'True role models': ARCH celebrates annual hospice heroes

ARCH has just announced the 2024 Hospice Heroes award winners, this year celebrating two individuals and one local business.

Hospice Heroes is an annual award ceremony where ARCH recognizes staff, volunteers, and community partners who make an outstanding contribution to our community, the hospice said in a release.

This year's winners are Joan Marshall (Volunteer Hospice Hero), Lisa Fortier-Mencucci (Staff Hospice Hero) and Rector Machine Works (Community Partner Hospice Hero).  

"Hospice Heroes are exceptional people who embody the values of ARCH and are community leaders who inspire positive change."

For the 10th annual Hospice Heroes, ARCH staff, volunteers, and partners came together to celebrate at Grand Gardens.

"It was a beautiful night honouring the wonderful people that make Hospice so special," the hospice said. "We are very grateful to our Hospice Heroes for their exemplary efforts. They are true role models!"

Here's more shared by ARCH on this year's winners: 

Volunteer Hospice Hero – Joan Marshall 

Joan Marshall, our cherished reception volunteer of nearly 15 years, embodied the profound wisdom of Audrey Hepburn's words: "As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others." Right up until her final days, Joan dedicated her time to ARCH as a volunteer, planning to retire in April after she reached her 15-year anniversary. Joan had a magical way of putting a smile on our faces when she came into ARCH. She always welcomed everyone through the doors with a smile on her face. Whether the visitors were family members, community clients, staff, or other volunteers, she treated each individual equally and with respect. She always took her volunteer role very seriously and loved being a part of our dynamic team. We are beyond proud to honour Joan this year as our Volunteer Hospice Hero. Joan embodied the beauty of volunteerism by giving her time to many local organizations including ARCH Hospice. We were so lucky that we had her as a volunteer with us at Hospice. She will be missed, however, her legacy and passion for volunteering will continue to live on in us all. 

Staff Hospice Hero – Lisa Fortier-Mencucci 

“For most of us working in hospice, it is so much more than a job, it’s a commitment to making an impact on the lives of the residents we care for and their families.” This quote from Don Schumacher exemplifies Lisa’s character and her role as a Registered Practical Nurse at ARCH Hospice. She has been a dynamic part of the ARCH team, dedicating herself to the well-being of residents and their loved ones for over 15 years. She recognizes that each day is different from the last, and understands how crucial her role is in the lives of those in her care. Whether it is tending to medical needs, offering a comforting presence, or purely lending an ear, she is committed to providing compassionate care. Her empathy and understanding help to ease worries and create a sense of community within our Hospice Home. As we continue to uphold ARCH’s mission, vision, and values of providing dignified end-of-life care, Lisa remains an unwavering pillar of empathy and dedication. She leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who have had the privilege of knowing her. It is an honour to work alongside Lisa, sharing experiences, challenges, and successes. 

Community Partner Hospice Hero – Rector Machine Works 

In the heart of every successful business lies a commitment to supporting charities, for it is through giving that we truly receive. For over a decade, Rector Machine Works has stood as a pillar of compassion and generosity for Hospice. The team at Rector’s has supported ARCH through financial assistance, invaluable volunteerism, and dedication to exceptional care in the community. Rector Machine Works consistently shows support each year through our Annual Hospice Golf Classic with a monetary contribution as one of our Title Sponsors, as well as through team participation and volunteer engagement. Their dedication to Hospice’s mission reaches beyond supporting Fund Development. They truly value ARCH's compassionate care and go above and beyond to support our mission. The relationship between the Rector Family and ARCH transcends a business partnership; it is personal. Their familial experience with Hospice deepens their support, stemming from a place of understanding and empathy. Hospice is incredibly thankful to the team at Rector Machine Works for their unwavering commitment to supporting Palliative Care in the Algoma District. Our services would not be possible without community supporters like Dave and Mark Rector, as well as the rest of the Rector Machine Works Team.