, Financial Administrator

Donna came to Surrey Hospice Society through our Volunteer Education Program in Spring of 2001. Having suffered the loss of 2 brothers, and her daughter, Donna wanted to walk alongside others traveling the same journey.

After a year as a client volunteer and office support volunteer, Donna was presented with the opportunity to join the staff.

Donna’s title does not do justice to the role she plays with the Society. Since coming aboard, Donna’s job has shifted from 15 hours to 32 hours per week. Her duties have increased to include all of the Society’s and Community Thrift Store general accounting and banking, donor recognition, editor of the newsletter , and website design/supervision. Two other major roles Donna fills is as coordinator of the office volunteer program, program administration and general support for the Society’s hospice, bereavement, and volunteer programs. As well, Donna serves as administrative assistant to the Society’s Executive Director and is a member of the Development Committee.

With a wealth of life experience and previous employment as the Administrative Assistant for the Vice President in a large Ontario hospital, Donna is well equipped for her present position.

Shaina Azad, Administrative Assistant

Shaina Azad recently joined the Surrey Hospice Society team in August, 2009. She graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and History, with an extended concentration in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.

She has a passion for travelling and recently returned from a year abroad in the Middle East. This is where she worked as a freelance journalist for Daily News Egypt, and in the promotions department for the American University in Cairo Press Publishing House. She also worked with a couple non-governmental organizations whose missions are to eradicate poverty through the implementation of education for refugees and orphans. She plans to continue her studies through the pursuit of a Masters.

Her dedication and eagerness for helping others is what drew Shaina to the Surrey Hospice Society.

Joy Dockrey, Community Client Coordinator

Joy is with us, part- time, as the Client Coordinator in the Community assessing the hospice clients needs in the home, supporting the family units and volunteers who will partner them. Joy prepared a short biography for us to share with you.

Cree name: Cah Chi Tay Pinesis “Small Black Thunderbird” Birth mother was Cree, birth father was Irish. Adopted at age 5 by non-natives and raised in Victoria, BC. Adopted again by the Haida Nation; Masset, B.C. Raven Clan Haida name: Skil Kaadangaas “Fairy of Knowledge”

Professional Journey: been a public schoolteacher, a counsellor for imprisoned adult native male survivors of residential schools, a mediator, an investigator of child and youth fatalities, manager for Aboriginal social workers and Vancouver’s first Aboriginal problem gambling counsellor; a Victoria Hospice volunteer for 13 years; sat on several boards of agencies for native health and Aboriginal children and families; also a member and manager of the BC Lower Mainland Aboriginal Veterans.

Personal Journey: is a grandmother (11 yr old grandson), mother, Harley rider for 15 years and crew member of husband’s Harley dragbike race team; is a proud active Aboriginal woman no longer ashamed of her heritage. Her story includes her journey of healing, of finding her identity and of how she worked to become that bridge between her two worlds of Native and Non-native that her elder advised. Joy hopes that as a positive healthy role model she can be an inspiration to youth and others who are on their path of self identity.

Rosemary Brown, Clinical Counselor

Rosemary is a fairly recent arrival to the mainland after living most of her life on Vancouver Island. Rosemary's passion for Hospice work grew when she volunteered at Victoria Hospice. After working briefly with Nanaimo Hospice, she joined the team at Surrey Hospice in March of 2008.

Rosemary is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, having earned her Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at UVic in 2000. Her work at Surrey Hospice consists mostly of Bereavement Counselling, although she is also available to see patients and family members in the Palliative programs. Rosemary does individual counselling as well as facilitates and/or oversees the Adult Grief Support programs (Nature's Amble and Finding My Way.)

In her personal time, Rosemary has a limited private counselling practice and enjoys walking, aquafit, gardening and playing with her little grandson.

Noele Bird, MMT, MTA, FAMI, RCC, Clinical Counselor

Noele Bird recently joined the Surrey Hospice team as a Clinical Counsellor in December 2009. Noele is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and an Accredited Music Therapist with a Masters Degree in Music Therapy. She is a facilitator of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music (GIM) and a Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery. Noele has been in private practice with children, youth and adults since 1988 and is a faculty member of Capilano University’s Guided Imagery and Music Program.

Noele created and directed the innovative Vancouver-based I'm Dangerous with Sound Music Performance Project for Street Youth for ten years. This project explored the potential of the creative arts in helping youth at risk cope with grief and loss. It aimed at helping youth find meaningful alternatives to drugs and alcohol through the discovery of the creative self in a support group. Noele will bring her skill in the use of the expressive arts with children and youth to Surrey Hospice's Hopeful Hearts grief support group for children and Java G teen grief support group.

Noele also brings a background in meditation and mindfulness practice to her work.

Donna Chubb, Thrift Store Manager

Donna has been the Manager of the Thrift Store since April 2005. Her vast experience in the retail sector and her volunteer work in the community was a good fit for the store. Her past experience with several different retailers has given her a wide range of experiences and knowledge.

At the time of her employment Donna was attending Douglas College, and graduated in June 2006 with her Diploma in Community Social Work.

The skills and learning practices she developed while attending college has proven to be very useful with the diverse clientele that supports the store. Her easy and light hearted manner is appreciated by the volunteers whom she supports and encourages to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, as well as to have fun and enjoy the task they are doing.

Lorraine Marlow, Thrift Store Assistant Manager

Lorraine has lived and worked in the Surrey area for the past thirty years, originally from friendly Winnipeg, Manitoba. Upon completion of her Bachelor of Arts Degree from SFU, Lorraine spearheaded her own business, a wedding and portrait studio in Surrey, which she owned and operated for 15 years. When a personal change happened, Lorraine decided on a career change as well. Lorraine worked for the Salvation Army thrift stores for ten years as both a staff member and manager. While she was there she returned to school and received a Medical Laboratory Assistant Diploma. Lorraine worked briefly at Surrey Memorial Hospital but realized her heart truly was in the thrift store business.

Lorraine joined the Thrift Store in February of this year as Assistant to the Manager. Her years of retail experience is an asset to the store. As part of her job, Lorraine has taken on the task of Volunteer Coordinator, recruiting and supporting new and seasoned volunteers.

Working alongside Donna and the volunteers, Lorraine seeks to maintain the high quality standards the store has implemented and pursues a steady growth in proceeds which greatly supports both charities.

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