Adena Hospice Commemorates 25 Years with Memory Quilt

     There have been many families touched by the comfort and compassion that Adena Hospice has provided to the community over its 25 years of service. Many of these families often share the gratitude they feel toward Hospice staff. Losing a loved one is never easy, but Hospice care was designed to provide support for those people who are in the final stages of life. It considers the patient and family as the unit of care with support provided to both.    

     To commemorate its 25th anniversary, Adena Hospice is weaving a “Tapestry of Caring”. This memorial quilt will be a symbol of the many lives touched over the years, and most importantly, designed by the family members in memory of their special loved one. 

All families who Adena Hospice has worked with in caring for a loved one may design a quilt block that will be a part of the finished product.  Design may include piecing, appliquéing, embroidering or cross-stitching. 

Delmar Burkitt of Piketon was one family member who decided to try something new when designing his quilt square, made in memory of his wife, Jeannine, who loved to cross-stitch. Burkitt, who had never cross-stitched before, created a beautiful quilt square that included a bright yellow flower, a favorite of his wife’s.  

     Betty Aspel of Chillicothe created her square with family in memory of her husband, Donald, who loved to fish and was proud of the many roles he had in life, that of Christian, father and grandfather, just to name a few. 

     “Providing this opportunity for our families has been quite therapeutic for them in the healing process,” commented Sharon Wills, RN, Supervisor of Adena Hospice.  “Like a quilt, separately, we are only a mass of colored threads, but with the artful skill of caring, we all come together and form a beautiful piece of art. This is the idea behind our Tapestry of Caring.  One that brings all of our special loved ones together so that we can remember all of the beautiful lives we have all had the honor of being a part of.” 

     Those family members or friends of Adena Hospice who would like to design their quilt square can pick up one at the Hospice Offices located at 111 West Water Street in Chillicothe. For more information, call Krista Alexander, Volunteer Coordinator for Adena Hospice, at 740.779.4676.

Submitted by Jennifer A. Dovyak, Director of Public Relations, Adena Health System