Stories

Joan W. Rutherford Fund

Joan Rutherford

Born in Winnipeg and raised in Montreal, Joan Bann met her future husband, Gordon Rutherford, at McGill University in the 1930s. When Gordon accepted a position at Stelco in 1948, they moved to Hamilton and Joan quickly settled in, raising two children and volunteering in numerous organizations.

Their son Hugh Rutherford and daughter, Ann Goddard describe their mother as a selfless person, willing to help anyone at any time, and with a large circle of friends. “Mother loved people and was a real doer. She was one of the founders of Meals on Wheels, a fundraiser for Christ’s Church Cathedral and a Junior League member,” Hugh recalled. Owing to her flamboyant driving style, she earned the nickname “Leadfoot Joanie”. “Stop signs, stop light and speed limits were minor details, ” Hugh laughed. When her church had a fee-for-service fundraiser, she volunteered to be a driver!”.

Mrs. Rutherford remembered several charities in her will including the Foundation.

Excerpt from 1996-1997 Annual Report