Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care

04/10/2026

Today, we pause to honour a man whose vision helped shape who we are.
Robert (Bob) Ogilvie, founding chair of Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care, has died.
Bob was more than a leader. He was a builder of community, a quiet force of determination, and someone who believed deeply that people in our rural valley deserved compassionate, dignified care at the end of life.
Alongside his beloved Margaret, Bob helped bring hospice palliative care to the Madawaska Valley. What exists today did not happen by accident. It exists because of people like Bob who saw a need, rolled up their sleeves, and committed themselves to doing something about it.
His leadership, integrity, and steady presence helped lay the foundation for MVHPC to grow into what it is today. A place where families are supported, where people can die with dignity, and where no one has to walk this part of life alone.
Bob didn’t just help build an organization. He helped build a culture of care, compassion, and community that continues every single day through our staff, volunteers, and the families we serve.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, who shared him with this community in such a meaningful way.
Bob’s legacy lives on in every life touched through this hospice.
And for that, we are deeply grateful.

On April 8th, 2026, a loving, gentle, wise and inspiring spirit left us. The loss of Robert (Bob) David Douglas Ogilvie leaves an immeasurable hole in our lives. After a decade-long battle with cancer Bob died as he had lived, with dignity, grace and courage, surrounded by his loving family.Bob live...

04/10/2026

Every family carries something.
Old hurts.
Unspoken tension.
Things no one ever talked about.
We see it every day.
At Madawaska Valley Hospice, we meet people where they are—without judgment.
We’re here to help carry what feels heavy 💛

04/09/2026

Today’s volunteer training included a very special guest.
No prior experience required. Just a calm presence, kind eyes, and a willingness to sit quietly with people.
Safe to say… she nailed it. Hi Rosie!!

04/09/2026

Here we go! Welcoming Volunteers back for Day 2!

04/08/2026

Take a walk through our hospice apartment!

From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed by our staff and volunteers.
Families have space to rest, gather, and simply be together.

A private family room offers a quiet place to sleep or take a break.
Our kitchen and living space are yours to use, just like home.
The couch even pulls out into a bed so no one has to leave.

Our large bathroom includes a walk-in shower, towel warmer, and fresh linens always available.

Each patient room is spacious and comfortable.
Room 1 faces the entrance of St. Francis Memorial Hospital, with eye-level bird feeders thoughtfully built by one of our volunteers.
Room 2 offers the same calm, supportive space.

There is also a second bathroom for added comfort and ease.

This is a place where care meets comfort.
Where families are supported.
Where no one is alone.

04/07/2026

Day 1/4 of learning 💛
Today we welcomed a new group of volunteers into our hospice community.

Jenna and Dylaina will spend the day walking through what hospice palliative care really means, our mission, our values, and the role volunteers play in supporting people who are dying and the families around them.

There are great conversations happening, thoughtful questions, and already a strong sense of connection forming in the room.

This work is not always easy, but it matters. And it starts right here.

We are looking forward to the next few days together 💛

04/07/2026

Today is National Caregiver Day 💛

On April 7, we recognize the people who show up, day after day, for someone they care about.
Caregivers are often the quiet constant.
They sit at bedsides.
They manage appointments, medications, and emotions.
They carry worry, love, exhaustion, and hope—all at the same time.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes. Unpaid. Unseen. But deeply felt.
At hospice, we see the impact caregivers make every single day.
We also see how heavy it can be.
If you are caring for someone right now, we want you to hear this clearly:
You matter too.
Your wellbeing matters.
Your rest matters.
Your support matters.
Today, we honour you. We thank you. And we stand beside you.
If you need support, please reach out. You don’t have to carry this alone.

04/04/2026

We’re so fortunate to have Ian as part of our team
Ian is our Grief Counsellor at Madawaska Valley Hospice, and one of the things people notice right away is how well he listens. Truly listens.
He offers free one-to-one grief support, both in person and virtually, providing a safe and supportive space for people to talk, reflect, and be heard.
Whether your loss is recent or from years ago, you don’t have to carry it alone.

If you would like to book an appointment with Ian, please call our office at 613-756-3045 ext. 350

04/02/2026

How Do You Cope During Hard Times?

Hard times can feel overwhelming.
Coping doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means finding ways to get through, one moment at a time.

04/01/2026

Look who hopped in for a visit today!

04/01/2026

“I didn’t think I needed a grief group… until I went.”
We hear this more than you might expect.
Here are 5 things people often tell us after attending:
• “I didn’t feel so alone anymore.”
• “I could talk about the person who died without feeling like I was too much.”
• “I realized there’s no right way to grieve.”
• “I learned ways to get through the really hard moments.”
• “I wish I had come sooner.”
Grief can feel isolating.
But it doesn’t have to be carried alone.
Our 6-week grief support group begins April 28th in Barry’s Bay.
It’s a space to talk, listen, remember your person, and be with others who truly understand.
If you’re wondering whether this group is right for you, that’s okay.
Give us a call—we’re here to talk it through.
📞 613-756-3045 ext. 350
📧 bereavementmvhospice@sfmhosp.com

03/30/2026

Dylaina is busy teaching a lucky group of PSW’s Intro to Palliative Care today.