Carleton-Willard’s Vigil Volunteers Honored with Leading Age MA Award

From left to right are President and CEO Chris Golen, Vigil Volunteer Alice Morrish, and Palliative Care Coordinator Marcia Feldman along with Vigil Volunteers Deborah Downing, Anne Schmalz, Peggy McKibben, Anne Lynch, Glee Wieland, Joan Vander Vliet and Trustee John Cupples. Courtesy photo

Submitted by Carleton-Willard Village

The Vigil Volunteers in Carleton-Willard’s Living Fully, Dying Well palliative care program received the LeadingAge MA – 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award.

“Our group of volunteers are remarkable individuals who provide invaluable time and presence in sitting vigil with our Residents who are approaching end of life. The comfort and assurance that this provides to the Residents and their families cannot be overstated,” said Rev. Alexx Wood.

Last week on Wednesday, a group of Vigil Volunteers attended a dinner in Worcester to receive the award. Alice Morrish spoke about what it has meant to her to be involved for many years; she received a standing ovation after her comments.