December 7th marks the 80th Anniversary of Our Lady of Peace Hospice (OLP). On December 7, 1941, a small group of Catholic Dominican Hawthorne nuns quietly opened the doors of Our Lady of Good Counsel (now Our Lady of Peace), the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. Their mission was to care for the “cancerous poor,” as their founder, Rose Hawthorne did on the streets of New York in the late 1800’s. Rose was the daughter of American Author Nathanial Hawthorne. They operated on donations, and despite having no medical background, these pioneer nuns committed to learning every aspect of end-of-life care, something now known as “hospice.”
As we celebrate 80 years, Our Lady of Peace continues to wrap patients and families in loving kindness in their hospice residence or wherever they call home. One family member said, “Our Lady of Peace cares for more than the body. They care for the spirit. They made dying more normal and natural, and treated our entire family with love, compassion and confidence.”
We want to express our gratitude to our staff, volunteers, and donors who make it possible for us to care for patients and families in our hospice residence and wherever they call home. These people are called to serve, making it possible to continue our mission.
Finally, thank you to the selfless servants who opened our doors in 1941. Rest in peace knowing that we are respectfully and proudly carrying on your legacy.
As we look towards the future, we look forward to providing single rooms for patients and families to gather in their final days together. Our lobby area will also be remodeled, along with other family spaces to enhance our warm welcome and visitor experience.
We are grateful for all of you and ask for your continued support and willingness to spread the news of what Our Lady of Peace Hospice & Home Health Care have to offer to patients and families in our hospice residence and wherever people call home.
From all of our at Our Lady of Peace Hospice & Home Health Care….Blessings to you and your family this holiday season.