Lawson mourns the loss of Joan Francolini

by | Jun 24, 2014 | News

We are saddened to share with you that Joan Francolini passed away Sunday June 22nd, following an extended illness.

From 1992 – 2001, as the first Executive Director of The Lawson Foundation, Joan earned the respect of Canada’s private philanthropic and charitable sector. Her professional ethics and integrity, knowledge of governance, strategic grant making skills, and understanding of what communities need to flourish and thrive positioned her as a leader among her peer group of foundation executives.

Joan volunteered her time and expertise on many community boards and committees including serving as board chair for both Foundation Western and St. Joseph’s Health Care. She was an active member on  the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Board, the Tillsonburg Hospital Auxiliary, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and the Ontario Hospital Association.  Joan also volunteered with many other community organizations, including the London Community Foundation, the YMCA, and the United Way of London and Middlesex. She also served a term on the Selection Committee for the Order of Ontario.

Joan received a number of significant awards, including the Order of Ontario, the YMCA’s Women of Excellence Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the 1992 Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.

We recognize Joan’s outstanding contribution to making The Lawson Foundation what it is today. To celebrate her life, the Foundation made a $100,000 gift to the Joan Francolini Scholarship Fund at the Brescia University College Foundation.

Amanda Mayer

Amanda Mayer

Director at The Lawson Foundation
COO & Program Director, Amanda has been with the Lawson Foundation since 2014. Cause-driven, engaged, and socially conscious – Amanda embraces opportunities that allow her to take on issues and support causes that inspire her.

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