Where Compassion Grows Community
By Melissa Marchewka

Bob Forsyth and his family have always lived in Grimsby. When Bob was admitted into McNally House Hospice early this year, his family knew of the hospice and had donated, but had never set foot in the building.

Kim Crooks – Bob’s daughter – came with Bob on that first evening. She felt a sense of community the moment they walked through the door.

“Dad and I arrived at McNally House to an amazing nurse who greeted us with love and gentle care,” Kim said.

Irene Kurpe, Bob’s wife, shared the same sentiment towards McNally House, she recalls how everyone at McNally – nurses, PSWs, and volunteers always knew her name and welcomed her each time she entered the home.

“They are always so thoughtful and cheerful and never down,” Irene said. “They never made it sound like he was in a bad way, always on the good side.”

The sense of community for Bob and his family never faded, as McNally House felt more like a home than a hospital.

“I just loved how in his room it could be so private and quiet and how he could think… he just kept saying how beautiful it was like home. It really was like a home,” Kim said.

McNally House is more than a place where people who are sick can pass away peacefully without pain and with dignity. More importantly, it is a place for people to live their final days with their loved ones. Events run by volunteers each holiday, the big and the small, for residents, their families and their friends are proof of that.

“They had an eclipse party, they had a Canada Day party. They celebrate for everything, they’re amazing,” Kim reminisced.

Kim and Bob especially loved going through the hospice’s beautiful gardens. Kim pushed him in his wheelchair and they were able to spend important time together while the flowers began to bloom into Spring.

Above all, the sense of home and compassion at McNally House was a relief to Kim during the hard days of losing her father. Thanks to the dedicated staff, she never had to worry, there was always someone who would be there for her dad.

“Everything that you could possibly need was just so available,” Kim said, “They always just wanted it to feel like home, have no pain but instead happiness and joyfulness.”

Irene spoke to one of her neighbours who moved to Grimsby in the last handful of years and had never heard of Grimbsy’s community hospice. She felt it was important that they know how much care they were able to give her husband in his final months.

“I was telling her how well they cared for him, and I would tell anybody that it’s the best place to be if you have to be,” Irene said.

During his final months, Bob and his family were taken care of by McNally House Hospice. They were able to share in final moments of joy and happiness together thanks to the nurses, PSWs, staff and volunteers, memories they will cherish forever.