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2019 Award Recipients

2019 Award Recipients

Hospice Caregiver of the Year 2019 - Wendy Miller

Langeland Family Funeral Homes hosted the Fourth Annual Hospice Caregiver Award Banquet on October 9, 2019. The twelve-monthly award winners were invited to an evening of gratitude for their service and to select the Langeland Hospice Caregiver for 2019. Wendy Miller an RN with SouthernCare Hospice was selected as the Langeland 2019 Hospice Caregiver of the Year. She attended the banquet with her husband, Matt and two friends and co-workers from SouthernCare, Jenny Henley and Julie Gimbel. Wendy lives in Portage with her husband and three children. She was very honored to receive the award and expressed how this award shows validation for the work of hospice and a connection with our community. Wendy sees it as a special way to pass the love along. 


This is what Wendy shares about her work in hospice:


“When I tell people what my job is, I am often greeted with sad faces and words of “oh how sad” or “your job must be so hard”. But I do not find my job to be hard. It is sad from time to time, this is true. But mostly, especially after I have spent many hours with families, and my patients have passed peacefully and comfortably surrounded by loved ones; I find an overwhelming sense of calming reward and inner peace by helping these families find understanding and acceptance of their loved ones passing.”


Langeland Family Funeral Homes expresses their sincere thanks for Wendy and all the Hospice Caregivers for the service they provide to those who going through these most difficult times of their lives as a patient and as a family member.  


Following are quotes from other monthly Hospice Caregiver award winners who attended the banquet:


“I cherish life, every second, because of my Hospice experiences. I consciously try to live in the moment. I value the wisdom and knowledge of the elderly.” Hilary Smith, Social Worker, Grace Hospice


“Working at hospice has impacted me by showing me the understanding of families and no family is perfect and to be kind and understanding.” Kelli Owens, Clinical Nurse Assistant, Great Lakes Caring Hospice


“I feel grateful when leaving a home after a visit, knowing that, with God’s help, I have been able to meet a physical, emotional or spiritual need that is a concern that day, leading to increased comfort for the patient and/or the caregiver. It is important to me that they feel as if they were the most important visit of my day!” Donna Coots, Registered Nurse, Wings of Hope Hospice


“I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to work for such a wonderful company with so many fantastic team members. I think my journey begins there. Everything else falls into place. Everyday is special and all of our patients are special. My favorite story, I love what I do.” Karen Wilcox, Licensed Practical Nurse, Great Lakes Caring Hospice


“Being nominated for this award feels pretty special. I say this mostly because while I do remember the patient and family who nominated me, I do not remember doing anything above or beyond what my fellow coworkers and I do every single day. It is humbling to think about what a huge impact we can leave on others on what feels like just an ordinary shift.” Katie Bonita, Registered Nurse Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan – Rose Arbor


“If I can share one special moment with a person in a song, a story; a laugh; a smile; a dance; holding hands or sitting in silence to help bring an atmosphere of dignity to dying, then I have been blessed. Barbara Gillespie, volunteer, Heartland Hospice


“I loved their mission and wanted to play any part possible to help carry it out. I am impacted every day by the people I work with. People that work in hospice care have an incredible amount of compassion in them and makes coming to work a joy.” Amy Chestnut, Fundraising Coordinator, Wings of Hope Hospice


I often see people at their worst times when they have lost all hope. I have met so many families that were scared and afraid to care for their loved ones. As rapport is built with families and the patients, I see them get more comfortable. Patients become comfortable and it brings about a new sense of peace.” Karen Tennant, Registered Nurse, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan

2019 Monthly Award Winners

Shae Auge - Hospice Aide - Hospice Care Of Southwest Michigan

Shea was nominated by Thomas Fenwick & Paula Striebel


On behalf of the family of Velva Fenwick we would like to nominate Shea Auge for her Compassion and Exceptional care of our mother, not only did she provide her bath, but also sat and chatted with her, made sure she had fresh water and something to eat. Our mother looked forward for her scheduled days with her. She even offered to come in on days she was not scheduled to help, toward the end of her life, she not only showed the compassion for our mother but also her family. She went above and beyond what her job is. She made our mother’s last few weeks of life more comfortable.

- Thank you from the family of Velva Fenwick


Pictured from left to right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Shea Auge, Hospice Aide, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan; Shelby Herendeen, Licensed Funeral Director, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.


Thank you Shea for your commitment to those you serve!


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

Kelli Vaughan - Hospice Aide - Hospice Care Of Southwest Michigan - Rose Arbor

Kelli Vaughan was nominated by Barb Sagara.


Kelli always joked with my mom and watched TV with her. Mom enjoyed the company. Kelli made sure my mom was never alone for more than a short while, which really helped as we have a very small family and couldn’t be there as much as we wanted to be.

-Barb Sagara


Pictured from left to right: Kelli Vaughan, Hospice Aide, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan - Rose Arbor; and Greg Langeland, Vice President, Langeland Family Funeral Homes


Thank you Kelli for your commitment to those you serve!


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

Julie Jacobs - Hospice Aide - Hospice Care Of Southwest Michigan

Julie Jacobs was nominated by Mark Hochmuth and also received an anonymous nomination.


Julie helped Mom twice a week beginning in March of 2018, and beginning March of this year, three times a week. She bathed Mom twice a week and did light housekeeping once a week. During these times I would take a half hour walk and upon returning would find the two of them sitting on the sofa, as close as possible, engrossed in conversation like life-long friends, actually more like family. She would always let Karen, Mom's nurse know if a new concern arose Julie came four times the last week Mom was at home. The final time she scheduled to prepare Mom for transfer to Rose Arbor. Mom couldn't get ready herself and was beyond my help. Julie did so with love and grace in such a dignified manner - what was witnessed and experienced in those moments I will never forget.


A Sunset

He had misunderstood, or did not hear

Mother was not to be left there

But scheduled to be interred at the time

He proceeded to the funeral line

And followed the official's car

His the second, and last car

In creeping funeral procession

His feelings in possession

And upon arrival at the appointed site

Father's open grave gave no fright

Nor the green urn entering brown earth

Lovers reunited after the dearth

And as sand covered the two of them

He remembered Lake Michigan

Lions Beach, mother impatiently waiting

Father done swimming

At day's end

September 5th

Fort Custer National Cemetery


-Mark Hochmuth


There is not a kinder soul on this planet than Julie Jacobs. I have witnessed on more than one occasion the love, care, & compassion she gives to every person she meets. She lights up every room she walks into. Julie has a way of making people feel relaxed and at ease. Whether it be a client who is anxious about someone, assisting them with personal care or a family member who is overwhelmed, sad and tired. Julie knows just what to provide each person with when they need it. It could be anything from lending an ear to giving a much needed hug, Julie is the stability needed in these tough situations. I personally could not have made it through the loss of my grandmother without her. She treated my grandmother as one of her own. That is something I will forever be grateful for. She is the best hospice aide I’ve ever met.

-Anonymous


Pictured from left to right: Greg Langeland, Vice President, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Julie Jacobs, Hospice Aide, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan


Thank you Julie for your commitment to those you serve!


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

Katie Lancaster - Registered Nurse - Ascension At Home - Hospice

Katie was nominated by Ida and Duane Verschoof.


Katie was Duane’s nurse here at home as well as at Kairos Dwelling before he passed away on June 26th. Both Duane and I thought that we were so lucky to get Katie for his nurse. She always had a smile on her face from the time she came to when she left. Always answered all his and my questions so we understood and encouraged us all along the way until June 26th. We couldn’t have asked for better care and were very pleased with our Katie as well as the rest of care we received from Reverence. (Now known as Ascension At Home - Hospice)


Thanks, 

-Ida & Duane Verschoof


Pictured from left to right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Katie Lancaster Registered Nurse, Ascension At Home - Hospice; Greg Langeland, Vice President, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.


Thank you Katie for your commitment to those you serve!


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

Karen Tennant - Registered Nurse - Hospice Care Of Southwest Michigan

Karen was nominated by Mark Berkey and Ginny Walls.


For the past 6+ months Karen has been caring for my mother, Donna Berkey. On the third visit, my mom thought of her not only as her nurse but a close friend. Karen improved my mom’s life and her compassion was a large part of that. I was always impressed by her professionalism and her knowledge of what mom needed and when she needed it. I could not have asked for better care than what Karen provided.

-Mark Berkey


Karen is one special lady..She recently lost her husband and her daughter and has taken her daughters son under her loving wings to raise him on her own..Even in her grief she is able to give special care to to others in need..She  gave my dear friend Betty Hochmuth special care for a very long time.. Betty and her family truly appreciated her very much...Betty was recently placed into Rose Arbor and Karen was so kind as to visit with her several times..The care that goes into doing this type of work takes a very special person and they deserve to be recognized and thanked for their sacrifices..Thanks to Langelands one of these special care givers are awarded for their service once every month..Many thanks to all the care givers as well as to Langelands for recognizing them.

-Ginny Walls


Pictured from left to right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Karen Tennant, RN, Hospice Care of Southwest MI; Greg Langeland, Vice President, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.


Thank you Karen for your commitment to those you serve!


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

Amy Chestnut - Fundraising Coordinator

Amy was nominated by the TEAM at Wings of Hope Hospice


As Fundraising Coordinator, Amy Chestnut’s dedication helps Wings of Hope accomplish its mission and contributes significantly to our overall patient care needs. From making floats to lip syncing, Amy will do just about anything to support Wings of Hope Hospice and the Wings Home. Our annual auction (our largest fundraising event) is phenomenal because of her organizational skills. It seems that everyone who lives in our area knows who Amy is and trusts her to pull off first-rate events. She is a calm diplomat in helping everything to run smoothly – even in a crisis. We often enjoy her sense of humor. Amy provides compassionate and professional in-house support. She covers our main phone frequently and is always a friendly voice on the other end. When greeting the public at our front desk, she graciously makes sure the need is met. She oversees our web site and Facebook page. She is a steady and resourceful worker, always ready to help in any way she can. The excellent work that Amy does arises from who she is. If there is one word that sums her up, it is “humble.” Her presence is unassuming, yet full of joy. Her humility leads to her ethics. She treats everyone with respect and assumes the best about everyone. She finds the positive in each situation. Her genuine care for people is seen in her non-judgmental listening ability. Yet she often has a wise insight to help with a problem. There is something special about Amy Chestnut that cannot be summarized in one word. Amy is a calming presence, a true friend, a person with a warm heart and smile. She is just the kind of person a hospice needs. She is part of the positive energy in the room. To know Amy is to love her. As team members at Wings of Hope, we wholeheartedly nominate Amy Chestnut for the Langeland Hospice Caregiver Award. 

-Greg Carlson


Pictured from left to right:


Greg Langeland, Vice President, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Amy Chestnut, Fundraising Coordinator, Wings of Hope Hospice


Thank you Amy for your commitment to those you serve!


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

Barb Gillespie

Barb was nominated by Scarlet O'Heran, Volunteer Coordinator - Heartland Hospice


Barb has been a volunteer with our organization for almost 16 years. Barb serves in the capacity of friendly visitor of hospice patients. She has an ability to meet patients where they are emotionally and physically. Her dedication, compassion, humility and service is an inspiration to our entire team here at Heartland. She was quoted to say "If I can share one special moment with a person in a song, a story, a laugh, or a smile, to help bring an atmosphere of dignity to a dying patient, then I have been blessed." Barb has walked with over 150 patients to the end of their life, with beauty, grace and love she continues to make a difference in those last days.

-Scarlet O'Heran


Pictured from left to right: Greg Langeland, Vice Presisdent, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Barb Gillespie, Volunteer, Heartland Hospice; Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.


Thank you Barb for your commitment to those you serve!


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

Katie Bonita - Registered Nurse - Hospice Care Of Southwest Michigan, Rose Arbor

Katie was nominated by Cheryl Hawkes on behalf of the Poortenga Family


Katie was the first nurse we met when our Mom arrived at Rose Arbor. She was very gentle and loving with Mom and knew exactly how to help her. She had a sweet, caring, and a welcoming nature that was a blessing to our family during this difficult time. It was comforting that she was also the nurse with Mom when she passed. It takes a special, loving, caring person to work at a hospice facility and we are thankful for Katie and the blessings she brought to our family.

Thanks again.

-Cheryl Hawkes


Pictured from left to right: Lisa Langeland Allen, Treasurer, Langeland Family funeral Homes; Katie Bonita, Registered Nurse, Rose Arbor - Hospice Care of Southwest MI; Shelby Herendeen, Langeland Family Certified Funeral Apprentice.


Thank you Katie for your commitment to those you serve!     


Congratulations to our May 2019 Caregiver Award recipient Katie Bonita.


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

Karen Wilcox - Licensed Practical Nurse - Great Lakes Caring Hospice

Karen was nominated by Bonnie Langeland.


Karen went above and beyond caring for my aunt –


She was so helpful. Couldn’t have gotten thru some nights without her help.

-Bonnie Langeland


Pictured from left to right: Lisa Langeland Allan, Treasurer of Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Karen Wilcox, LPN, Great Lakes Caring Hospice; and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.


Thank you Karen for your commitment to those you serve!     


Congratulations to our April Caregiver Award recipient Karen Wilcox.


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

Donna Coots - Registered Nurse - Wings Of Hope Hospice

Donna was nominated by Jack and Rosemary Nicewander.


Mrs. Coots made the enrollment very smooth, knows her job very well, and is a very Caring and Kind Hearted Person.

-Jack & Rosemary Niceswander


Pictured from left to right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langelands Family Funeral Homes; Donna Coots, RN, Wings of Hope Hospice; Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.


Thank you Donna for your commitment to those you serve!     


Congratulations to our March Caregiver Award recipient Donna Coots.


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

Wendy Miller - Registered Nurse - SouthernCare Hospice

Wendy was nominated by Susan Henderson


Wendy, from SouthernCare Hospice was our mom’s Hospice nurse during her last 4-5 months of life. We appreciated Wendy’s availability, her patience with us when answering all our many questions and listening to our concerns. We also appreciated her willingness to look for solutions that fit not only our mom’s conditions but our desires for her comfort and care as well. She spoke with our mom and our family in a very direct but caring way, allowing us whatever time we needed to process or explain our thoughts and feelings as well as process our grief. Wendy arrived in my mom’s life at a time when her care was not going well - her medications were not being handled professionally or appropriately, and the Hospice team stepped in and skillfully took over that part of her care as part of their service. As a result, our mom’s medications were faithfully provided and monitored, and were often changed as mom’s physical decline warranted it. Wendy followed through regularly with the facility’s staff, training and explaining as she interacted with them, to ensure that our mom was receiving the best possible care. Shortly after my mom’s passing, Wendy came, and while only two family members were present at that time, she waited over an hour until my husband and I arrived before calling the funeral home to come and pick up our mom’s body. We greatly appreciated her giving us this extra time in her schedule – it allowed me the time to not only grieve my mom’s passing before her body was removed but allowed me the time to talk with Wendy as well – to achieve closure. I was the family member who was present for most of the Hospice visits, meaning I had a lot of interaction with Wendy, and her caring and compassion for me became very important to me. She is a gem. While our family is very grateful for all the folks at SouthernCare Hospice we are most grateful for Wendy sharing her life and her skills with us through a very difficult time. She poured into our family and showed a love for us and for my mom far above what many medical professionals share. She was a huge blessing to us and we thank her for loving my mom while caring for her, and for loving and caring for the rest of our family as well. Thank you, Wendy, and To God Be the Glory.

-Susan Henderson


Pictured from Left to Right:

Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Wendy Miller, Registered Nurse, SouthernCare Hospice; Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes.


Thank you Wendy for your commitment to those you serve!     


Congratulations to our February Caregiver Award recipient Wendy Miller.


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

Kelli Owens - Clinical Nurse Assistant - Great Lakes Caring Hospice

Kelli was nominated two separate families by Tarina Macklem and also by Cindy Johannes.


Kelli was our Mom’s hospice support. She spent extra time and extra care with Peggy. Her loving attitude made a very difficult time for us and Mom easier. She communicated every step of the way. Kelli would ask advice as well as listen to all Peggy’s idea. Anyone who has Kelli for care at a most difficult time is lucky to have her. That is why Kelli deserves every good thing that may happen to her.

-Tarina Macklem


Kelli cared for dad for 5 months. She is a very caring and giving person. She treated dad with great respect and that made him feel very special as he was on his final journey. Kelli saw dad 5 days a week for all his personal care and to feed him daily breakfast. She not only was there for dad but also for us his daughters. She prepared us for everything we should expect and taught us how to respond for every issue that dad should have. She was there also after work hours to check on dad and always made sure we knew how to contact her at home with any questions that might arise. She is very dedicated to her work but mostly to her clients. As this was our first experience with death, she certainly made things easier with her love and compassion. We would certainly request Kelli again if the need arose and suggest she be nominated for this award as she is very deserving of so much more. She was our angel in what has to be the most difficult time in ones life. Thank you Kelli, we love you very much!!!

-Cindy Johannes


Pictured from left to right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Kelli Owens, Clinical Nurse Assistant, Great Lakes Caring Hospice; Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes.


Thank you Kelli for your commitment to those you serve!     


Congratulations to our January 2019 Caregiver Award recipient Kelli Owens.


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

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