Honouring a mother’s life; ensuring a final chapter filled with warmth and love

Often one of people’s final wishes is to die at home. And although that was her wish, Molly and her family came to find out that home truly is where the heart is.

Last year when Molly moved to Hospice, it quickly became her home, filled with her family. Her home was not a house in Dover, it was the people in her Hospice suite – her kids and their spouses, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – telling stories, laughing, joking, and shedding a few tears.

“She wanted to stay at home and didn’t want strangers caring for her. Everyone in our family stepped up to care for her. It was challenging, but we were able to longer than expected.” But when her journey brought her to hospice care, Molly faced it with the same grace and strength that defined her.

Molly grew up in the city but adjusted quickly to country life with husband, Andrew. Molly was the heart of her family—a devoted farm wife who worked tirelessly alongside her husband to build a life rooted in hard work and love. Her days were busy with three young boys – Mike, Bob and Rick – working in the field, then in the house preparing meals.

Molly was worried that the boys would not be happy with her when, 14 years after her last son, she was pregnant again. To her delight they all welcomed and doted on Janet, the only girl and baby of the family.

Molly dedicated herself to raising four children, instilling in them the values of resilience, kindness, and determination. Her wisdom and unwavering love built a cohesive family that is and will always be there for each other.

Beyond her role on the farm and in the home, Molly embraced life with an active spirit. She had an activity every day of the week, and a competitive spirit that was contagious. Molly loved playing cards where she shared laughter and friendly competition with friends and family. She was a tough cribbage and backgammon opponent who taught her children and grandchildren all the tricks. Bowling was another passion, and she found joy in the camaraderie of her teammates. And when it came to golf, she appreciated the game not just for the challenge, but for the peaceful moments on the course and the friendships it brought her. When Molly wasn’t busy out and about, she enjoyed puzzles, Sudoku and Words with Friends at home. “Whatever Mom was invited to; she would definitely be there!” her children shared.

When grandchildren came along, Molly would always make time to watch them and connect with them. Open and accepting with all the changes in the world, she treated everyone with respect.

In the summer of 2023, Molly began to slow down, cutting down on activities due to aches, pains and shortness of breath. Once she received a palliative diagnosis, Molly declined quickly. After being cared for at home by her family, the time came when Molly and the family knew the best place to receive the care she needed was at Chatham-Kent Hospice.

The staff knew exactly what to do before anyone could ask. They took their time to make sure Mom was comfortable, treating her with dignity and compassion. There was a sense of community, knowing we were all taken care of. She was surrounded by caregivers who treated her with kindness and respect, and was able to find peace in a setting focused on easing pain and providing emotional support.

At Hospice, Molly was able to enjoy simple pleasures she had not been able to in a while, like taking a bath. “Mom and I enjoyed being in the cuddle bed snuggled up together watching Wheel Of Fortune and Jeopardy,” shared Janet.

“We asked one of the staff if we were allowed to bring some things in from home and they gave a little chuckle and said, ‘of course, this is your home, bring anything you want.’ Mom was never treated like she was dying. The staff understand what you are going through and are present with you in the moment, never rushing, softly being honest about what is happening.”

“I don’t think people truly understand Hospice until they experience it.” Hospice isn’t just about medical care—it’s about honouring a person’s life and ensuring their final chapter is filled with warmth and love. The caregivers helped manage her symptoms with gentleness, allowing her to rest without discomfort. They also supported her family, offering guidance and comfort through a difficult time. Though saying goodbye is never easy, knowing their Mom was treated with such dignity, brought the family a sense of peace. She was cared for not just as a patient, but as a person—one whose life was full of love, hard work, and joy. Hospice allowed Molly to leave this world with grace, surrounded by the love of those who cherished her most.

Shared in loving memory of Molly by The Devolder Family