The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia/Lambton.
When you sit down with June Weiss, it doesn’t take long to realize that her story is deeply woven into the fabric of Sarnia-Lambton itself. Born and raised here, June has built a life marked by compassion, commitment, and community service — three values that have guided her through every stage of her journey.
June grew up in a close-knit family with two sisters and a brother — all of whom still live in Sarnia. “It’s nice that we’re all still here.”
Her early years were spent walking the hallways of Hannah Memorial Public School, followed by Sarnia Central Collegiate high school. After graduating, June decided to attend Lambton College, enrolling in the General Arts and Science program. Having accelerated through high school, she was a year younger than most of her classmates — something that gave her a bit of a head start but also came with uncertainty about the future.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do yet,” June admits. “Like a lot of young people, I was trying to figure it out as I went.”
Her first real job came at a small, independent pharmacy in town. She enjoyed the work — the blend of routine and responsibility, but most of all, the people. When the independent store was sold to Big V Pharmacy, June stayed for several years, continuing to build her experience in the healthcare world. But soon, she felt a pull toward something larger — the local hospital. She joined the staff at Bluewater Health, where she worked for many years and eventually took part in a bridging program that allowed her to register with the Ontario College of Pharmacists as a Pharmacy Technician.
Completing the program was no small feat. “It was a challenge,” she recalls. “But I wanted to be recognized for what I was already doing and to continue learning.” Her hard work paid off — she became one of the first in her department to earn the Registered Hospital Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) designation, a milestone she remains proud of to this day.
June’s dedication didn’t stop at her day job. While working at the hospital, she became deeply involved in the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), serving first as a health and safety representative, then as a steward, Chief Steward, and eventually as Unit Chair for OPSEU Local 145.
“When I was at the hospital, I was heavily involved with the union,” she explains. “We represented workers of OPSEU Local 145, which encompasses healthcare professionals at Bluewater Health, St. Clair Child and Youth, Huron House Boys Home, and St. Joseph's Hospice. A very diverse group with the same aim: to help people!”
Her advocacy for workers’ rights became a central part of her life. “I finished my last ten years of work as Unit Chair and Vice President,” she says with quiet pride. Even in retirement, June hasn’t fully stepped away from that role — she still attends retiree meetings and participates in what she affectionately calls the Flying Squad. “If there are rallies, we go out there and help,” she says. “It’s about showing up when people need support.”
That commitment to advocacy and public service naturally extends to her broader community work. June currently serves as Chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Health Coalition, an organization that campaigns for the preservation and strengthening of public healthcare.
“There are so many causes out there that need attention,” she says. “For me, healthcare is a big one. We’re advocating for public healthcare for everyone, because it’s been slowly whittled away over the years. We’ve lost so much already — and we don’t want to see people have to pay out of pocket for the care they need.” Her voice carries both conviction and compassion as she speaks about the erosion of public services.
But June’s story isn’t just one of advocacy and activism — it’s also one of joy, laughter, and community spirit. She’s part of a vibrant local group called Mrs. Roper’s Romp, a nationwide network of women who celebrate the flamboyant and fabulous Helen Roper — the beloved landlady from the 1970s sitcom Three’s Company, portrayed by Audra Lindley.
The Sarnia-Lambton Chapter of Mrs. Roper’s Romp isn’t just about dressing like Mrs. Roper— it’s about giving back. The group hosts themed pub crawls, social gatherings, and donation drives, with most of their fundraising efforts supporting the Women’s Interval Home in Sarnia.
“I know women who’ve gone through that process and experienced abuse,” June says. “It’s a cause that’s close to my heart — there’s always a need for support and resources.”
Through all her roles — pharmacy technician, union leader, healthcare advocate, community volunteer, and even Mrs. Roper impersonator — one thread remains constant: June’s deep care for people.
Even now, she continues to work part-time in a small community pharmacy in Corunna, where she enjoys staying connected. “I like having that contact with people,” she says. “It keeps me grounded. You get to help in small ways — answering questions, listening, sometimes just brightening someone’s day.”
For June Weiss, community isn’t just where she lives — it’s what she lives for. Her story is a reminder that leadership doesn’t always come from a podium or a position of power; sometimes, it comes from showing up, standing up, and caring deeply about the people around you.
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Humans of Sarnia founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook.
