2025 Frances Wilson Bursary Recipients

November 07, 2025

Back row: Emma Powell, Elyse Antonucci, Elizabeth Stewart, Lina Lowe, Suzanne Madore (President and CEO of RVH), Mary Ellen Harris (VP Patient services), Kelly Ann Taylor

Seated in the front are RVH Auxiliary members: Dodie Bailey, Marilyn York, Janie Wannamaker-Bilson (Auxiliary Chair), Bonnie Green

Missing from the photo are recipients Tiffany Iob, Angie Patenaude, Taylor Barber, Alexandra Bertrand, Jennifer Wilson and Jenna Atkinson

 

 

On November 5, 2025, a celebration was held to honour and welcome the 2025 Frances Wilson Bursary recipients.

Frances Wilson, a former surgical nurse at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital and member of the Renfrew Victoria Hospital Auxiliary left a generous gift in will to the RVH Auxiliary and had the vision that the donation be used to empower nurses to grow and thrive in their profession.

The FRANCES WILSON BURSARY was initiated in 2022.

Submissions are put in annually by RNs or RPNs to the Nursing Funds Implementation Committee, made up of frontline nurses and managers to oversee the allocation and review applications. The bursary funds can be accessed to allow attendance to conferences, to cover costs for nursing programs (Practical Nursing, RPN-to-BScN bridging, Masters of Nursing), specialized certifications, advanced courses and for professional development.

Since its inception in 2022, the Frances Wilson Bursary has issued bursaries for 16 nurses totalling $40,818. For the 2025–2026 year, the bursary has handed out its largest allocation yet, providing $33,000 to 10 recipients.

This continued investment demonstrates a strong commitment to education and professional growth within RVH.

Frances’ gift of $209,000 will continue to have an impact at RVH and will be felt in every patient cared for and every life touched through the knowledge these nurses gain.

Frances’ gift is more than just a donation, it is a legacy of hope!