Woman's Life®
connection. community. cause.Woman of Distinction
The Woman of Distinction Award is an honor presented by Woman's Life Insurance Society to recognize a woman within the fraternal benefit system on a national level who, through example and accomplishment, provided outstanding volunteer service to her chapter, society and community during the past year.
Along with the honor of being named as our Society's Woman of Distinction, the winner is featured in Woman's Life Magazine and Woman's Life Insurance Society makes a $250 donation to a charity of her choice.
The winner's nomination material is also forwarded to the American Fraternal Alliance's Fraternalist of the Year program to be considered for nationwide recognition. The American Fraternal Alliance, which represents more than 70 member-societies and nearly 9 million individuals throughout North America, considers nominees from each of its member-societies for this annual award.
Woman of Distinction 2011: Jo Ann Wilton
She’s been described as a tireless philanthropist and her enthusiasm for helping others is evident in everything she does. The Woman’s Life 2011 Woman of Distinction is Jo Ann Wilton! Jo Ann has also been recognized by the Michigan Fraternal Congress as their Fraternalist of the Year!
As president of Chapter 820, “the Archangels” in Port Huron, Michigan, Jo Ann inspires the members of her chapter to get involved, make a difference and have fun. Jo Ann devotes significant time and energy to many other community organizations including the Port Huron Museum, Safe Horizons, and Colonial Woods Missionary Church.
As the mother of a developmentally disabled son, Jo Ann has been led by a passion to support him in his efforts to direct his own life. As a community liaison for Community Enterprises of St. Clair County, of which her son is a member, Jo Ann’s leadership and advocacy have lead to dramatic improvements in services and facilities that provide education, occupational opportunities and living accommodations for the disabled in St. Clair County.
You can read more about our 2011 Woman of Distinction, Jo Ann Wilton, in the upcoming Winter 2011 issue of Woman’s Life magazine!
Past Winners
| Year | Name | Chapter | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Sue Meyer | 72 | Kaukauna | WI |
| 2009 | Linda Deman | 800 | Fort Gratiot | MI |
| 2008 | Pam Ruehle | 10 | Port Huron | MI |
| 2007 | Janice Cameron | 703 | Indianapolis | IN |
| 2006 | Claudia B. Guilliard | 703 | Indianapolis | IN |
| 2005 | Betty J. Knisley | 12 | Redkey | IN |
| 2004 | Mercedes C. Fox | 1 | Port Huron | MI |
| 2003 | Carolyn Crowe | 757 | Port Huron | MI |
| 2002 | Kathryne A. Lind | 81 | Ely | MN |
| 2001 | Doris L. Paurice | 37 | Fort Wayne | IN |
| 2000 | Peggy Schofield | 26 | Kenosha | WI |