Mother’s Day is an important day where we celebrate the mothers and motherly figures in our life, and it's the perfect opportunity to feature some of the amazing working mothers and children we have across our businesses.

Lynn Sheppard & Janey McLaughlin

Lynn Sheppard started her career as an Executive Assistant at RST Sunbury in 2010, where she worked for two years. Then, in 2012, she began working at the Transportation & Logistics Division. Lynn’s positive experience at J.D. Irving inspired her daughter, Janey McLaughlin to intern at Sunbury and into her position now as Settlement Coordinator.

Janey describes her experience working with her mother as special. “My mother and I have such wonderful professional and personal relationship and it has been a pleasure to have her working in the same division so I can ask those silly “new employee” questions at ease."

Although the pair don’t work directly together, they still find time for each other by going on lunch dates on a regular basis. Spending time with each other is extremely important to Lynn and Janey, “Family means everything to Jane and I. As I move along in life, I feel this stronger than ever. We value each other deeply.” says Lynn.

Janey admires her mother’s team-like initiatives and grit. “When I realized that those values don’t leave her when she transitions from mother to employee was extremely powerful. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive role model.” she says.

To celebrate Mother’s Day the duo have the tradition of hugs and Starbucks Coffee!

Teresa Bryant & April Knighton

Teresa Bryant, Converting Process Technician, and her daughter April Knighton, Converting Pack System/Rewind Operator, work together at the Irving Tissue plant in Macon, Georgia.

April says working with her mother is like having her best friend at work every day. “I admire my mom so much. Plus she is so funny, kind and strong.”

For Mother’s Day, April takes Teresa out for dinner and showers her with gifts.

The Morash Family 

Amy Morash, Replenishment Associate, and her daughters Brooke Morash, Cashier, and Morgan Morash, Receiver, all work together at KENT Halifax, NS. Amy has been a part of the KENT team for 24 years. Morgan joined the team in 2016 and two years later, Brooke joined as well.

Brooke and Morgan enjoy working with their mother because they say it is comforting to have people you love and trust so close. "My mother is such a fun, caring, helpful, hard-working woman who always has a smile on her face and positive thoughts," says Brooke.

To celebrate Mother's Day the family goes out for dinner.

Koren and William Beaman

Koren Beaman has been with the Shipyard for 20 years and welcomed her son William to the team 2 years ago. They both work as laborers. “I am a very proud woman that he took interest in the Shipyard and followed in my footsteps,” said Koren. 

William says the opportunity to work with his mother is very honouring. “I admire her ability to not only be a fantastic mother to me, but to anyone who needs a helping hand or a listening ear.” Koren’s kindness certainly rubbed off on William, as she describes him as a hard worker with a big heart.

For Mother’s Day, William cooks Koren steak, buys her orchids, and writes her a card to make her know how appreciated and loved she is.

From all of us at JDI, Happy Mother’s Day!