logo-image

2021 Award Recipients

2021 Award Recipients

Hospice Caregiver of the Year 2021 - Nancy Lyon

On October 20, 2021 Nancy Lyon was selected as the 2021 Langeland Hospice Caregiver of the Year. She attended the Hospice Caregiver Awards banquet with her husband Curtis and two of her three sons, Quincy and Matthew. Nancy has worked for Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan Michigan for 8 years as Certified Nurse Assistant. She was nominated originally for the Langeland monthly Hospice Caregiver award by her collogues at Wings of Hope Hospice and received the November 2020 monthly award. She and the other 11 Hospice Caregiver Awards recipients (as well as including several of their guests) were invited to the annual banquet on October 20, 2021 at the Westside Chapel of Langeland Family Funeral Homes. During the banquet each of the attendees was recognized for their special work as a Hospice Caregiver.


Nancy’s journey towards working at hospice began when her brother was on hospice, and she became his Power of Attorney. She had never thought about working for hospice until after her brother’s passing, months down the road. His death was a traumatic time for her and her family, but she saw how beautiful “the team hospice” was at during his time on the service. She says, “They made it the best for my brother it could possibly be. They were like my bloodline. Each discipline did their part, and this comforted us in this time. This is also where I came to the end of myself and cried out for help to God as I was so broken. And He alone saved me. This is when I knew I wanted to work for hospice and give back what was done for me.” She also shared about how working during the pandemic has reaffirmed things that she has always believed, “To listen to that really small voice in my mind, heart and soul that is bigger than the news, the media and the world around me and the unseen. That death is imminent for all of us, not just hospice patients. The most important person to listen to is not ourselves, but the one who is always there no matter the circumstances and loves far more than we can imagine and forgives all our sins.”


After receiving the Hospice Caregiver of the Year Award Nancy, she began by saying how she glorifies God in all His work and prays that He guides her. “It is my desire to be led by Jesus in all my relationships and I believe He brought me to hospice and He is working out in me, my salvation through faith. That not of myself, He continues to build those relationships for community and family to glorify Him. I am so blessed and my cup overflows”

Other Hospice Caregiver Award winners shared their thoughts as well:

“The most gratifying part of Stephanie’s job is the smiles! It warms her heart when she knows they are looking forward to her visiting, seeing that she can make them feel better at least for a moment.” Stephanie Esman – Home Health Aide - Hospice Care of Southwest MI


Through the challenges of working in a pandemic Crystal shares, “I have learned that when loved ones are unable to see our clients, it’s more important than ever that we are their eyes and ears, and that any piece of contact we can facilitate between clients and their families is such a gift.” Crystal Morrow – Registered Nurse - Elara Caring Hospice


“Helping others in time of need and helping their families and being that smiling, compassionate face that helps them in a time when they need it the most. Every moment is special to me from the time I walk in until the time, I walk out the door, I know I’ve made a difference in someone’s life.” Tina Higdon – Nursing Assistant – Heartland Hospice


“I’ve been changed as a hospice nurse seeing the amazing differences in every client and family and how they move through the death process. It has widened my eyes further to appreciate the awe of how beautifully different we all are in life and death.” Beth Koperdak – Registered Nurse – Hospice Care of Southwest MI


Matt speaks about how his work at hospice has changed him, “My work with hospice has made me more aware of and more concerned about the many ways our society and our health care system fail the people they claim to serve, thus making me into an ever more fierce and more committed advocate.” Matt Gross – Registered Nurse – Hospice Care of Southwest MI



“I was able to care for my mom at her end of life. She often said to me she did’t know how I did this job and I told her, ‘Someone is there to bring people into this world, and someone has to be there to help people out’”. Nichole Schnurr – Registered Nurse – Elara Caring Hospice

2021 Monthly Award Winners

Crystal Morrow - Registered Nurse - Elara Caring Hospice

Crystal Morrow received two nominations one by Kellee Banaag  and another by Christine Moore for the Langeland Hospice Caregiver Award.


I would like to nominate Crystal Morrow for the Hospice Caregiver Award. Crystal has done an outstanding job with her patients/families as well as facilities. I have received so many compliments with the care that Crystal has provided by her compassion, team-work and integrity, that shows through the care that she has provided. There are too many examples to share, in which she has built these relationships and trust with our patients/families. She handles all situations with a joyful heart and such grace it is no surprise.

-Kellee Banaag


Crystal Morrow was my mother’s primary nurse from March through Mom’s passing on May 10th. During March and the first half of April Mom’s health improved to the point that we thought she would be able to come off of hospice, but a sudden health setback changed all that.


My mother was a fiercely independent woman with strong ideas of what she was or was not going to do. Crystal gained my mother’s love, trust and confidence from the beginning and through the many health ups and downs Mom experienced during their time together.


One of the things my mom absolutely refused to take was morphine. Her late husband had taken it in his own end days, and I am sure Mom equated morphine with imminent death. My sister and I could not convince her that a very small dose would ease her pain, nothing more.


Toward the end, when Mom’s pain was not able to be managed with her other medications, Crystal was able to persuade her to give the morphine a try. When Mom realized it helped her, but didn’t incapacitate her, she agreed to continue to take it as needed, and that really helped ease her last days with us.


Mom was having daily nurse visits for the last 3 weeks of her life, and other nurses besides Crystal would sometimes visit. It just happened that the morning of my mom’s passing, Crystal was on the schedule to see her. Crystal’s caring and compassion for us and for Mom as she bathed and dressed Mom was a blessing to us at a terribly sad time.


Our last weeks with our mother was enhanced greatly by Crystal’s care and counsel.

-Christine Moore


Left to Right: Crystal Morrow, Registered Nurse, Elara Caring Hospice; and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services.


Crystal received the Hospice Caregiver Award for August.


Thank you Crystal for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you have gone above and beyond during the pandemic.


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

Beth Koperdak - Registered Nurse - Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan

Beth was nominated by Lian Wardrop for the Langeland Hospice Caregiver Award.


Beth went above and beyond her line of nursing care to give my mom the most comfortable emotional and physical death she possibly could. Not only is Beth excellent at communicating to her patients but is also outstanding at communicating to families. By taking as much time as my mom needed to explain to her what was happening in all areas as she was dying of brain cancer, Beth exuded compassion, calmness and light. Our family and most likely many others want to recognize Beth for her amazingly beautiful job of caring for her patients as they pass.

-Lian Wardrop


Left to Right: Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial &; Beth Koperdak, Registered Nurse, Hospice Care of Southwest MI; and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services.


Beth received the Hospice Caregiver Award for July.


Thank you Beth for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you have gone above and beyond during the pandemic.


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

Katrina Talbert - Registered Nurse - Kindred Hospice Care

Katrina was nominated by Ronald Benoit and family for the Hospice Caregiver Award.


Katrina had met my mom only a couple of times. She was not my mom's primary nurse and yet she was on-call when my dad called. We are so glad she took the call. My dad has expressed, many times, how grateful he was for her when she arrived. My mom had already passed when Katrina arrived at my parent's house in the early morning hour of March 22nd. She took my dad by his hands when she arrived and walked him to where my mom was laying. She knelt down beside my mom with so much compassion. As she assessed my mom, she told my dad how peaceful she looked. She asked my dad if she could say a prayer with him, so while holding his hands she prayed over my mom. Then, Katrina, with her caring hands gave my mom her final bath. My dad said she never once appeared rushed or hurried. She took her time and cared for my mom one more time. The end of life is never easy, even when expected. Katrina is so compassionate and caring and we are so very grateful she answered the call. We believe it takes a special person to work with the end of life. Katrina is truly an amazing nurse!

-Ronald Benoit and family


Left to Right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services; Katrina Talbert, Registered Nurse, Kindred Hospice Care.


Katrina received the Hospice Caregiver Award for June while social distancing outside in the presence of her coworkers.


Thank you Katrina for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you are going above and beyond during the current pandemic.


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

Laura Toweson - Clinical Liaison - Wings Of Hope Hospice

Laura was nominated by Betty Jo Ferry and her Collogues at Wings of Hope Hospice.


"Laura is our Clinical Liaison and has been with Wings of Hope Hospice for a year in April. She hit the ground running and cultivated good working relationships with our referral sources. When Covid hit, her approach had to change but she persevered and continued to do her job virtually. Laura is not afraid of hard work and has an excellent work ethic. If there is an urgent need Laura is always there. Laura has helped in taking referrals and gladly does informational visits when needed. On Christmas Eve 2020, Laura worked late so that a patient could be out of the hospital and admitted to hospice by Christmas Day. Laura goes above and beyond every day! Her smile and willingness to help others is outstanding. She is a valuable and valued member of our team. We don't know what we did without her! We would like to see her honored for all she does. She is a humble person and will be very surprised by this award. Thank you. From her coworkers: "Laura always goes above and beyond the call of duty, she’s always willing to help out no matter the situation. She meets you with a smile and with eagerness to help. She’s a true gem." “Laura makes a great first impression for Wings of Hope wherever she is, whether in a doctor’s office, facility, a family’s home or We Honor Vets ceremony. She is smart, personable and a quality person.” “Laura, you are a gift to WOHH. Your cheerful attitude, willingness to quickly adjust to changes in your job without hesitation, always being willing to help out doing whatever and whenever you can has made you an invaluable part of the team! I personally appreciate the calls you have given me on the weekend to help with gathering information on referrals and admissions when I have been swamped and you didn’t even know it! Your response: “I am always willing to do what I can to make the nurses’ jobs easier!” Thank you!!!” “She so deserves it!! Laura is always willing to help out and get patients on the services they need. She deeply cares for people and our patients. She is willing to not only go the extra miles but drive the extra miles to help get patients on service. “ “Laura has great energy. She is kind, positive and very competent of the various roles at Wings. Her eagerness to help has been a gift to many, including the inaugural Night of Hope Online Auction.” “Laura is simply amazing! She has a gift of making you feel like you have her whole attention and really listens, leaves you feeling good. She is also passionate about her job.”"

-Collogues at Wings of Hope Hospice


Left to Right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services; Laura Toweson, Clinical Liaison, Wings of Hope Hospice; Shelby Herendeen, a Langeland Licensed Funeral Director/Fourth Generation Family Employee.


Laura received the Hospice Caregiver Award for May while social distancing outside in the presence of some of her coworkers.


Thank you Laura for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you are going above and beyond during the current pandemic.


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

Catherine Foster - Hospice Volunteer - Heartland Hospice

Catherine was nominated by Scarlet O'Heran for the Hospice Caregiver Award.


I am nominating Catherine because of her heart to serve hospice patients and their families. As many volunteers are stepping back from any form of involvement during this uncertain time, Catherine continues to look for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our patients. Catherine actively searched for a way to make an impact, even with restrictions being enforced with facilities, and her duties changing from in person to connecting via phone. Catherine began calling home patients as a way to fulfill their physical (supply requests) and emotional needs from afar. Each week her patients know that they will be checked in on, listened to, and receive Catherine’s very best. Catherine continues to be open and willing to help in any way, including adding six month bereavement calls to her volunteering. At every turn Catherine has come back with, “What can I do to make life a little better for those who are hurting and in need”. When Catherine picks up a phone to call a patient, she is able to communicate that she cares about them and they are not alone in their journey. Thank you for your consideration of this wonderful lady.

-Scarlet O'Heran


Pictured from Left to Right: Catherine Foster, Hospice Volunteer, Heartland Hospice; Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services.


We were able to honor Catherine while staying safe.


Thank you Catherine for all you do as an exceptional Volunteer Caregiver and we especially recognize how you are going above and beyond during the current pandemic.


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

Julie Ferguson - Director - Registered Nurse - Compassus Hospice

Julie was nominated for the Hospice Caregiver Award by Amanda Parsons.


I would like to nominate Julie Ferguson BSN RN, She is the director for Compassus Hospice, Not only is she the director she has been doing visits as an RN and taking on call at nights and working the weekends when times are tough and we have staffing issues. Julie goes above and beyond her job description to help everyone on her team.

-Amanda Parsons


Pictured from Left to Right:  Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services; Julie Ferguson, Director & Registered Nurse, Compassus Hospice; and Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services.


We were able to honor Julie while staying safe.


Thank you Julie for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you are going above and beyond during the current pandemic.


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

Tina Higdon - CENA - Heartland Hospice

Tina was nominated for the Hospice Caregiver Award by Ashmeeta Madhav.


Tina took exceptional care of my husband Bhipin as his body deteriorated from pancreatic cancer. She was patient, caring & empathetic. Many people gave up on him but Tina patiently tolerated his needs and assisted him. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel towards Tina for all she has done for Bhipin Madhav. GOD Bless her kind heart.

-Ashmeeta Madhav


Pictured from Left to Right: Tina Higdon, CENA, Heartland Hospice; Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services and Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services.


We were able to honor Tina while social distancing.


Thank you Tina for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you are going above and beyond during the current pandemic.


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

Nichole Schnurr - Registered Nurse - Elara Caring Hospice

Nichole was nominated by Holly Patterson for the Hospice Caregiver Award.


Nichole is a wonderful example of a nurse who truly loves what she does and is compassionate about caring for people. She provides hospice education and care to our patients, and families. Nichole has grown her compassion for hospice through personal experiences, work experience, and has shown her compassion through mentoring and providing direct care. Nichole is a beautiful person and exceptional nurse. I am proud to work beside her and I am grateful for her shared knowledge and continued support. 

-Holly Patterson


Due to Covid-19 Pandemic and the requirements for social distancing Nichole Schnurr received her award on January 8 at a Phone-in Staff meeting with Elara Caring Hospice. Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, and Shelby Herendeen, Licensed Funeral Director & 4th Generation Langeland Family Member from Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services were able to present the award over the phone in the hearing of her co-workers. Nichole picked up her Hospice Caregiver Award at Elara Caring Hospice and shared her photo with us.


Thank you Nichole for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you are going above and beyond during the current pandemic. 


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

Matt Gross - Registered Nurse - Hospice Care Of Southwest Michigan

Matt was nominated for the Hospice Caregiver Award by three separate individuals for the care of their family members:  Joanne Brown & Kathy VanGoeye; Lisa Butcher; and Robyn Killips.


From the moment we met Matt, we noticed his calm and professional demeanor. We appreciated his clarity and thoughtfulness in helping us make decisions. His kind and gentle in approach in caring for our mom and the way he met her where she was each day was comforting to all of us. We can never thank him enough for helping us navigate through this difficult time. Our mom was in Assisted Living at the Vineyards during her hospice case. He was well received by the workers at Vineyards and they readily took his lead. Matt has a definite calling to this profession and it shows. Thank you Hospice of Southwest Michigan for sharing Matt with us and thank you Langelands for giving us the opportunity to nominate Matt!

- Joanne Brown & Kathy VanGoeye


This was our first experience with hospice and words cannot express how thankful we are that Matt was there by our side. My mom was in an assisted living facility and due to Covid we had not been able to see her since March. She had a couple of falls and was not eating, the assisted living facility recommended that we call hospice to help her with some of her health issues. We signed papers with hospice the afternoon of Friday 9/25 and Matt visited my mom the morning of Monday 9/28. By noon on that day she had a new bed and a shower seat, by the end of the week she had a new wheelchair. Matt was in contact with me and made me feel very comfortable with texting him at any time that I had any questions. Unfortunately my mom was not well and he had said she had maybe a few weeks to a month left to live unless she started to eat. As the days moved by I could tell by just my window visits with my mom that she was failing fast. I had texted Matt early the morning of Monday 10/5 as I had seen a change in just the few days over the weekend. He called me later that day and worked with the facility so that we were able to get into my mom's room and be by her side. Unfortunately she passed away on Wednesday 10/7 but without Matt's support we would not have been able to be by her side for her last days. I will be forever be grateful to him as I would have struggled knowing that I was not there for her. Matt was straight up on her condition, told us what to expect and was spot on. His professionalism, poise and sympathy at the end were top notch. Hospice of Southwest Michigan, you are lucky to have Matt as part of your staff. THANK YOU Matt for caring for my mom during her last days, there are not enough words to express our gratitude. God Bless all of our hospice workers.

-Lisa Butcher


Matt was truly amazing. He was very compassionate and encouraging, giving us opinions and walking us thru the many stages my mom went thru. He was gentle yet very honest with us. He laughed with us and cried with us. I truly felt he loved my mom and treated her with so much care and compassion. He felt like a part of our family and we miss him!

-Robyn Killips


Matt Gross Registered Nurse at Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan received the Hospice Caregiver Award for December while social distancing.  


Shelby Herendeen, a Langelands Licensed Funeral Director/Fourth Generation Family Employee and Dana Naumann,  Bereavement Care Coordinator presented the award to Matt outside in the presence of some of his coworkers.



Thank you Matt for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you are going above and beyond during the current pandemic.


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

Nancy Lyon - Certified Nursing Assistant - Wings Of Hope Hospice

Nancy was nominated by her colleagues at Wings of Hope Hospice for the Hospice Caregiver Award


Nancy Lyon gracefully balances her roles of wife, mother, active church member and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Wings of Hope Hospice. She has a positive, sunny disposition and is frequently mentioned by the families she serves as an aide who helps to lift their spirits.


In caring for the patient’s personal hygiene needs, Nancy is always respectful of the person and the body. Whether changing linens, bathing or dressing a patient, she has the knack for moving the body in a way that brings the least discomfort. She often brings calm by using lotions and essential oils in her massages. Whether changing a brief, washing hair or brushing teeth, she often leaves the patient and family with a smile.


Considering the frequency with which a CNA and patient interact, and the intimacy of the service, a strong bond between the two often develops. Nancy Lyon has said, “The CNA is building trust with a patient in an intimate act of care.” People actually relax in experiencing the gentle touch of a CNA.


Nancy sometimes bathes a body after death occurs before the family arrives or before it goes off to the funeral director. This intimate last rite of loving respect has brought comfort and dignity to sorrowful scenes.


Our Nancy sees the spiritual significance of her hospice work as being the hands and feet of Jesus. We love and respect her. We recommend her for the Hospice Caregiver Award.

- Colleagues at Wings of Hope 


Pictured from Left to Right:  Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services and Nancy Lyon, Certified Nursing Assistant, Wings of Hope Hospice


We were able to honor Nancy while social distancing.  


Thank you Nancy for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you are going above and beyond during the current pandemic.  


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

Amy Neujahr - Registered Nurse - Hospice Care Of Southwest Michigan - Rose Arbor

Amy Neujahr was nominated by Fred Dutton for the Hospice Caregiver Award.


While the overall service at Rose Arbor was exemplary and the entire staff kind and supportive, one person stood out. Amy Neujahr, RN was that special person who could make my mother smile and even laugh. On one occasion she did this by singing to Mom and at other times by telling her stories – some about herself. I laughed too! This is quite an accomplishment in an environment where people are waiting to die.

-Fred Dutton


Pictured from Left to Right: Tyler Langeland, Licensed Funeral Director of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services; Amy Neujahr, Registered Nurse at Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan - Rose Arbor and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services.


We were able to honor Amy while social distancing.


Thank you Amy for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you are going above and beyond during the current pandemic.


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

Stephanie Esman - Home Health Aide - Hospice Care Of Southwest Michigan

Stephanie Esman received an anonymous nomination for the Hospice Caregiver Award.


I watched Stephanie go above and beyond with being so sweet and helpful. My “dad” just loves her says that’s the only thing he looks forward to is her coming. She makes a difference to my dad and I’m sure many others with her gentle touch and sweet nature.

-Anonymous


Pictured from Left to Right: Tod Langeland, Secretary and General Manager of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services; Stephanie Esman, Home Health Aide at Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator of Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services.


We were able to honor Stephanie while social distancing.


Thank you Stephanie for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you are going above and beyond during the current pandemic.


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

Share by: