April Volunteer Spotlight

Paulette Feeney clearly remembers the first two patients she met while volunteering with Islands Hospice. “The first patient allowed me to feed her at dinnertime and wanted some scripture reading and prayers afterward. Her face lit up with joy when we concluded with Our Father before saying our good-byes,” Paulette recalled.

The second patient she met felt like “a long-lost friend.” Together, they reminisced about earlier days that made her life worthwhile. “It was a privilege to share such moments with these individuals,” Paulette reflected.

After losing a parent and three siblings to cancer, Paulette wanted to support others going through the difficult experience. For the past four years, she has volunteered at Islands Hospice, and has been a light to many in times of darkness. She provides respite to families and patients in end-care facilities.

Paulette starts her shift by signing in, saying hello to staff and residents. She is then off to see patients. If they are asleep, she plays music from her phone and if awake, she introduces herself and talks with them. Over the years, Paulette has learned that some patients can express more than others, and she goes with their flow.

Although officially retired, Paulette lives a busy life practicing yoga and tai chi and taking other exercise classes at the YMCA two to three times a week. She volunteers with her community association as a block captain and remains the point person for her neighborhood for emergencies. We are thankful Paulette manages to fit volunteering with Islands Hospice into her busy schedule and are grateful for her genuine compassion and positive attitude.