Holly's story was shared at the 7th annual Handbags for Hospice on October 16th, 2025.

Good evening, everyone. My name is Holly Galloway, and I am truly grateful to be here tonight in support of the Rotary Hospice and to share our family’s story.

In March of 2023, my mom, Susan, turned 73. She was full of life, able to light up any room, and had been married to my dad for 53 wonderful years. That same month she was diagnosed with an untreatable cancer. After the diagnosis, she told the doctor that she would make it to her 55th wedding anniversary. She was determined and hopeful, but just four months later, she passed away peacefully at the Rotary Hospice.
We had heard of hospice before, but we had never experienced it firsthand. As a family, we wanted Mom to stay at home for as long as possible, but as her illness progressed, it became more difficult for our dad to care for her on his own.

After reaching out to the Rotary Hospice, a member of their team came to visit us at home. We learned that Mom would be welcome to transition to the hospice whenever she was ready. Mom went to the hospice that evening.

I won’t sugarcoat it-it was difficult. I expected hospice to feel like a hospital, but instead it was warm, comforting, and beautiful. There were peaceful spaces indoors and out, and I often sat by the reflecting pool or on the patio. It wasn’t just a place for Mom, but for all of us, a place where we felt cared for and at peace. This gave my dad the chance to be a husband again, and my sister and I were comforted knowing that mom was in good hands.

Food is more than nourishment, it’s comfort, connection, and a touch of normalcy. Sharing a hot drink or sweet treat can spark laughter, conversation, and memories, even in the hardest moments. In hospice, food becomes part of the care. It’s one of those small but meaningful touches that remind families they are not just visitors. When someone takes the time to ask what your loved one would like to eat, or makes sure you’ve eaten today, it’s not just kindness, it’s love made visible.

At every visit, we could pour ourselves a hot cup of coffee and join Mom in her room. Although Mom wasn’t eating much, staff would always ask what she wanted for each meal. The meals for residents were wholesome and thoughtfully prepared.

Families we were invited to enjoy whatever was cooking in the crockpot that day. We often had chili or soup, with cookies or butter tarts. And yes, we still talk about those butter tarts! My dad came to know Sue in the kitchen, who always made sure he had a soup he liked, usually beef barley. When Sue was going to be off, she would leave labeled containers of soup in the fridge for dad. Those small acts of care meant so much to us, they made the hospice feel like home.

We often spent the entire day at the hospice, reluctantly going out for a quick meal. Time with loved ones is precious, and the thought of stepping away is difficult. With your support tonight, the Rotary Hospice can help families remain with their loved without worrying about meals, by ensuring healthy home-cooked meals. This helps families feel stronger and supported while they are there.

We often talk about Mom and how remarkable the hospice experience was. The staff at Rotary Hospice goes above and beyond, and they proved it right away. Our mom has always loved horses, and with their help, and the support of a local sanctuary, mom was able to visit with a horse on the back patio. It was such a special day, and we’re so grateful for the memories they helped create.

Thank you for coming tonight and for supporting Rotary Hospice. With your continued support, the experiences that others have at the Rotary Hospice can be just as warm, compassionate, and comforting as it was for our family. Your generosity ensures that no one has to face these moments alone, and that every resident and family can feel supported, valued, and truly at home.