Lila Rose “Jo” Dickey
July 14, 1926 – January 3, 2026

On January 3^rd our community lost an icon. Jo Dickey devoted her life to ensuring people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities lived their lives with dignity, opportunity, and belonging. This was her passion, and Community Living Society continues to embrace her passion 50 years after she helped form this organization.

In 1955, Jo’s youngest son Drew was born with multiple congenital disorders and lived with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities. At a time when institutionalization was widely recommended, Jo refused to underestimate her son or accept a future of exclusion. She rejected advice to send him away to an institution.

Jo was one of the leading advocates for the deinstitutionalization and community inclusion of people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With few alternatives available, Jo joined with other parents to create kindergarten and school programs for children excluded from public education. As a founding member of the Woodlands Parents’ Group in the 1970’s, Jo worked alongside other parents to challenge institutional care and advocate for accountability, dignity, and community-based alternatives. She believed that lasting change required empowering parents with knowledge, confidence, and a shared voice. She helped articulate a bold vision grounded in dignity and choice, where people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities could live meaningful lives within their communities. This collective work played a foundational role in shaping British Columbia’s community living movement (Community Living Society) and in advancing systemic change that continues to benefit generations of families today.

Through the 1970’s and 80’s, Jo served as Chair of the Board, then later Executive Director, for the Community Living Society. During this time, Jo also sat on the board of the Canadian Association for the Mentally Retarded (what is known now as Inclusion Canada), where she played a meaningful role in ensuring that Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms included protections for people with mental and physical disabilities. Jo advocated for and promoted the People First Movement. Jo’s tireless efforts ultimately led to Drew’s release from Woodlands, allowing him to live out his life until his passing with his friends Jack and Donald in their own home in North Vancouver.

Jo Dickey’s life reminds us that lasting change begins with love, courage, and the steadfast belief that every person belongs. Community Living Society will always have the voice of families represented and emboldened in our mission, vision and values.

Our sincere condolences to the Dickey family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jo Dickey Foundation to honour Jo’s life and continue the work she believed in so deeply.