Margaret Jocelyn (Jo) Horner

Jo Horner and her husband, Michael, immigrated to Canada from England in June 1956, settling in Cambridge (Galt). Even though she was a highly qualified teacher, the recipient of a Fulbright Travel Scholarship and with three small daughters at home, Jo devoted her talents to volunteering in the community. She was one of the early members of the Cambridge chapter of the newly formed Canadian Federation of University Women’s Club. Jo was an active lifelong member of the club, doing everything from fund-raising to serving on the executive and as president. She was one of the club members who volunteered to assist young women from the Grandview Training School for Girls (now closed) to acquire life skills. Jo founded the 10th Galt Girl Guide Company in 1968, and served on the board of YWCA for eight years.
It was with the District Health Council of Waterloo Region where Jo’s dogged volunteerism had the deepest impact. As chair of the council, Jo advocated with the Ontario Minister of Health that Cambridge Memorial Hospital be protected and advanced for the citizens of Cambridge. Jo was chair of the Council’s Mental Health Committee, served on the Advisory Board of the London Psychiatric Hospital, and was a member of the Community Advisory Committee of the Waterloo Region Alcohol and Drug Assistance program. Jo was also an active member of the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Corporation and served on the hospital’s Strategic Planning Committee.

After taking courses in marriage and faith counselling, Jo added these skills to her list of voluntary activities, serving an internship with the Interfaith Pastoral Counselling Centre. In that capacity, she organized support groups for women who had been abused or were in abusive relationships. The weekly sessions were offered for more than 22 years. Jo’s concern for the welfare of women in the community extended to her role as a board member and president of the Cambridge Family Crisis Shelter, later renamed Haven House. In 2001, Haven House amalgamated with Kitchener’s Anselma House to become the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. In commemoration of her work with the Women’s Crisis Services, in 2020, the Jo Horner Award was created to recognize a volunteer or staff member who demonstrated determination, a will to change and serve others, good listening skills, and a sense of community spirit. In October 2019, Jo was inducted into the City of Cambridge Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to making the city a better place to live. Jo Horner was an extraordinary community builder, leader, and volunteer. As the CEO of the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region wrote, Jo Horner “lived a life of service to others, touching countless lives, and truly made a difference for so many people in Waterloo Region.”