Hospice of Central New York and Hospice of the Finger Lakes recently received a generous estate gift from Joyce Peel Hunter. Her stepdaughter, Martha Kissell shared with us about Joyce’s decision to make a bequest to Hospice. We were reminded of the lasting impact Hospice has on families and, this one, in particular, is over 30 years long.
How did your family first hear about Hospice?
In early 1991, my father, Bob Peel (also known as Rod Hunter – the outdoor writer for the Post-Standard) was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was the second time in recent years and this time it was to end his life. My dad and my stepmom, Joyce Peel Hunter, were living in the countryside in Cazenovia, at a place we fondly called Frog Hollow,
a remote spot by two creeks and the woods. My father’s wish was to die at home and, with Joyce’s help, they arranged for Hospice of CNY to make that happen.
I visited my dad every two weeks in the last few months of his life. I will never forget the tender care the Hospice nurses gave my dad and the tremendous amount of support they gave Joyce and me. I have always said the nurses are there for the dying and those loved ones left behind. Since the day Dad died in June 1991, until the day Joyce died 31 years later, we always knew that a large portion of Joyce’s estate would be given to Hospice. The nurses made such an impact on us – it was never forgotten.
What do you hope to accomplish through Joyce’s philanthropy/estate gift? Our wish is that Joyce’s gift will help give others the same kind and humane care that my dad received. I cannot say enough how much this is for both the dying and the living.
What do you wish everyone knew about Joyce?
She was the love of my father’s life. They loved each other very much. Even 32 years after he died, Joyce would still tear up at his memory. Joyce loved to travel the world and did that until she was 90. Over the years, her hobbies included playing the organ, knitting, quilting, reading and entertaining/cooking. True friendships meant the world to Joyce. My close relationship with Joyce for 32 years after my dad died was due to the care she and Hospice gave my dad in his final months. I am grateful that she was my stepmom for 50 years.
If you were talking to someone else about giving to our organization, what would you tell them?
The process of dying does not have to be a scary time of life. Hospice nurses are angels here on Earth to help with this final transition of life – for the dying and their loved ones. Joyce’s legacy will ensure Hospice will be able to be here to provide comfort and care for thousands of patients and their families, in Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego counties, for years to come.
To learn more about how you can plan to invest in Hospice, please contact the Development Office at 315-634-1100 today.
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