Meet the Executive
Meet the executive and women who lead our organization. Learn about their backgrounds, where they're from, and the contributions they’re making to drive our success.
Sue MacKinnon | President
I moved to West Vancouver in May of 2025. Even though both my daughter and son were already here, it was a major life decision to move from Ontario. The fear of making new friends consumed me. North Shore Newcomers removed any doubt and I have no regrets about my move at all. We are an amazing group of ladies enjoying all the West Coast life has to offer! Come join us!
Pat Neelands|
Vice President
While I have been coming to the north shore for many years, as my 3 children went to UBC, I moved here from Ontario in April 2025. I am retired pediaatriian who had a private practice in Toronto and worked in the ED at Sickkids Hospital. I was married for 47 years and my husband passed away in September 2025. I have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren who I love dearly and very involved in their lives. I love spending time outdoors, hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, gardening, walking a beach and travelling and the list goes on and on. I am open to all new adventures and love exploring this beautiful province!
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Joan Duncan| Past President
I was born in Winnipeg and have lived in several cities across Canada.
Before moving to the North Shore I lived in Victoria where I had my own business as a certified executive coach and a couples therapist. After retirement, my husband and I moved to West Vancouver to be closer to 2 of my children and my twin grandsons. Moving to the North Shore has been a great place to relocate. The many cafes, restaurants, theatres, and numerous hiking trails, makes this a wonderful place to explore with new friends.
I’ve been in 3 Newcomer Clubs and think it’s a great way to get established socially in a new community. I love meeting people from around the world and from across Canada, and hearing each others’ stories.
I am originally from Montreal and attended Nursing College in Toronto. I worked many years abroad and in the US. I retired 2 years ago and moved to North Vancouver to be closer to family. Joining the Newcomers Club last year was a game changer for me!
It has been such a lovely way to make new friends, socialize and explore all the North Shore has to offer!
Jackie O’Farrell | Membership
I came to Canada from Germany with my husband and 2 kids in 1977 and have always lived in BC. We lived for over 40 years in the interior, the “Boundary area” which is nestled between the Okanagan and the Kootenays, before moving to the lower mainland in 2013.
By then I had retired from a career in banking and accounting. We lived in different communities in the greater Vancouver area, before moving to NorthVancouver in March of 2022.
I am fortunate to have my family close by, because in February 2023 I lost my husband of 52 years to cancer and had to rearrange my life.
My daughter found an ad for the West Vancouver Newcomer’s Club and encouraged me to join, and I am glad I did. I was greeted by a group of wonderful women, making me feel welcome and connected right away. I am looking forward to starting new friendships and making new memories, and sharing laughs and stories with our great group.
I just started the position as treasurer and I am happy to help with the running of this organisation.
Silvia Elfert |
Treasurer
I immigrated to Canada from the UK in my earlyl 20's, settling in the GTA. I retired as an Executive Administrative Assistant and after my husband passed, decided to move to the Northshore. A Son and his family were already in the Northshore; A daughter and son remain in Ontario. I have no regrets leaving the winters behind and immensely grateful for the warm welcoming ladies in this club. This is a new chapter in my life and I want to promote and support others who take the plunge and move to beautiful BC.
Lynn Miller |
Secretary
My name is Eleanor (Summers Beath) and 5 years ago (during Covid), my
husband and I moved to North Vancouver from Muskoka, Ontario. What was intended to be a short stay in North Van became permanent when we realized how beautiful it was to live on the North Shore. We have one son living inToronto and another, recently married, living in Lynn Valley. While I never had serious plans to follow our younger son to the West Coast, it has proven to be the best decision of our lives. We love riding the BC Ferries, enjoy the nearby
hiking trails and Newcomers has proven to be a welcoming women’s group offering many activities. A small sampling that I have participated in includes a
book club, walking various trails, coffee chats, lunches, visits to art galleries, movies and the theatre. It’s been very enriching to share interests with like-
minded and engaging women.
