Reflections - Summer 2021

MASONIC VILLAGE HOSPICE

SUMMER 2021

Love Like the Month of May (p. 2) Your Gifts Are Supporting Families Through Grief

A Love Like the Month of May Tara Weaver recalls rubbing her hands through fresh spring grass and smudging the dew over her freckles as a tradition with her grandma, Millie. Millie loved the month of May, especially watching her irises bloom, and always brought Tara outside on the first of the month to admire the season’s warmth.

Tara feels this same warmth when she thinks of the many other fond memories she shared growing up next door to her grandparents, Millie and Paul. She describes them as “amazing people” who had hearts full of love.

Millie and Paul shared 63 years of love for traveling, camping, their family and, notably, each other. During this time, Millie was a line worker with Sterling Drug and Paul was a military police veteran and truck driver.

As a truck driver, Paul spent a lot of time on the road, but Millie made sure he was always welcomed home from his trips with a hot meal, even at 2 a.m.

That’s the kind of love, Tara said, they shared.

“They were very devoted to each other,” Tara said.

When Millie and Paul did spend time together, they couldn’t get enough of it.

“They went out to dinner and for a drive together on Sundays, sat on the couch together and watched ‘Deal or No Deal,’ traveled all over and would spend summer camping in Mount Gretna,” Tara said. “They absolutely loved each other and their time together.”

Millie and Paul led very fulfilling lives outside of their relationship, as well. Millie loved to throw parties at their home for every occasion and was actively involved with multiple organizations including Order of the Eastern Star, Red Hat Society, White Shrine and Flower Club.

2

Front: Tara’s three sons; Back: Tara’s mother, Millie, Tara and Tara’s husband.

Paul was a Mason and had a group of friends he would get coffee with almost every night.

They were also dedicated to their grandchildren, and Tara said her grandparents were her “entire world.”

“My grandpa would bring presents like T-shirts and candy home from his road trips for the grandkids,” Tara said.

When Paul became sick with pancreatic cancer, it was a shock to the family.

“We knew he was sick, but we didn’t know it’d be that bad,” Tara said.

Tara knew she needed to return the dedication and love he showed her. At the same time, Millie developed dementia.

“I knew right away I had to step up and help them. My grandparents took such good care of their grandkids, and it was my turn to take care of them,” Tara said.

Tara, who is trained as a certified nursing assistant, knew how to complete basic care tasks for her grandparents, but couldn’t do it alone.

“It was very emotional. There were nights I did not sleep, and I would cry,” Tara said. “I had three small children and a husband who worked all the time. I was the stay at home mom, so a lot fell on me.”

She decided to reach out to Masonic Village Hospice for additional support.

“We wanted to go through Masonic Village because it was their wish,” Tara said.

Thanks to the “continuous support” of Hospice and the rest of Tara’s family, Paul was able to live in his home until his passing. Hospice checked in daily to see if Tara’s family needed anything and was there for Tara when she was struggling with her mental health.

“It was the hardest when he couldn’t communicate with us anymore,” Tara said. “I miss his laugh. It was contagious, and it was so hearty and made you laugh.”

Hospice also made sure to go above and beyond to comfort Paul in every aspect. They weren’t just caretakers to Paul; they were friends.

“They knew my grandpa loved coffee and country music,” Tara said. “They were so patient, loving and kind. It was just a great and supportive relationship on both ends.”

Paul received hospice care for a month and a half before his passing. Eleven months later, Millie received hospice care. Tara knew, for her, there was no other choice than Masonic Village Hospice.

Millie and Paul Millie was in hospice for a little less than a month before she passed away at home. She passed away on May 1, the special day Tara and she used to share.

Tara will always remember her grandparents’ loving hearts, and the impact they’ve made on her life persists. She said she would take care of them “all over again” if she could.

Masonic Village Hospice offers bereavement services, and although Tara chose not to participate because of her strong faith and family network, she said she knew she could call for support, if she needed it.

“My grandparents were strong-willed and had amazing faith, so I know that they’re okay, too” Tara said.

She encourages anyone who is thinking about hospice services to not be afraid to reach out for help.

“Hospice is a word that people just jump and say, ‘This is the end.’ What I learned from Hospice is … it’s not necessarily the end,” Tara said. “They’re angels. This is what they do, and they do it because they care.”

3

Love at Second Sight Elmer and Grace Sensenig first exchanged glances one sunny evening at an ice cream shop in Ephrata. Belonging to different church youth groups in different counties, years passed before they encountered each other again.

This time, however, was the last time they’d meet, as this was the start of a 67-year marriage filled with love, travel and hard labor.

Before Elmer and Grace married, they decided to become farmers. Elmer’s dad ran a butcher shop, so Elmer ran his family’s farm. Grace, who grew up on a dairy farm, already had the skills and work ethic needed to help Elmer run their Manor Township farm.

They spent the majority of their lives together caring for the chickens, cattle, hogs and crops on their farm and raising their four daughters.

“Farming is a lot of giving and taking. The wife can’t be a big spender, and what matters is you are both in it together,” Grace said.

“Elmer and I were. We made a pretty good team, and he was a great businessman, too.”

They were dedicated farmers until their retirement in 1996. Afterward, they spent their time together traveling the world. Grace said travel was one of the “highlights” of their marriage and one of Elmer’s favorite activities to do.

The resilience, Grace described, of Elmer showed especially when they moved from their farm into a local retirement community. They moved there in January 2020 because Elmer began to have difficulties walking and speaking.

Elmer had Parkinson’s disease and started physical and speech therapy shortly after moving in.

“We went to The Holy Lands, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, New Zealand, Alaska …” Grace said. “We went so many places, and we experienced everything together.”

Despite his progressing condition, Elmer continued to try to be as independent and active as he was able to, and Grace tried to care for him as much as she could.

Grace recalls fondly on the dozens of other memories she has of Elmer, including their snowmobiling trips and enjoying each other’s company during train rides and church services.

However, additional care was recommended for Elmer, and he was evaluated by the Masonic Village Hospice team. Hearing that he qualified for hospice was a surprise to Grace at the time.

“One time we had a bonfire in our farm’s camp out area in the woods, and Elmer and I slept in the tree house. We just loved doing that because we could look through the trees to the stars, and our grandkids and great-grandkids were there,” Grace said.

“I knew when you get hospice, it means you’re not going to live long,” Grace said. “But hospice helped take the burden off, and I had more time to enjoy with Elmer.”

Grace said it was always so easy to share life with Elmer because of his “dependable and easygoing” personality.

4

“Elmer got along with everyone,” Grace said. “He was such a hard worker.”

Grace said the hospice staff provided her with relief because they were able to perform tasks that were too challenging for her to do alone.

“They would bathe him and wash him in the bed, and they would brush his teeth,” Grace said.

Aside from medical care, Grace said that Hospice also provided emotional support.

“They were super. They were very professional and very kind. They were like friends,” Grace said.

Elmer received hospice services for almost two months. After his passing in April 2020, Grace found support through Hospice’s bereavement services.

She currently finds grounding through her family, friends and neighbors. Grace said being able to get out and having her car close by has helped her stay occupied.

“Elmer and I used to golf every year in South Carolina.

We always had so much fun,” Grace said. “Now I go golfing once a week in a league I’m in with the girls.”

Grace said she is so thankful for being surrounded by many supportive people and will forever especially be thankful for Masonic Village Hospice staff.

“I couldn’t do it without them. They did an excellent job and cared a lot about us,” Grace said. “Special people do those jobs. It just takes really special people.”

Make a Difference for a Patient with a QCD: Giving Made Easy If you are 70½ or older and have a traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is usually the number one way to give to Masonic Village Hospice. You avoid tax on any amount given from your IRA to charity, which is like getting a free tax deduction. Yes, it’s more complicated than writing a check, but once you do, you will never look back. Please

contact the Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development for a FREE QCD Kit and then talk to your advisor about dividing up your QCD among your favorite charities, including Masonic Village Hospice. Remember, if you don’t need your Required Minimum Distribution, then turning it into a QCD is an added benefit.

We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while supporting Hospice’s mission.

Please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or visit MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information. Everything we do for you comes with no cost or obligation.

MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org 5

Thank You to Our Donors Memorials

Gifts received Feb. 1 - April 30

MEMORIAL

Doris A. Adams Herbert D. Bailey C. David Beidleman Naomi E. Beiler Janet F. “Ruth” Bertelman

DONOR

Larry and Evelyn Gibble Kenneth and Katherine Burkholder Michael Beidleman Warren and Sandra Posey Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. Anna Ellen (Hunsicker) Boyd Nan Walton Irvin Henry Brockman Annette Delgado Annette Kunselman Burgert Peter and Rebecca Duncan

Louella Kightlinger

KW Realty Livingston

Jane Huston and Ernest Werstler Dick and Annie Burgert Pete Plumer Fern E. Cathcart Michael and Barbara Cathcart Delores L. Costanza Debra Miller Donald N. Dennis Naomi Everett Bette J. Douple Diane Kreider Christine B. Fortier Norman Fortier

Randy and Regina Karshin

Jillian Stauffer Agnes J. Haggarty Bryan and Eileen Hill Joan H. Hall William Hall Bob Hoffman Craig Dayton David E. Keesey Barry and Lynn Totten Joanna Kohl Marjorie Reeves

The Joanna Kohl Family Alvin Leisey, Jr. Kim Leisey Harry K. Longenecker Doris Longenecker Linda D. Loser Barb, Sue and Kim

Robert and Terri Bentzel

John and Charlotte Brown

Vicki Gillmore

James and Sandra Koser

Michael and Donna Okeefe

Jacob and Nancy Olweiler

Melvin and Diane Snyder

Larry and Nancy Webster

Peter Whipple

James and Joyce Witmer Elaine S. Lukens Jean Logan

Arthur Lukens Richard C. “Dick” Mann Audrey Mann

6

Eileen McNiff Jane Stetzler Ellen Louise Mettley Stephany and Gloria Houser George M. Metzger Kenneth and Patricia Mugler Mary K. Mummert Chuck and Linda Mummert Anita Louise Pence Michael and Sarah Pence Lloyd I. Putt Lynn Kreider

Ted Nichols Carlton and Agnes Repsher Kenneth and Jeannette Repsher John H. Rissmiller Edward and Ann Horting Ruth M. Rissmiller Edward and Ann Horting Arline R. Rochkind Barbara Zell Earl J. “Slugger” Schlegelmilch Ronald and LeAnn Hunsicker

Rod and Judy Ray

Betty Weaver William R. Schuler, Sr. William and Joanne Schuler Samuel G. Seinberg Bart Seinberg Suzanne M. “Sue” Shankroff James and Louise Barner Dolores F. Shott Thomas Shott Meryl Singer Robert Singer Robert K. Sloan Edna Sloan Pauline Spangler Crystal Warlow James and Jean Steely Debra Steely Natalie O. Stief Merrell Clark

Michael and Karen Cummings

Andrew Dirats

Lombardo Family: Ed, Joanne, Alexis and Marisa

Jackson and Yvonne Will Nancy M. Summy Gloria Shober

Julia Wettach Karen L. Swope Ronald Swope Mary Jane Trout Paul Givler and Kathryn Trotta Judith B. “Judy” Wollenhaupt Erika Wollenhaupt

Honors

Gifts received Feb. 1 - April 30

HONOR

Juanita M. Keesey Mary Oldham

DONOR

Barry and Lynn Totten Dale and Geraldine Oldham

Wish List Contributors Gifts received Feb. 1 - April 30.

DONOR

Harrison F. Balthaser Eileen H. and Bryan L. Hill

We wish to thank our current and past supporters of the Hospice Wish List. Earlier this year, the decision was made to no longer promote specific items needed by Hospice. However, you can still earmark your gift for a restricted purpose. As needs arise for our patients and their families, staff will have access to your gifts for those special moments.

We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the names listed. If an error has been made, please contact the Office of Mission Advancement and Development at 800-599-6454; 717-367-1121, ext. 33561; or by emailing giving@masonicvillages.org. Thank you.

Raising Dollars to Fight Cancer Raising funds for Relay for Life has been a passion for our Hospice staff for the last few years. Traditionally, staff raise funds through in-person events, such as bingo nights and basket raffles. This year, COVID-19 presented a challenge; however, Hospice got creative and raised funds by selling baked goods and partnering with local restaurants.

Staff will reveal their grand total at the Relay for Life event at Conestoga Valley High School, on Saturday, July 17, from noon – 10 p.m. Hospice families are welcome to join staff in participation. The event will consist of in-person and virtual activities (such as special walks and a Luminaria Ceremony) and offer 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 2021 sponsor of “Caregiver Haven” at the event, which is a place for caregivers to relax, connect with others and share their journey and emotions.

7

MASONIC VILLAGE HOSPICE 98 Masonic Drive, Suite 101 • Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-361-8449 • MasonicVillageHospice.org

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.