Donor Stories

Saying Thank You and Goodbye

Pathways Cares for Our Own Volunteer

Thank you, Pathways, for all you have given me.” This was the last sentence of an article written a few months ago by a devoted Pathways volunteer named Judi Broyles. All too soon it was time for Pathways to thank Judi—and to say goodbye.

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A Positive Life: Margot Schlick

Margot Schlick had a very special gift – she made everyone who came into contact with her feel appreciated and respected. When she died this past June, her daughter was overwhelmed by the number of condolence cards she received, each one telling a story of how her mother had touched a life.

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Lessons in Life from the Great Depression

Genevieve Reynolds always wanted to make people feel good and laugh.  "She always had a compliment on her lips and something nice to say about everyone," said Joel Samuels, a friend and one of the trustees of Genevieve's estate.

She lived frugally, and “no one who met her would think she had means.  She and her husband, Mort, were not material people," said Richard Carlstrom, her neighbor and co-trustee of her estate.  "They were children during the Great Depression and had saved every penny." 

But when Genevieve died in 2007, she left a substantial legacy to Pathways from her estate. 

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Corvettes for Hospice

Alan Templeton has turned his love of Corvettes into a boon for Pathways. A member of the Santa Clara Corvettes, Templeton has advocated for a series of annual gifts from this social group. His father and mother were both served by Pathways, as was a close friend. “I don’t think a lot of people know about hospice unless they’ve gone through it,” Templeton said. “There is enough on the shoulders of families when a loved one is dying. Pathways helps by letting you know what is happening and reducing fear. They really advocate for the patient and family.”

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In Remembrance of Dale

Remembrance Funds often originate when families ask friends to donate to Pathways in lieu of flowers. In the ensuing years, families may continue to give in their loved one’s memory. That was the case for the Strotman family.

Dale Strotman received hospice services from Pathways in the summer of 2004. His family has continued to remember him with gifts to Pathways Hospice Foundation.

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It Doesn't Take Much to Make a Difference

Jo first encountered Pathways when her husband of 20 years, Henry, fell ill in 1995. At the time their sons were 14 and 18. “Henry was admitted to hospice right away,” Jo remembers, “and the staff helped not just Henry but our whole family. I was very impressed by the staff and knew immediately that I wanted to be a hospice volunteer.” By including Pathways in her will, Jo is ensuring that Pathways will continue to make a difference in the lives of families for years to come.

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Pathways Stands Alongside Families with Bereavement Services

Just a few months after Tom and Joan Hodges married, Joan’s doctor found a cancerous polyp during a routine colonoscopy. Surgery followed and the doctors thought the problem was solved. But in 2004, the cancer returned. For three years, Joan and her doctors tried every treatment available. But, in May 2007, having exhausted all other options, Tom made a call to Pathways. For the last ten days of Joan’s life, Pathways was there to help with hospice care. Tom feels a strong motivation to give back. “I’ve been the recipient of grace, which means unmerited favor,” Tom says. Not only is he an active volunteer, he also makes donations as he is able to Pathways Hospice Foundation.

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