Volunteer Programs

Additional Keystone Hospice Volunteer Profiles:

Fundraising Auctioneer
Connie Mazzochetti

Nonagenarian (and Former House Resident!) Mary Rose Nuse

Dr. Frank Bernt, Director of the Faith-Justice Learning Institute, St. Joseph’s University

Conductor Michael Johns and the Here’s to Life Orchestra

Reverend Joseph Craddock & Sister Mary Early

Bedside Harpist Marilyn Lemke

Keystone's First Couple: Art & Shirley Rowe

"Office Angel" Margaret Henderson

Holiday Food Drive at Lansdale Catholic High School

Sue McElroy

Since March of 2003, Sue McElroy has been a bright, energetic and constant presence at Keystone Hospice. Her awareness of hospice began in 1982, as hospice services were first becoming available in the United States, when her mother opted for this specialized type of care. In 2001, Sue's brother received hospice services while living with her, and again she personally experienced the tremendous amount of support and comfort that hospice provides both patients and families. These situations motivated her to become involved with an organization dedicated to this mission.

We focus this issue's Spotlight on Sue because she exemplifies a versatile and dedicated volunteer. While much of her time is spent working directly with our patients here at Keystone House, over the past year she has been visiting patients in their homes and providing caregiver respite. Sue also helps out with data-entry, keeping track of volunteer hours and activities that need to be reported for our hospice accreditation. And, she assists at special events, doing tasks that range from wrapping holiday gifts for our patients and their families to serving at the annual Here's to Life concert reception. Always, she is upbeat, enthusiastic, open to learning, flexible, creative and dependable.

In her "real" life, Sue is married with 5 grown children and 8 grandchildren, who she visits with regularly. She works part-time at Germantown Academy and for the past six months has been learning how to play the harp from another Keystone Hospice volunteer, bedside harp therapist Marilyn Lemke. Lately, Sue has been bringing her harp with her while making patient visits and supplements offering foot rubs and conversation with beautiful music.

When asked how being a hospice volunteer has affected her, Sue comments how much she has gained personally and how she appreciates the value of every individual she meets, no matter how crooked or straight their life paths have been. In 2006 alone, Sue contributed over 225 hours to Keystone Hospice. We are so grateful for her commitment to our patients and our mission, and celebrate her many talents!

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