Ms. Southard served as deputy head of the UBC physiotherapy division of the School of Rehabilitation Medicine since its inception in 1961 until her retirement in 1983. She was instrumental in the move of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences from the huts to the Koerner Pavilion in 1977. Dr. Catherine Backman, Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy remembers her for a infectious laugh, during her training (1978-81) there was a skit performed in which a student paid tribute to Ms. Southard by singing “Ha ha ha, hee hee hee, 3-pronged plug how I love thee” to the tune of little brown jug.
In 1983 Ms. Southard was named a life member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Rarely awarded, Life Membership is granted in recognition of outstanding service to the profession and association reflecting her contributions to the long-term growth of the profession, leadership and her service as a role model of professional behaviors and practice. The In 2000 she was awarded a 50th anniversary medal for outstanding service to the UBC Faculty of Medicine.
Ms. Southard died May 7 at Richmond General Hospital at the age of 93, physiotherapy has lost a true pioneer and advocate.