Thank you Mary and Donna, we will miss you!

In Memoriam

By Paula Poel, Volunteer Coordinator

Communicating has been a little challenging lately, what with so many of us working from home and not many of our volunteers being utilized where are patients and families are.  Virtual options have taken over but face-to-face volunteer visits haven’t happened since March. Sadly, In the last couple of months, two dedicated members of our volunteer team have passed away.

All of us at Harbor Hospice were saddened to hear of their passing. They were both instrumental in our quality care and an ‘essential’ part of our hospice team. Both compassionate and welcoming to patients and families.

I wanted to make sure you got the chance to know them…..

Mary Linstrom

Mary was a huge advocate for our Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence.  Since May of 2008 she had volunteered on Saturdays at our reception desk.  No one loved Poppen more than Mary, and she loved to tell people about the wonderful facility and the remarkable care patients received.  Her sense of humor, huge heart, and outgoing personality made her a perfect fit for volunteering as our Poppen receptionist.  Over the last 12 years, there were very few Saturdays that she wasn’t at the desk greeting visitors.  Her gracious smile will be missed.

Donna Anderson

Donna came to us from the former Mercy VNS Hospice organization.  She brought a volunteer service to us that we hadn’t had before……she made spiritual care support calls from her home to our patients and/or their family members.  She loved being able to pray with patients, listen to their concerns, and support them any way she could.  Her strong faith and love of people made her the perfect volunteer to provide these calls.  Although she struggled with health issues while volunteering for us, she continued to want to help others in any way she could.  Her dedicated and comforting spirit will be missed.