Current Executive

and Directors

Heather Smith, President (2018)

Heather Smith was born in Ireland but came to Canada when she was in grade 6. Heather grew up in Kingston, Ontario and moved to Belleville with her husband David who had grown up in the city.
Heather spent the last 30 years of her career as a professional fundraiser at University Hospitals Kingston Foundation and retired from Belleville General Hospital Foundation as the Executive Director.

“Meeting inspiring people and in some small way, helping others has motivated me to volunteer for as long as I can remember” Heather reminisces.
Heather enjoys her families annual ski trip and in her spare time she golfs, walks daily with a number of friends and spends hours at a time gardening

Leah Johnson, Past President (2014)

Leah Johnson was born in Perth, Ontario and grew-up in Belleville. She retired as a graphic designer for local printing companies Warwick Printing and H&R Printing.
Leah loves to walk, aquafit at the YMCA, travel with her husband and enjoy her entire family as much as possible.

“I enjoy assisting people and to ease the pressure of coming to a hospital,” says Leah. “It’s also important to help raise money for hospital equipment to benefit the community.”

Paul Reesor, 1st Vice President (2017)

Paul Reesor was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and moved to Belleville 7-years ago because the city was a good fit on the retirement “check-list” in where to locate. His professional, dynamic 30-year career was spent with Toronto Hydro working in Corporate Communications.

“Volunteering was the best way to meet people when you’re new to a community,” claims Paul. “It also gives me the opportunity to use my professional skills to connect with patients, staff, volunteers and community!”
Paul volunteers and supports other agencies in the community like the Salvation Army Foodbank and Fire Fighter Toy Drive.

Heather Wilson, 2nd Vice President (2019)

Heather was born in Ottawa, Ontario and raised in Fort Erie, Ontario and it was her father’s job with Via Rail that brought them to Belleville. She was employed in Nursing Home positions until her retirement.

Heather explains, “I always wanted to volunteer and Belleville General Hospital was the perfect fit for me.”
Since retirement, Heather has been busy taking care of the grandkids, gardening and cooking, all of which she enjoys.

Lynn Turcot, Recording Secretary (2022)

Lynn Turcot was born in Shawinigan, Quebec but most of her growing-up years were spent in Candiac, Quebec until she permanently moved to Toronto, Ontario in 1979. She moved to this area to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. Lynn has had two fulfilling careers; one in Education and the other in Nursing.

“It has always been my desire to contribute to my community, have the opportunity to meet new people and gain experience on a not-for-profit board,” claims Lynn.
Outside of volunteering and spending time with family, Lynn likes to play golf, ski, go to the gym, read, cook and travel.

Margaret Carter, Treasurer (2022)

As the middle child of nine, Margaret Carter grew up on a family farm in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Once graduating from high school, she moved to Toronto to work before going to Durham College where she earned a business diploma. Margaret then worked as a contract bookkeeper becoming familiar with health care, nonprofit, and the service industries.

When Margaret’s two adult children were out on their own, she moved back to Belleville in 2016 to slow down the pace. She worked part-time with a few local businesses before deciding to volunteer some of her time at the hospital. “My time with the Auxiliary has been very rewarding as I enjoy meeting both my fellow volunteers and the public,” explains Margaret.

When Margaret’s not volunteering, she visits with family, swims and streams programs.

Angela Ford, Retail Services Director (2013)

Angela Ford was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She met and married a sailor who then became a Minister in the United Church of Canada which brought them to Belleville in 1992. Angela retired as Executive Director for the Alzheimer Society of Belleville-Hastings after 11 years.

“Volunteering gives me the opportunity to help others because even the smallest gesture can make a difference,” states Angela. “The proceeds from retail services are also so important to help support the work of the hospital.”
Angela enjoys time with her granddaughters, trailer, playing cards, watching movies, and reading!

Marlene Corfield, Special Events Director (1980)

Marlene Corfield was born in her parent’s farm house just north of Madoc, Ontario. She was a principal of a 3-room school in Prince Edward County, Ontario and eventually traded teaching to be a stay-at-home Mom.

“What incredible experiences I’ve had in my volunteer life,” says Marlene. “I have held many executive positions including Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary President, Region 12 Chairman and served 2-terms on the Hospital Auxiliary Association of Ontario Board.” Marlene enjoys being with people and helping in whatever way she can. Marlene also takes delight eating out with family and friends.

June Boudreau, Past Administration Director (1997)

Being the daughter and wife of RCAF servicemen, June Boudreau lived in 9 cities, 3 provinces, and Germany before settling in Trenton, Ontario in 1972.
June received a Political Studies degree from Queen’s University. She had a wonderful 26-year career with the Department of National Defense, working for 5 base commanders and in the legal office.

“Volunteering on behalf of the auxiliary and hospital has been most fulfilling and rewarding,” says June. “I’m proud to be a part of the auxiliary team of dedicated volunteers, committed executive members and our resourceful volunteer coordinator.” June enjoys spending time with her beautiful family of 2 daughters, 5 grandchildren and 4 greatgrands.

Sharon Ostman, Information Services Director (1999)

Sharon Ostman was born in Belleville and raised in both Batawa, Ontario and Belleville. Sharon graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in History and English and then started her teaching career that covered almost 35 years.

“Helping even one person navigate our hospital gives me a great deal of satisfaction and the good feeling of a ‘job well-done’ after a shift makes my day as a volunteer!” says Sharon.
Over the years, Sharon has been involved in standardbred horse racing, Habitat for Humanity, Kinette Clubs and The Christmas Sharing Program.

Cheryl Hosking, Member-at-Large (2017)

Cheryl Hosking was born in Belleville and lived here her entire life. Her career was in banking and worked from Calgary, Alberta to southern Ontario. She retired in 2017.

“I love the interaction between the staff and patients in the Emergency Department,” says Cheryl. “You never know what's coming next!
Cheryl lives a full retirement life spending quality time with lifetime friends and family, walking and swimming at the wellness centre and loves to bake cookies.

Aarzoo Umari, Member-at-Large (2023)

Aarzoo Umari was born in Afghanistan, fled to Pakistan as a child refugee with her family before coming to Canada almost two decades ago. She lived most of her life in Toronto, Ontario studying and working both for George Brown College and Seneca College, before making the big decision to move and call Belleville her “permanent home”.

“Sometimes we don’t appreciate the blessings we have in life until we are faced with the most unexpected events,” explains Aarzoo. “Our health care system is a blessing hence; we need to support and value our healthcare workers by being part of the team.” Aarzoo enjoys playing badminton and swimming at the wellness centre with her two daughters.

The Women’s Hospital Auxiliary was organized April 28, 1938, at a meeting held in the City Hall Council Chambers by a Private Member’s Bill, passed in the Provincial Legislature. In 1955, the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary was granted representation on the Belleville General Hospital Board of Governors.

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