Carol Rencheck

Chair

“I became involved with Huron Shores Hospice after moving into the area in 2017. I was looking for volunteer opportunities along with ways to meet members of my new community. I began by helping with the fundraising events and from there joined the board in 2018. Shortly before moving to Bruce County, I had experienced the death of my father in a hospital setting. Although the staff tried to make his death compassionate, it felt very cold and impersonal. I knew that there had to be a better way for end-of-life care for the person dying as well as the family members. Huron Shores Hospice has created an amazing space for end-of-life care and I am proud to be a member of this organization.”

Alexanne Pizycki

Vice Chair

"I first became involved with the Huron Shores Hospice through volunteering and fundraising opportunities, both personally and professionally. I have been part of the Bruce County Community since 2005 and since have made Bruce County my official home.  I wanted to always do more with the hospice and joining the board to be able to help the community has always been a goal of mine. As most, I have seen my share of death and dying with dignity, compassion and surrounding love should be available to all is my true belief."

Anne Halbert

Treasurer

“It’s strange how you never think about your end-of-life Journey until you are faced with it.  Such was the case when my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, and suddenly you’re having discussions about Respite Care, Dying at Home vs In-Hospital vs Hospice. All I knew was I wanted to care for him at home as long as I could, and when that was no longer possible, I wanted him to receive the same level of comfort, compassion and dignity as we, his family, was providing.  The decision was an easy one - Hospice was the obvious choice. I take great comfort in knowing that is how his Journey ended and am passionate about ensuring others may share the same experience.  The commitment, dedication and compassion of the Huron Shores Hospice Board Members, Staff and Volunteers is second to none, and an organization I am grateful to be part of.”

Margaret McBeath

Secretary

“I first came to know about the hospice through fundraising events and colleagues who volunteered and was inspired by the team that is working so hard to provide the important service of hospice care to our community.  I am also a researcher in the field of Public Health and am interested in ways we can offer more human-centered forms of care at all stages of life. Everyone should have access to high-quality and supportive palliative care in their own communities – and I am proud to serve on a board that makes this happen.”

Cheryl Cottrill

Founding Director

“My involvement in hospice came from the awkwardness around a number of close family deaths. The experience lacked compassion and dignity. I knew there had to be a better way and recognized the gaps in community care. My desire to make death and dying easier for others led me to the steering committee, which founded Huron Shores Hospice. Our community members now have the option to come into our residential hospice and receive 24/7 quality, compassionate and dignified care. They can also use our variety of community programs supporting grief, end-of-planning and hosted Death Cafes. I am incredibly humbled by the community support and very proud of the team that makes the hospice such a special place for families.”

Paul Holmes

Director

"I became aware of Community Hospices in 2020 when my Aunt who had been diagnosed with Cancer decided  to decline treatments and go to a Hospice.  I was amazed at the love and care she and our family was given by Hospice staff and volunteers.

My background has involved Leadership and Management of people and resources to deliver Contemporary Police Services and Community Safety Initiatives in rural communities in Huron and Bruce Counties.  I have also participated as a Director on Community Organization’s Services Board of Directors in the past. 

I am pleased and honoured to participate as a volunteer with the Huron Shores Hospice."

Marlene Morrow

Director

“Dying with dignity in a comforting setting CLOSE to home and surrounded by loved ones was/is important to me!  When I learned of Huron Shores Hospice a few years ago and their need for Board Members I was excited.  I am thankful my past experiences in teaching and volunteering have come in handy but the enthusiasm and support in this amazing organization is great!”

Janice Chalmers

Director

“Dying with Dignity has always been a philosophy I support.  End of life should be about compassion & dignity, and a facility that provides comfort for the resident, family & friends.  Community involvement has always been important to me & joining the Board of Huron Shores Hospice provides me the opportunity to give back.”

Liz White

Director

“Having recently retired from a satisfying  career as a registered nurse, I found myself wondering how best to continue to contribute to my community.  Because palliative and end of life care has been an integral and highly rewarding aspect of my career, the opportunity to serve as a board member at Huron Shores Hospice, seemed a truly meaningful fit.  As a Community nurse, with the VON I was honoured to provide in home end of life care and support to many Bruce County residents and their families.  Our community is now so privileged to be able to choose the professional, compassionate, caring environment of hospice for their loved ones final journey.   I am grateful to be a part of this organization and the important service that is provided for the residents of Huron Shores.  ”

Jennifer Bedard

Director

"My personal experience providing end of life care for a loved one, and my desire to contribute to the community in a meaningful way, is what led me to pursue this opportunity with Huron Shores Hospice. Huron Shores Hospice provides residents with a comfortable space, and compassionate care so that they may depart in a way that is peaceful and dignified. It gives families of residents, respite, peace of mind, and the comfort that they desire for their loved ones as they near their final moments. It is my hope that these are the memories they will have when they recall the experience of losing their loved one in hospice. I am honoured to be a member of the board of directors and I look forward to serving the community through Huron Shores Hospice."

Alex Duthie

Director

"I was a Scotsman who emigrated to Canada in 1959. My professional career has been spent in Canada, covering many industries in a few provinces. My first wife and I had four children, three of which have died. I have a son and three grandchildren, and in 2024, I am to become a Great Grandfather.  My first wife was in palliative care spent her last four weeks at home. It was difficult. My experience with hospice was in Cambridge when one of my friends spent his last few weeks there. I was so impressed and pleased with the atmosphere and professionalism I saw there, and I am so pleased to be joining the HSH board."

Pat O'Connor

Director

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