Providing Comfort and Care
It’s difficult enough to have one parent transition to hospice care, let alone two. But for Warren Lewis Jr. and his wife, Terry, Masonic Village Hospice was truly a gift for their family.
Granting Wishes to Make Special Moments
Through the Special Moments program, hospice staff are able to do something meaningful for patients by making their end-of-life wishes come true, whether it be taking a golf cart ride around campus, going to a baseball game or attending a family wedding.
Annual Butterfly Memorial Release
The annual Butterfly Release allows family and friends to connect with their grief and how it continues to impact their journey.
Giving Back as a Way to Say Thank You
Christine Roberts was so grateful for the care her husband, Gary, received from Masonic Village Hospice, she decided to pay it forward and become a Hospice volunteer.
Feeling Completely Supported Through Hospice
At first Debra Grove-Mahoney, M.D., felt guilty for bringing Hospice in to care for her father, but after his passing in 2021, she knew it was the right decision. "Everybody’s impression of hospice is that they help you die," she said. "It was NOT that experience."
Lucky Until the End
Lilliam Kingsbury died at home on Nov. 30, 2019, after being cared for by Masonic Village Hospice over the span of about 16 weeks. Her family found the compassion and care shown by Hospice team members to the whole family, which included her husband and three sons, was truly remarkable.
Care Fit for a Queen
Masonic Village Hospice provided Merilynn Hart the dignified care she deserved, while providing support for her family during a difficult time, made even more challenging because of the pandemic.
At Peace with Her Decision to Choose Hospice
Patricia Corrao knew that her father, Ronald Russo, was declining. Battling several health issues, including COVID-19, Ronald was being treated in a hospital in Long Island, New York, while Patricia was living in Pennsylvania. She felt helpless until she found Masonic Village Hospice.
Home Is Where the Heart Is
A fortuitous meeting at a bridal salon led Janell (Berté) Bertelman to Masonic Village. During an appointment, Janell learned the bride worked for Masonic Village Hospice, and that's all she needed to hear to decide on care for her mother.
A Love Like the Month of May
Tara Weaver will always remember her grandparents’ loving hearts, and the impact they’ve made on her life persists. When the time came for end-of-life care, Tara knew there was no other choice than Masonic Village Hospice.
As Sweet as Pie
Some may think butterscotch pie is overly sweet, but to Juanita Keesey’s late husband, Dave, there was nothing better. Juanita made the beloved dessert for Dave’s birthday each year. One year, she accidentally dropped the entire pie in his lap
A Love So Special
Vernon Witmer met the love of his life, Doris, at a Saturday night fire hall dance. “She was a very sweet person,” Vernon said. “I enjoyed being with her.” His favorite thing about Doris was the way she treated others.
An Unexpected Love
“I would tell anyone to get hospice for a loved one who may need it,” Gabi said. “It really helps the caregiver and gives you support even after they are gone.”
A Heart of Gold
Michele Koser has countless memories with her father, David “Dave” Shafer, from riding on the back of his bike as a child and eating chocolate ice cream at Baskin-Robbins to their countless dinners out together as adults.
Forever High School Sweethearts
Anyone who knew Max Hoffman remembers he was always up to something. Max was a busy man with more than a few hobbies throughout his life, usually revolving around family and helping others.
A Personal and Professional Relationship with Hospice
Mary Main’s mother-in-law, Dotty, was full of spunk, right up until her last breath. She loved vibrant clothing, chunky jewelry and speaking her mind. “Dotty was very curious about people, and she kept everyone on their toes,” Mary said, “even
Making a Difference in the Journey
When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, their loved ones often take on a role they never thought they would: caregiver. Caregivers are responsible for the well-being of their loved one while still caring for themselves and, sometimes, other
One Mother’s Strength
A mother’s strength is unparalleled. Chad Thomas’ mother, Eileen, was no exception. Eileen was Chad’s rock, his phone call on the way home after work in the evening. It didn’t surprise Chad to learn that when his mother was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in 2013, she first thought of her family and how they would cope with the journey ahead.
The Game of a Lifetime
On one September morning, the van was loaded, and Marty was on his way to see his Phillies. The sun shone during the afternoon game, where Marty enjoyed “the best” slice of pepperoni pizza and a cold beer.
Caring for a Caregiver
Lee Beach’s wife, Betty Jane, loved ice cream, specifically classic vanilla topped with pieces of a Snickers candy bar. She radiated positive energy and found joy in life’s littlest pleasures. As a registered nurse for more than 40 years, she also had a kind and nurturing heart. This is why Lee, upon first sight of Betty Jane, knew he’d found the one he’d spend the next 65 years chasing after.
Making Connections
105-year-old Florence Methlie has been the connecting link for many people throughout her lifetime. Whether she was connecting people to their loved ones via her job at the Bell Telephone Company or being the glue that held her own family together, Florence has always had a way with people.
When Time Stands Still
Jill Stauffer’s life was moving fast. She and her husband were keeping up with their toddler son and had another on the way when time suddenly stopped. In November 2016, Jill’s grandmother, Bea, was diagnosed with cancer after suffering from respiratory issues that she thought were only temporary.
Animals Bring Joy & Comfort to Patients
Nala walked excitedly beside her owner, Bethann Lizzi, one of hospice’s RN case managers. Her tail was wagging, as she knew she was going to visit with patients. As she walked down the hall, she spotted an old friend, Frank Bubbenmoyer. Frank immediately brightened up with a big smile as he bent over in his wheelchair to pet Nala. He talked to her, and even hand-fed her the treats Bethann gave to him. Bethann asked if he remembered Nala.
Veteran Volunteers Impact the Lives of Patients
To truly understand someone, you must walk a mile in their shoes. This is why Masonic Village Hospice has begun pairing patients who are veterans with veteran volunteers.
Recording Memories for Families
As a funeral home director for the last 25 years, Dick Merritt was responsible for not only organizing respectful burials and services, but looking death in the eye and educating others on how to come to terms with grief.
A Tattoo Worth a Thousand Words
Masonic Village Hospice staff heard word of the story and were inspired to grant Bill his wish. “They said they would take care of it,” Bill recalls. “Before I knew it, they were coming to pick me up and take me for my first tattoo.”
Remembering as a Family
For the Meridionales, the best parts of being a big Italian family are the laughs, the stories and most importantly, the bond. The family has a bond that has never wavered, even after losing the woman who gave life to it all, Carol Meridionale, beloved wife, mother and grandmother.
Cherishing a Lasting Love
For those who never met Betsy Karl, her personality shines through in the way her husband, David, speaks of her. Betsy, in so many words, was slow to anger and quick to forgive. She was caring and generously gave of herself to others. Her husband, David, lovingly refers to her as “my lady, my Betsy,” and the two were best friends who raised a beautiful daughter together.
Love in Full Color
When Ron Swope thinks of his wife Karen, he thinks of three things: her basket full of coloring books, all the angel figurines she placed around their home and her smile. The couple was married for 50 years, and Ron didn’t let a cancer diagnosis change the vows he made to her. He would always take care of her, no matter what life had in store.
Integrative Therapies Touch Patients’ Lives
For many, the word “therapy” brings about images of lying on a couch while being asked, “How does that make you feel?” While this type of therapy can be helpful for many hospice patients, they often want or need something more. Integrative therapies fill that need and are specially designed to consider the whole person: medically, psychosocially and spiritually.
Grief Turned to Adventure
Next to raising a family, Cliff dedicated his life to wrangling horses. His love and understanding of the majestic animal allowed him to easily train them to be showcased in reenactments, law enforcement, television and film.
A Flight to Remember
It was a beautiful spring day, almost 70 degrees and sunny. Even before it began, Clyde Jordan knew it would be a day he would never forget.