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⭐ MOM’S LEGACY

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A life dedicated to strengthening seniors, building community, and inspiring others through compassion, leadership, and lifelong learning.

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About Dot Josey

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For more than 15 years, Dot Josey was a driving force in senior wellness, peer counselling, and lifelong learning in British Columbia. Her work at Century House in New Westminster became a model for senior programs across the province and beyond. Dot was known for her warmth, her wisdom, and her unwavering belief that seniors deserve dignity, purpose, and connection at every stage of life.

Her peers described her as “a pillar of Century House… trusted and extremely well respected,” and “a rare commodity — a leader whose participation spells success.”

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A Leader in Senior Peer Counselling

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Dot volunteered as a Senior Peer Counsellor beginning in 1985 and continued for more than 16 years. She served as chair of the program, helped shape provincial standards, and became a spokesperson and educator at community events.

Her leadership helped establish the Century House Peer Counselling curriculum as the benchmark for programs seeking funding through the Simon Fraser Health Region.

 

Professionals described her as:

• “An exceptional peer counsellor with compassion, optimism, and tireless energy.”

• “A model of leadership… ensuring a quality of peer counselling among the best in British Columbia.”

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Creator and Champion of the Mental Fitness Program

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Dot was a founding member and long‑time leader of the internationally recognized Mental Fitness Program, a groundbreaking initiative promoting cognitive health and lifelong learning for older adults.

Her work included:

• Presenting as part of the Canadian Mental Fitness Team at the American Society on Aging Conference (Nashville, 1997)

• Helping Century House earn the National Institute of Seniors Centres Research Award in Washington, D.C.

• Serving on panels at the John K. Friesen Conference at Simon Fraser University

• Participating in the World Congress of Gerontology

 

One participant wrote:
“Dot demonstrates that as we grow older, it is important to compensate for physical decline by keeping an active mind.”

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Fitness, Wellness, and Community Leadership

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Dot was one of the original Red Cross–trained volunteers who created a gentle‑paced fitness program for seniors. Under her leadership, the program grew from a single weekly class to three sessions a week with more than 30 participants each.

She also chaired the Program Advisory Committee, guiding program development for more than 2,000 Century House members. Her work shaped new initiatives, evaluated community needs, and inspired countless volunteers.

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Colleagues described her as:

• “A role model of healthy aging.”

• “A caring person who has helped so many in such a variety of ways.”

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Awards & Recognition

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Dot’s contributions earned significant local, national, and international recognition, including:

• Simon Fraser University Senior Leadership Award

• National Institute of Seniors Centres Research Award (Washington, D.C.)

• Senior Peer Counselling of B.C. Accreditation

• Certificate of Appreciation – City of New Westminster

• Board of Directors Service Award – Senior Peer Counselling of B.C.

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Her colleagues wrote:
“Dot’s commitment to advocating for seniors is inspiring… she walks the talk of physical, emotional, and mental wellness.”

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A Legacy That Lives On

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Dot’s work touched thousands of lives — seniors, families, volunteers, health professionals, and community leaders. Her programs continue to influence senior services across British Columbia and remain a testament to her vision, compassion, and leadership.

For me, her son, her legacy is personal.
Her dedication to seniors, her belief in lifelong learning, and her commitment to community service are the foundation of Papa Bear Handyman & Senior Services.

This business is not a continuation of her programs — it is a continuation of her spirit:

• kindness

• patience

• dignity

• support

• connection

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Everything I do is inspired by the example she set.

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Dedication

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“This work continues in her honour, with the same compassion, patience, and commitment she shared with every senior she supported.”

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