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Remembered as a strong advocate for marginalized students, Londoner Joyce Bennett, one of Southwestern Ontario’s longest-serving school trustees, has died at the age of 82.
Bennett was a school trustee, first with the London school board and later the Thames Valley District school board, for 33 years.
“She had no agenda but worked only to get the best support for kids,” said Bill Tucker, former education director at the Thames Valley board who knew Bennett for 30 of her 33 years as a trustee. “Even though she was a strong advocate for staff, too, she never backed away from asking difficult questions.”
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Bennett, who represented 25 schools, including H.B. Beal, Oakridge, Saunders and Sir Frederick Banting secondary schools, was first elected to the former London board of education in 1988, eventually becoming its chair.
The London board was folded in with school boards in Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin counties to create the Thames Valley board in 1998.
Bennett was elected chair of the Thames Valley board in 2002 and re-elected the following year. She also served as chair in 2012 and 2013.
She served on several board advisory committees including special education, alternative learning, mental health and wellness. She is a life member of the Thames Valley Council of Home and School Associations and was recognized by the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association with the Harry Paiken Award for her outstanding contributions as a trustee
Bennett stepped down as a trustee in 2021.
Many of the board’s special education programs and policies “are her legacy,” Tucker said.
“Her sense of humour and fairness carried her through challenging times as chair of the board,” he said. “Without question, Thames Valley District school board is a better organization because of Joyce’s contributions.”
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Thames Valley chair Beth Mai said Bennett “was an outstanding leader in the community,” at a committee meeting Tuesday.
“She was also a colleague and friend to many in the room tonight,” she said. “I know she will be missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Mai is one of two trustees in Bennett’s former ward.
“I hear principals speak with respect about her commitment to, and compassion for students and to her special interest in students who might be struggling in school,” Mai said. “She wanted to see everyone succeed.”
Bennett died June 2. Predeceased by her husband John D. Bennett, she is survived by two sons and a grandson.
A funeral will take place June 6 in Mt. Brydges.
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