2017 Award Recipients

Roxanne was nominated by Victoria Johnson

Roxanne was a day shift caregiver for my father, John Johnson, who just recently passed while at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo. He was there for a total of 6 weeks and Roxanne bonded with my father almost immediately. She always talked to my dad finding a common interest to talk about. She was always very kind to my father but honest telling him to enjoy and find something in every day he had left. She always made sure he was well cared for and groomed (whether he wanted to be or not) which he thanked her for every time. She went out of her way even when he wasn’t a part of her care team to come down and see him and how his day was going. It is very evident that Roxanne has a LOT of experience and she is a true asset to the Kalamazoo Rose Arbor facility and to the patients she cares for.

-Victoria Johnson

Roxanne James, Hospice Aide – Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan - Rose Arbor (standing in the center in the blue shirt) is surrounded by her co-workers at Rose Arbor and Shelby Baas and Dana Naumann from Langeland Family Funeral Homes.

Thank you Roxanne for your commitment to those you serve!

Congratulations to our November Caregiver Award recipient Roxanne James. Roxanne received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.

Lillian Lockwood was nominated by Deb Withee (a family member she served) & Mary Smith (RN - Reverence Hospice)

Lillian started taking care of mom in March 2017. She treated my mom as if it were her own mother (Lillian had very recently cared for her own mother by providing hospice care while taking time off of her job at Reverence). Lillian stands out for her work ethic, positive attitude, teamwork mentality, and diligence. She would start her day early to make sure she could be the one to take care of mom. She always spoke positive words to mom and the family. If there was a question about anything, she would follow through by contacting the staff or nurse. She went beyond providing basic care and made sure that mom was taken care of compassionately, even to the smallest details. Lillian not only was committed to caring for mom, she loved and encouraged her. Lillian’s support and caring heart made such a difference to us, knowing mom was getting personalized wonderful care.

Lillian has been a Home Health Aide at Reverence Aide at Reverence Hospice for 20 years. She is an invaluable member of our Hospice Team exhibited by her never ending kindness and gentleness. This enables her to meet her patients and family needs. She goes beyond in meeting spiritual needs and puts patients at ease by singing hymns to them as she performs their care in the most gentle and caring ways always concerned about their dignity and comfort. Her patients and families love her kindness, patience and gentleness and her true ability to let them know she really cares for them on both a personal and spiritual level during this most difficult transition in all their lives. It is a pleasure to work with Lillian and I truly respect all the care she provides.

-Deb Withee & Mary Smith

Pictured from left to right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family funeral Homes; Lillian Lockwood, Home Health Aide, Reverence Home Health and Hospice; Lisa Langeland, Treasure of Langeland Family Funeral Homes.

Thank you Lillian for your commitment to those you serve!

Congratulations to our October Caregiver Award recipient Lillian Lockwood. Lillian received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.

Lourie was nominated by Penny Hurd.

Lourie spent much time doing mom's hair, nails, bathing and changing mom's briefs, putting lotion and powder on mom along with hugs and kisses and "I love yous". She helped to feed mom on bad days and always made sure she was comfortable. She also was concerned about if I was doing okay - Hugs for me and my family. All this and caring for a sister of her own on weekends. What a special person Lourie is. I'll always be thankful for her.

-Penny Hurd

Pictured from left to right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Lourie Shannon, Nurse's Aide, Southern Care Hospice; Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes.

Thank you Lourie for your commitment to those you serve!

Congratulations to our September Caregiver Award recipient Lourie Shannon. Lourie received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.

Nancy was nominated by Nikki Warner.

Nancy is an amazing lady! She is one of the chaplains for Great Lakes Caring. Nancy goes above and beyond for the patient and their family members and also the staff. If a family has lost a loved one and has no chaplain, Nancy becomes their chaplain. Nancy has comforted many families in their time of need and helped them through their grieving process. Nancy has done many funerals for families. Nancy also helps the staff if it’s just a little conversation or if staff needs prayers. Nancy is even going to perform a marriage for a staff member in a few months. Nancy is so giving of herself she works on weekends and is on call and never thinks twice about it. Nancy is an amazing listener and ALWAYS has the best Smile. Nancy is a joy to talk with and I have enjoyed getting to know this remarkable lady. Great Lakes Caring is so VERY lucky that Nancy chose them to work for.

-Nikki Warner

Pictured from left to right: Lisa Langeland, Treasurer. Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Nancy Vanderroest, Chaplain, Great Lakes Caring Home Health and Hospice; Nikki Warner; Dana Naumann Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.

Thank you Nancy for your commitment to those you serve!

Congratulations to our August Caregiver Award recipient Nancy Vanderroest.

Nancy received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.

Amy was nominated by Vickie Kirkendall.

Amy of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan was a great wonderful nurse for my dad Merl Stoyanoff. She would always ask if there was anything more that she could do or provide for my dad to make things easier for my mom Bev Stoyanoff. She would make sure all questions were answered before leaving their home or would find the answers. Great one on one with both my parents. She was always sure to check in with me by making phone calls and asking questions if I had any. Her bedside manner was absolutely fantastic. She was the perfect match to be sent for my dad to have home care and stay at home.

-Vickie Kirkendall

Pictured from left to right: Amy Haskins, RN, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes.

Thank you Amy for your commitment to those you serve!

Congratulations to our July Caregiver Award recipient - Amy Haskins.

Amy received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.

Ashley was nominated Ricki Butler for Basil Van Linder.

Ashley Rugg of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan was my 90 year old father's aide after I brought him home from the hospital. Dad was in a hospital bed and could only get up to sit in his wheel chair periodically with assistance and to use the bedside commode. His legs were very weak. Ashley was always so joyful and happy when she came and it got to where dad really looked forward to her visits. She laughed and joked with him as she gently made sure he was bathed, clean and shaved and nails even cut. Dad became very fond of Ashley over the time she was here. Dad became uncommunicative the last 3 days of his life. Ashley came to see him and to bathe him. She talked to him and made sure he was clean and shaved. She was so gentle. She then held his head up so that I could cut his hair. It meant so much to me that his hair be cut before he died. I had not been able to do it when he was sick. Ashley Rugg is a very very special person and was very special to all of us. I don't think she could ever be replaced.

-Marcia Butler/Van Linder

Pictured from left to right: Greg Langeland, Vice President, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Ashley Rugg, Home Health Aide, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan; and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.

Thank you Ashley for your commitment to those you serve!

Congratulations to our June Caregiver Award recipient - Ashley Rugg.

Ashley received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.

Tara was nominated by JoAn Mowery

I would like to nominate Tara Stolniki for several reasons. Tara has been a nurse for 6+ years at Southern Care and has worn many different hats, from Director of Office Operations to Case Manager. She has not only shown proficiency in each, she has done so with a warm and caring heart. While being "the boss" she was always available for questions, comment, or just to lend an ear or shoulder to cry on. Tara made it a point to know all of our patients when in that role and their and their families' needs. Never wanting to languish in the office she went out on visits to help the Case Managers whenever possible. Her passion for being hands on has led her back to being a Case Manager as well as furthering her education to provide even better care. It is evident how much she cares for her patients by the numerous notes the families send. As a PRN, I have had the honor to help her with her patients and their words let me know; that she is as kind, knowledgeable and passionate in their care as I have believed. She frequently will spend hours overtime to make sure that the patient and the family are comfortable with the dying process. She has helped ease a particular family's grief by ensuring their death and dying rituals were carried out. Her compassion is not limited to people as she has taken in patient's dogs that were going to be put in a shelter due to the death. Words fall short in describing all she does and the passion that she has shown. I consider myself lucky to be working with such a wonderful RN.

-JoAn Mowery, PRN , Southern Care Hospice

Pictured from left to right: Greg Langeland, Vice President, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Tara Stolniki, Registered Nurse, Case Manager, Southern Care Hospice; JoAn Mowery, Registered Nurse, Southern Care Hospice; and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.

Thank you Tara for your commitment to those you serve!

Tara received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.

Emmett was nominated Mary Soule - Volunteer Coordinator - Wings of Hope

Understated, and behind the scenes, a hospice volunteer quietly makes a tough day better, one act of kindness at a time. Some of his or her many assignments include listening and encouraging our patients and their loved ones, delivering needed medications and supplies, helping with office and event support, or providing handyman and maintenance services. Our patients inspire us to do everything we can to make each day its best. We are fortunate to have a committed group of volunteers that generously share their time and talents with them.

One of our stand-out volunteers is Emmett Houghton. Emmett has volunteered with Wings of Hope Hospice since November, 2012, and has served in a number of roles. In 2016 alone, he volunteered 121 hours and drove 3367 miles for Wings of Hope Hospice patients. Delivering medications is by far his most frequent assignment. On a typical day, our nurse case managers visit patients to assess how well medications are working. When they and the doctor determine that adjustments are needed, a new prescription is called into the pharmacy. If changes are urgently needed, the nurse will request a volunteer pick up and deliver the medication to the patient's home. Our pharmacy of choice is Portage Pharmacy, which can compound many specialized medications for our patients. A pick-up and delivery is often a 100-mile route. While the distance alone is above and beyond, Emmett is the one we can depend on to meet a patient's needs.

While on medication deliveries, Emmett looks for ways to encourage or bring a smile to the faces of those he meets. Occasionally, he has shoveled a patient's sidewalk or chatted with caregivers about how they are holding up under the stress. When he gets back to the Wings of Hope Hospice office, he also regularly encourages our staff. It is not uncommon for Emmett to just stop into the office to see if there is something he can help with. As you can imagine, there are always a few things that need attention. He has fixed door locks, replaced light bulbs, installed smoke detectors and moved fire extinguishers. We are very grateful for his support.

-Mary Soule, Volunteer Coordinator, Wings of Hope Hospice

Pictured from left to right: Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Mary Soule, Volunteer Coordinator, Wings of Hope Hospice; Emmett Houghton, Volunteer, Wings of Hope Hospice; and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.

Thank you Emmett for your commitment to those you serve!

Congratulations to our April Caregiver Award Recipient Emmett Houghton.

Emmett received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever he would like.

Layla was nominated by Deb LaRoy.

Layla is amazing. She is a vibrant caring loving person. She listens and understands and would often know exactly what we were trying to describe before we could get it out. She went extra miles often for us. She came to see my dad while he was at Rose Arbor and check on each of us. After dad died she made numerous trips to the nursing home to check on my mom. She and I were also co-workers and I always felt appreciated and uplifted by Layla. I know there are numerous folks in this community who have benefited from her love, care and support. She is truly a blessing.

-Deb LaRoy

Pictured from left to right: Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Layla Jabboori, Grief Counselor, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan; Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.

Thank you Layla for your commitment to those you serve!

Congratulations to our March Caregiver Award recipient Layla Jabboori.

Layla received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.

Debra was nominated by Greg Carlson.

We at Wings of Hope Hospice value Deb McCormick's work in our Medical Records Department. We just finished a record year at Wings of Hope, having a higher census than ever before. Still, Deb goes about her work quietly and maintains an "even keel" emotionally, even when under pressure to process an increasing number of records. We enjoy her unflagging sense of humor - even when things get crazy. She has a good chemistry with the rest of our staff, always ready to serve our needs for information. She is a warm professional in a challenging position. She is outstanding in her competence and eye for detail. She has exemplary character in following through on what she promises to do. The reason I'm nominating Deb is that she works humbly year after year without public recognition. Most of us see our names in print and hear them mentioned during community programs and fundraisers throughout the year. Deb, however, often works alone without acknowledgement. But she has a meaningful and purposeful position. She is a vital part of the team providing compassionate care at the end of life for patients and loved ones.

-Greg Carlson, Spiritual Care Coordinator, Wings of Hope Hospice

Pictured from left to right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Debra McCormick, Medical Records Coordinator, Wings of Hope Hospice; Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes, and Greg Carlson, Spiritual Care Coordinator, Wings of Hope Hospice.

Thank you Debra for your commitment to those you serve!

Congratulations to our February Caregiver Award recipient Debra McCormick.

Debra received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.

Gretchen was nominated by Jackie Fletcher.

Gretchen is a wonderful music therapist. My husband Bill was in Amber Gardens (memory ward) at Upjohn Community Care Center. Gretchen brought much joy to him. She played and sang his favorite gospel songs - MUCH TO HIS DELIGHT. During his last hours she "sang him to heaven" and brought comfort to me and my family. Gretchen volunteered to sing at Bill's funeral - all his favorites. It was a joyous occasion. she was so nice to work with - cooperating with our clergy, sound and personal wishes. Everyone was blessed by Gretchen's music, as well as her countenance.

-Jackie Fletcher

Pictured from left to right: Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Gretchen Ross, Music Therapist, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan; and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.

Thank you Gretchen for your commitment to those you serve!

Gretchen received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.