Est. 1962
Amherst Lioness Club
A sister organization with its own century of service — from the original Lionettes through today's Lioness Club.
The Lionettes (1962–1979)
The Amherst Lioness Club traces its roots to the Lionettes Club — "the forefather of the Lioness Club." Chartered February 1, 1962 with 20 members, the Lionettes assisted with Lions Club events and fundraisers, organized monthly luncheons for the CNIB, and supported annual picnics for the blind. Ada Swetnam served as the first Queen Lionette. Over its run the Lionettes contributed roughly $9,000 and donated appliances in support of the Lions Club's work, before dissolving on November 4, 1979.
Reformation as the Lioness Club (1980–present)
An organizational meeting on November 20, 1980 relaunched the group, with the first regular meeting held January 8, 1981. The club received its charter April 2, 1981 with 13 members, and Vivian Taylor as the first Queen Lioness.
Community Contributions
The Lioness Club has donated to the VON Foot Care Program, hospital equipment, television sets, and pediatric furniture, and has supported the Salvation Army, the Diabetic Society, and Camp Tidnish.
Queen Lioness, Through the Years
| Term | Queen Lioness |
|---|---|
| 1980–1982 | Vivian Taylor |
| 1982–1983 | Dianne Chitty |
| 1983–1984 | Edna Weatherbee |
| 1984–1985 | Marilyn Boss |
| 1985–1986 | Peggy Murray |
| 1986–1987 | Peggy Murray |
| 1987–1988 | Ann Chapman |
| 1988–1989 | Ann Chapman |
| 1989–1990 | Norma Jimmo |
| 1990–1991 | Louise Small |
| 1991–1992 | Dawn Dowe (Fraser) |
| 1992–1993 | Mary Black |
| 1993–1994 | Donna Cannell |
| 1994–1995 | Dianne Chitty |
| 1995–1996 | Dianne Chitty |
| 1996–1997 | Catherine MacNeil |
| 1997–1998 | Marg MacDonald |
| 1998–1999 | Helen Foster |
| 1999–2000 | Helen Foster |
| 2000–2001 | Sharon Davis |
| 2001–2002 | Sharon Davis |
| 2002–2003 | Shirley Wheaton |
| 2003–2004 | Shirley Wheaton |
| 2004–2005 | Cheryl Riley |
| 2005–2006 | Cheryl Riley |
| 2006–2007 | Cathryn Jolly |
| 2007–2008 | Jean Fisher |
| 2008–2009 | Jean Fisher |
| 2009–2010 | Helen Foster |
| 2010–2011 | Judi Giroux |
| 2011–2012 | Judi Giroux |
| 2012–2013 | Marg MacDonald |
| 2013–2014 | Shawnie Small-Kinnear |
| 2014–2015 | Shawnie Small-Kinnear |
| 2015–2016 | Deanne Chitty |
| 2016–2017 | Shirley Leblanc |
| 2017–2018 | Shirley Leblanc |
| 2018–2019 | Shawnie Small-Kinnear |
| 2019–2020 | Mary Black |
| 2020–2021 | Mary Black / Shawnie Small-Kinnear |
Transcribed from historical club records. Spot an error? Let the club secretary know so we can correct it.