Hospice Nurse Fulfills Last Wishes of Dying Patients

As we journey through life, we all come to terms with the fact that we won’t be here forever. Personally, I don’t fear death; I view it as a natural progression. What troubles me, however, is the prospect of growing old and losing my independence. The thought of relying on a hospice nurse brings a sense of unease.

The idea of needing assistance for everyday tasks and the possibility of forgetting my loved ones frightens me. It’s not a way of living I would want. This fear reminds me of Maria, a music teacher who received care from a hospice nurse in 2016.

Maria spent her final days in a care home, fully aware that her time was limited. A lifelong music teacher, she found solace in melodies. Luckily, one of her former students, Joshua Woodard, worked at the care facility in Austinburg, Ohio.

Joshua had known Maria since he was nine, when she first taught him music. In her final days, Maria had one heartfelt wish: to hear the song “How Great Thou Art.” Wanting to make her last moments special, Joshua found the song’s lyrics on his phone and sang it to her.

The bond between Joshua and Maria adds a special layer to this story. Marti Adkins Redmond, reflecting on their connection, expressed deep gratitude for hospice workers like Joshua, highlighting the unique relationship between a former student and his teacher during her final moments.

Although Maria is no longer with us, her memory endures through this poignant moment. The transformation of teacher into caregiver illustrates the profound kindness and compassion that hospice workers, like Joshua, embody. His efforts exemplify how one person can significantly impact another’s final moments, providing comfort and peace.

There are numerous stories of hospice workers delivering such care during patients’ last days, and each is a testament to human connection.

Another touching account comes from Annamarie Berg, who cared for a patient named Irene Rosipajla for over 20 days in the hospital. Berg recalled, “She didn’t talk much while she was there. It wasn’t personal; she just didn’t feel well.”

Despite this, Berg found a way to connect with Rosipajla through music. “One night, as I was leaving at the end of my shift, I said, ‘Goodnight, Irene.’ I then asked if she knew the song ‘Goodnight, Irene’ and sang a few lines. Seeing her smile, despite her usual silence, meant the world to me,” Berg shared.

As Rosipajla’s health declined, it was decided that she would move from the hospital to hospice care. “On my last day with Irene, I wanted to do something special for her and her family, so I brought my guitar,” Berg explained. “When I sang ‘Goodnight, Irene,’ it was an unforgettable moment. I was nervous, but her focus and her family's emotional response made it all worthwhile.”

Closer Than Ever

Michelle Naypauer, Irene Rosipajla’s daughter-in-law, who saw her as a mother, was present during this special moment and was moved to tears. “Irene was a wonderful person who treated me like a daughter,” Naypauer recalled. “During Irene’s final months, we spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital, getting to know Annamarie well.”

Before the heartfelt farewell song, Naypauer noted, “Annamarie had already done wonderful things. Our son Eric got married in August, and Annamarie helped set up FaceTime so Mom could be part of the reception. It was beautiful.”

Naypauer recorded Annamarie singing to Irene, wanting to capture the moment for their family. “There were so many tears; it was just beautiful,” she said. The song became a poignant farewell to Irene, who passed away a few weeks later at home, surrounded by her loved ones.