SPRING 2020
Your Gifts Are Helping Families
Masonic Village Hospice
approaching, they decided to plan a special dinner for Eddie and Ruth. Favorite dishes were ordered from the couple’s go-to Irish pub where they would celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with their friends year after year. “I had no idea it was happening,” Ruth said. “I just knew I was going to eat with him.”
An Irish Dinner for Two Ruth Carty’s husband, Eddie, was Irish. For him, it was more than just his heritage, it was part of who he was – a good father and loving husband who looked forward to Saint Patrick’s Day each year. “He was the outgoing one, with a good sense of humor,” Ruth recalls. Ruth and Eddie were married young; she was 19 years old, and he was 20. Throughout their lifetime together, they shared many similar interests, including traveling, their church and the beach. Most importantly, they shared love of their four children, seven grandchildren and three (soon to be four) great-grandchildren.
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When Eddie was diagnosed with melanoma, then leukemia, Ruth struggled to imagine life without her other half. “I still think of him every day,” she says. Thankfully, Masonic Village Hospice allowed Ruth and Eddie to have special moments together, regardless of them facing a terminal diagnosis. Early in their marriage, Ruth and Eddie traveled to Ireland. He found his mother’s childhood home, and they both experienced the thrill of driving on the “wrong” side of the road. “The trip meant a lot to him,” Ruth said. “He was 120% Irish, that’s the best way I can explain it.” Ruth and Eddie went back to Ireland again later in life. “He had wanted to go back a third time,” Ruth said, “but there was no way he could make it.” When hospice staff discovered Eddie’s wish, they put their heads together to plan a special surprise. They knew they couldn’t take Eddie to Ireland, but with Saint Patrick’s Day
Staff dressed Eddie in green clothing they chose from his closet and decorated the room. Eddie’s doctor gave permission for him to have a small cup of beer, which hospice staff colored a festive green. “This happened at a time when he wasn’t doing very well,” Ruth recalled.
“He wasn’t really eating, but he did eat some of that dinner. Eddie died two weeks later. Hospice knew what they were doing. I can’t say enough good things about them, and I can’t get over how much they did for us.” Ruth’s journey with Hospice didn’t end with Eddie’s passing. Two years later, she and her children remain close with staff, specifically bereavement coordinator Heidi Young. “I can tell Heidi things,” Ruth said. “She’s really special and easy to talk to. I feel like she just understands. I couldn’t always tell my children or my friends how I was really feeling because I didn’t want them to worry, but I could tell Heidi.” Each year, Ruth, along with at least one of her children, attends
hospice’s garden party, which is a chance for them to enjoy an evening out with live entertainment and food. It’s also an opportunity for them to meet other hospice families and relate to a guest speaker’s personal journey with Masonic Village Hospice. “The first year we went, we sat down at one of the tables,” Ruth said. “We realized the staff put pictures of families with their loved ones as the centerpieces. We looked at our centerpiece, and there was Eddie and me. We took it as a sign. “I tell my kids, ‘I pray I never need hospice, but if I do, choose Masonic Village Hospice,’” Ruth said. “Each and every one of them is a saint.”
Eddie pictured with his oldest grandchild, Jeremy. Each Saint Patrick’s Day, Eddie wore his singing tie and green top hat.
Your gifts allow family members like Ruth to be able to spend quality time with their loved ones at the end of life.
Raising Dollars to Fight Cancer Staff held their second annual bingo event in February, which raised more than $7,000 for Relay for Life in just a few short hours. All proceeds, collected from bingo sales, a basket raffle table, a 50/50 drawing and concessions, will go toward the fight against cancer.
“We were blown away with the final number of donations raised,” hospice social worker Jasmine Rakszawski said. “We continue to be amazed by the support and generosity within the community.” Hospice staff will add the funds raised through bingo to their grand total, which will be revealed at the Relay for Life event at Conestoga Valley High School, from Friday, June 12, at 4 p.m., to Saturday, June 13, at noon. Hospice families are welcome to join staff in participation. The event offers opportunities to celebrate survivors and caregivers and to remember loved ones who have passed away from cancer. Hospice’s team will continue to relay for all patients and families, past and present, impacted by cancer in hopes of eradicating the disease completely. Hospice will be the 2020 sponsor of “Caregiver Haven” at the event, which is a place for caregivers to relax, connect with others and express themselves.
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A Personal & Professional Relationship with Hospice Mary Main’s mother-in-law, Dotty, was full of spunk, right up until her last breath.
“It was hard for the whole family to watch her decline,” Mary said. “She was a parental figure to me.”
to consider comfort care, Mary’s husband, Deric, who is an only child, looked to Mary for guidance.
She loved vibrant clothing, chunky jewelry and speaking her mind.
However, even as Dotty’s health worsened, her fun-loving and caring personality never wavered.
Mary, the director of community relations at Juniper Village, a personal care residence in Mount Joy, Pa., has both personal and professional experience with endof-life care. Her community doesn’t offer hospice services, but partners with Masonic Village to provide the service to its residents.
“Dotty was very curious about people, and she kept everyone on their toes,” Mary said, “even with the color of her hair. One time she’d go blonde, and another day she’d be a redhead.” Dotty grew up in a large Polish family with six siblings. As a child, she suffered twice from Scarlet Fever, which weakened her heart and led to her diagnosis of chronic heart failure in her early 70s.
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“You would never leave her house empty-handed,” Mary said. “She was very giving. If she was making a pot of soup, you knew you were leaving with half of it.” In addition, there was usually a treat or two thrown in for the grandchildren to take home. When the final months of Dotty’s life were approaching, and it was time
“Hospice gives our residents the chance to stay in the home they’ve chosen, surrounded by their things,” Mary said. “I make the recommendation to family members to consider hospice. Hospice has
built relationships with so many of our families, who are appreciative of that extra level of care.”
with her on a personal level. The nurses pampered her, and the chaplains prayed with her.”
In 2016, Mary’s grandmother, a Juniper Village resident, received care from Masonic Village Hospice.
After Hospice staff became aware of Dotty’s love for theater, they purchased a gift card for the whole family to enjoy a show at a local dinner theater.
“My grandma was 102,” Mary said. “The last grain of sand in her timer just ran out. Hospice was really great with her. Dotty’s situation was a little different, more challenging.” Regardless, Mary didn’t hesitate in recommending Masonic Village Hospice once again. Dotty moved to Juniper Village so she could benefit from some extra assistance, and, when the time was right, welcomed Hospice with open arms, upon Mary’s recommendation. “We had a whole year of ups and downs,” Mary said, “but Hospice made her happy and connected
“Death is the only common denominator everyone has,” Mary said, “which is why end-of-life care is so important and has come so far. Enough time is built into the process for you to let your guard down. Hospice addresses you and your loved one’s fears, worries and anxieties.” Mary and Deric specifically appreciated the way Hospice staff communicated among one another about Dotty’s condition. “No matter who was in the room, we never had to say the same thing twice,” Mary said. “Hospice was
Seeking Veteran Volunteers We are looking for individuals who have served in the military to help honor veterans who are facing terminal illnesses. Hospice veteran volunteers are asked to meet with patients and present them with a certificate of appreciation for their service, a flag pin and a handmade patriotic blanket. This presentation is meaningful to patients and their family members. If you are able to assist in these efforts and are willing to visit patients in their homes or in personal or nursing care homes, please call our hospice volunteer coordinator at 717-367-1121, ext. 33024.
Pictured is Marty, a former patient, with his patriotic blanket.
a comfortable family-like feel.” Hospice staff informed Mary and Deric when they believed Dotty’s final hours were approaching and joined them at her bedside to manage Dotty’s symptoms and to be there to answer any questions. While Mary still enjoys having a working relationship with the Hospice staff she’s grown so close to, Deric has appreciated the grief support check-ins and reading material that is sent to their home. “When you make a recommendation to a family, it has to be a good one,” Mary said. “I can personally say Hospice sees people through to the end with dignity and with the person’s and family’s wishes in mind.” Hospice is only able to give personalized, quality care because of your generous donations. Thank you!
Thank You Memorials
Gifts received Nov. 1, 2019 - Jan. 31, 2020
MEMORIAL
DONOR
Doris A. Adams Doris Hummel Pat Sullivan M. June Beears David and Delores Walmer Amy J. Boyer Stanley and Joyce Doxtater Eric Reed Glenn Bradley David and Delores Walmer Hannah Bradley David and Delores Walmer James A. Brecht Patti Brecht Geraldine Bricker-Vaughan Alvin and Iris Goodman Delores L. Costanza Fay Tomczak Linda K. Fahnestock David and Delores Walmer Raymond A. Flowers Whitfield Lodge No. 622 Rudolf and Mary Galli Marina Galli Constance “Connie” Gehman Esther Kendig Dina M. Gibson Robert Cavey Bruce and Mary Cavey Midas and Leonzi Families Dave Marks Richard and Angela Salezze Marcia Thompson Patricia Thompson Gertrude J. “Trudy” Gutshall Leroy Gutshall Joan H. Hall William Hall Jennie Marie Boyer High George Adams Jay and Sylvia Mueller Pamela Pyle Gladys M. Hill David Dobson Lisa Herring Audrey Stouffer Mrs. Jimmie D. Jones Dontina Jackson David E. Keesey Bruce and Joyce Broadbent Marie Patterson Barry and Lynn Totten Lilliam Kingsbury William and Maureen Kingsbury Eleanor Lancaster Covanta Lancaster Denny and Patty Scott John V. Lentz Darlene Bucher Gene O. Light Scotty and Elizabeth Davis Bruce and Joan Howarth Donald Kugle Dean and Brenda Miller Bill and Nancy Pearson Richard and Dorothy Robinson Larry and Barbara Rutt Robert and Judy Scharf Tom and Susan Shaffer Gary Wendt John W. Linn, Jr. John Linn Harry K. Longenecker David and Delores Walmer Richard C. Mann Audrey Mann
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Dolores A. McMillan Ruth Ellen Miller Ruth H. Morris Stanley M. Ober Arwyn “Wyn” Potter John R. Rapp Agnew Reddig Rose Resanovich Gale W. Robison Rosemarie J. Rog Thomas J. Rohner Rachael E. Royer Dennis Sapp George L. Schmitt, Sr. David E. Shafer Betty Jane Shreffler Robert K. Sloan Charles H. Swisher, Sr. Karen L. Swope E. Louise Tumolo Mary E. “Betty” Weidman Roger L. Wolfe
Craig Dayton David and Delores Walmer Morris Family Arlene Ober Steve and Sharon Markowitz Betty Harman Brenda Reddig Marie Bowman Benefit Communication Insourcing Scotty and Elizabeth Davis Judy Scharf Lura Shader Fred Rog Jessie Rohner Denise Brumbach Glenn Carman Mike and Sandy Coll Donna Collins Mary Dawn Dittoe William Grosh and Family Tom and Jill and Jim and Ellen Grosh Nancy Hook Mary Martin Walter and Esther Root Terry Boas William Schmitt Makayla Koser Robert Bowman Lois Fink Carol Noffz Dallas and Jane Sowden Edna Sloan Judy Swisher Ronald Swope Brehm Family Doug and Debbie Cunningham Richard and Bernice Kase C. W. Nicholson Family Polly Pflum and Cynthia Pepkin Scott and Susan Zerr Pat Ayers Richard and Marjorie Kinder John and Carla Weidman Bryan and Eileen Hill
Honors
Gifts received Nov. 1, 2019 - Jan. 31, 2020
HONOR
DONOR
Hospice Care Staff
Barry and Lynn Totten
Marion W. Grochowski Julia E. Linn
Mark and Sheryl Allston John Linn
Love of Angels Memorials Gifts received Nov. 1, 2019 - Feb. 10, 2020
MEMORIAL
DONOR
Kathleen (Kitty) Ambrozates Valerie Ambrozates William B. Anderson Camilla Anderson Ruth Dull Beane Kenneth F. Beane George & Florence Bowman Robert and Patsy Bowman Marianne Bowman Robert and Patsy Bowman Shirley Brady Craig Brady Barbara A. Brosey Stuart Brosey Jay G. Brossman Sally Kinzey Susan Wolfkeil Brown Jack and Shirley Wolfkeil Gaylon C. Cathcart Michael and Barbara Cathcart Mae D. Cooper Edward Horst Earl A. Deibert Betty Deibert Anna K. Deik Richard and Cynthia Deik Robert and Mary Anne Deik William and Marian Fatzinger Larry and Nancy Webster C. Ed Firth Joan Firth Alfred E. “Al” Flowers Pat Flowers G. Emory Freet Kay Freet Grace M. Frishkorn Richard and Cynthia Deik Eleanor H. “Jean” Gaspari Marjorie Menear Bernadine V. Glosser Dennis and Brenda Loveless Harry E. and Michael Greenawalt Elizabeth J. Greenawalt Joan H. Hall William Hall Lester M. Hawthorne Hazel Hawthorne Wilbur R. Herr Doris Herr Beane Eugene W. Hieber Ruth Turpin Paul and Harry Hoffines Robert and Linda Hoffines Kay L. Horst Edward Horst Sheldon Kaplan Patricia Hill-Kaplan Bertha Kennedy Robert and Linda Hoffines Francis and Thelma Kinter Robert and Kimberly Rose Roger and Stephanie Traub Teresa F. Kornsey Carol and Thomas Fanelli Donald S. Kramer Patsy Bowman Roy and Betty Kuhn Carl and Terry Dunbar David Link Barbara Link Paul S. Long Janicemarie Long Your Loved Ones Kay Duffy Robert C. Marvel Fay Marvel Ned A. Masenheimer Walter and Cynthia Shultz Charles & Gladys Masterson Kay Freet Samuel L. Miller Elaine Miller Your Parents Betty Deibert Anita Louise Pence Michael and Sarah Pence Paul D. Purnell Judith Purnell Fay Rauschkolb Tony and Elaine Ciofani Howard & Dorothy Reifsnyder Susan Ostermueller Mr. and Mrs. George Riddle Patsy Bowman Alan F. Royer Patricia Royer Charles L. and Sue C. Rush Patricia Gombocz Margaret “Margie” Sanderlin Valerie Ambrozates Ann Satchell Daniel and Joan Satchell Adeline B. Savickas John Savickas Billie J. Savickas John Savickas
Callie S. Savickas John Savickas John M. Savickas John Savickas Donald E. Schmick Thomas Schmick George L. Schmitt, Sr. Marg Shelley Mildred S. Service Walt Service Nancy Service Walt Service Perryne B. Service Walt Service W.C. Service, Jr. Walt Service Denise J. Shank Maynard and Edna Rosenberry John M. Shaud, Jr. Mary Shaud Betty Jane Shreffler Robert and Karen Rummel Robert K. Sloan Edna Sloan Ronnie W. Snyder Mary Snyder Jean M. Steely Debra Steely John C. Stevens Phyllis Stevens Emily Louise Tumolo Renn and Marian Sminkey Herman R. “Ben” Turpin Jeanette Turpin Ruth Turpin Kenneth & Florence Webster Larry and Nancy Webster Phyllis J. Whisler Dorothy Dell Beatrice A. Whitmer Marc and Ann Falcinelli Kenneth M. Whitmer Marc and Ann Falcinelli Henry M. Wildasin Ann Wildasin Jay P. Williams Linda Williams Frederick Wuestner
Linda Wuestner
D. Richard Zell
Barbara Zell
Love of Angel Honors Gifts received Nov. 1, 2019 - Feb. 10, 2020
HONOR
John P. Ambrozates James T. Crawford Mark R. Gilmore Marion W. Grochowski Bob Heim Masonic Village Hospice Tammy Jimenez Shirley Leverentz Gene and Frances Light Bethann Lizzi Sandra A. Lutz Phyllis B. Masenheimer Rev. Tim Nickel Amber Pawuk Cindy Pierce Barbara Riggs Rev. Preston and Brenda Van Deursen
DONOR
Valerie Ambrozates Warren and Helen Heidelbaugh Jim and Margaret Wilkes Mark and Sheryl Allston Barbara Link Robert and Karen Rummel Kay Freet Edith Raup John Leverentz Warren and Helen Heidelbaugh Sy and Deborah Beozzo Edith Raup Walter and Cynthia Shultz Sy and Deborah Beozzo Marjorie Menear Edith Raup Bud and Dixie Teaford Doris Herr Beane
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MASONIC VILLAGE HOSPICE 98 Masonic Drive, Suite 101 • Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-361-8449 • MasonicVillages.org/care-support/hospice
Who We Are Since 2009, Masonic Village’s trained, compassionate hospice staff have cared for thousands of patients and their families, focusing on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients so they may complete their lives joyfully. Our hospice staff promote comfort and self-determination, enabling patients to participate in making decisions about their care. Based in Elizabethtown, Masonic Village Hospice is pleased to offer services to patients in the comfort of their homes throughout Lancaster, Dauphin, Lebanon and Eastern York counties.
Open for Everyone. Masonic Village Hospice does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, familial status, age, sex, limited English proficiency (LEP) or any other protected status in admission, treatment or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. Masonic Village Hospice cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. Masonic Village Hospice iss willich, die Gsetze (federal civil rights) vun die Owwerichkeet zu folliche un duht alle Leit behandle in der seem Weg. Es macht nix aus, vun wellem Schtamm ebber beikummt, aus wellem Land die Voreldre kumme sinn, was fer en Elt ebber hot, eb ebber en Mann iss odder en Fraa, verkrippelt iss odder net.