FOR THE COMMUNITY, BY THE COMMUNITY
Board of Directors
Eva Reti
CHAIR
Eva joined the Hospice Whitby Board in 2016 and became Chair in 2020.
Driven by her passion for establishing a hospice residence in Durham Region, Eva’s commitment stems from her personal experience caring for her mother during the last three months of her life.
At ARCH Hospice in Sault Ste. Marie, Eva’s mother received compassionate, high-quality care, which allowed the family to focus on creating more positive and lasting memories during a challenging time.
A long-time resident of Whitby, Eva actively supports her community through various volunteer roles, including terms on the Whitby Public Library Board and with Community Development Council Durham.
Eva is also a retired Inspector from the Durham Regional Police with a distinguished record of service to the people of Durham Region.
Judi Longfield
VICE CHAIR
Judi Longfield joined the Hospice Whitby Board in 2015.
Judi’s roots in the community run deep. She is a long‑serving public representative who contributed to Whitby at both the municipal and federal levels. She began her career as a community college educator before serving as a Whitby Town Councillor in 1991 and later as Member of Parliament representing Whitby, along with parts of Ajax and Oshawa for three consecutive terms. Locally, as a member of the Whitby Hydro Board, the Whitby Library Board, and Lakeridge Health Community Advisory Panel for Oshawa Whitby her commitment to community well‑being was evident.
Judi’s passion for hospice stems from her personal experience navigating the challenges of securing appropriate care for loved ones in their final months.
Jim Wallace
director
Jim is an accomplished operations and sales executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in healthcare, professional services, and corporate operations.
As the Chief Operating Officer of Bowmanville Health Centre, he managed real estate operations, leasing, and strategic growth for a 70,000 sq. ft. medical facility. In senior roles with Xerox, IKON, and other national firms, Jim led large teams driving profitability, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction across North America. He excels at building strong teams and has a proven track record of turning around underperforming operations.
Bringing a strategic and compassionate perspective to the hospice board, Jim is deeply committed to advancing initiatives that resonate with his lived experiences and personal interests, particularly in end-of-life care and hospice services.
Jim is excited to support Hospice Whitby’s mission of dignity, care, and community service.
John Rycroft
treasurer
Since 2018, John has dedicated his time as a volunteer on the Hospice Whitby Board, overseeing banking and financial reporting. In 2021, he stepped into the role of Treasurer. His commitment to establishing a hospice in Whitby intensified after his firsthand experience with his wife, Mary, who received hospice care in Grimsby in 2022 and 2023.
The hospice experience provided a dramatic improvement over the care offered in hospital palliative wards, solidifying John’s belief in the urgent need for a hospice residence in his own community.
As a lifelong resident of Whitby, John has actively contributed to various organizations in volunteer roles. His extensive professional background includes 31 years with the Durham Regional Police Service, where he retired as Financial Services Manager after more than 15 years in that position.
Joyce Marshall
Director
Joyce has dedicated more than 20 years as a Board member of VON Durham, including a decade as Board chair.
With the merger of VON Durham and Durham Hospice she discovered the community resources available to support people who are experiencing the loss of a loved one.
However, she realized that hospice residence beds were not available and became determined to make this vital service, a reality.
Together with the Durham Regional Chair. John Henry, Joyce was instrumental in establishing Durham Region Hospice Awareness Day, now celebrated every January 29th.
As an active and dedicated volunteer in Whitby, Joyce earned the Peter Perry Award in 2006, which honours her outstanding contributions to community service. She was also honoured with the Ontario Senior Volunteer Award in 2023. She is a member of the Whitby Rotary Sunrise Club and eagerly anticipates the opening of Whitby Hospice-Roger Anderson House.
Roz Cawthorne
Director
Roslyn is a retired elementary school educator who currently lives in Pickering. She joined the hospice project in 2010 when she realized that there was no hospice residence available anywhere in Durham Region.
Her community volunteer work includes fundraising for the hospice community programs and lobbying to build a hospice residence in Whitby.
Roslyn believes that “Everyone deserves to die in a comfortable place. We all deserve 24-hour nursing care, integrated health care, and palliative expertise.”
“When home care and hospital care are not optimal, then hospice is a wonderful, safe choice,” she says.
Interested in becoming
a Volunteer?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! While we are not currently open we appreciate your willingness to help. Please check back regularly for volunteer information.