• Awarded on: December 4, 2003

Janet Catherine Masson, Beaconsfield, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

Catherine Masson has been a tireless volunteer since 1976 with the St. Anne and District Branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses, taking care of terminally ill patients. In 1984, as a direct result of a study she carried out, the VON began a palliative hospice care service for the residents of West Island, where she now coordinates over 300 volunteers. Ten years of determined lobbying led to the opening of the West Island Palliative Care Residence where she offers vital training and support to more than 100 volunteers. Over the past 40 years, she has also volunteered with a variety of community and church organizations, but it is those in need at the end of their life who have benefited the most from Mrs. Masson's vision, commitment, professionalism and compassion.