20-year Hospice Volunteer
A Life Dedicated to Compassion and Care
I began my journey as a Hospice Volunteer in 2004. I felt called to this role because of my mother’s example.
Mom graduated from the Prospect Heights Hospital Nursing Program in 1927 with her RN degree and continued to work in that hospital, where she advanced to supervisor of the OB/GYN Department. She and my dad lived in Queens Village, NY and when neighbors discovered my mom was an RN she was called up for any health issues. One neighbor even credits my mom with saving her baby.
In later years, mom took care of dad at home in his final years. He had Parkinson’s and heart issues. After dad died, mom came to live with us. Her example and advice made it easy for me to follow in her footprints to take care of her and, after her death, my sister as well, who had pancreatic cancer.
In mom’s last few weeks of life she was under Hospice care. Everyone was so attentive to her and they all had a wonderful rapport with her. It was only natural that when I heard about the Hospice training in Rutland that I decided to follow in mom’s footsteps. I do believe I was called by God to help others, too.
I continue to volunteer as I have met so many wonderful patients, as well as Hospice nurses, staff and volunteers. I think it is in my genes and I am happy to be a part of this wonderful organization. I encourage anyone who has the inclination to volunteer to sign up for a training and see if it is for you.
