Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care

01/02/2026

At our hospice residence and in community homes, volunteers make a meaningful difference every day. They offer presence, companionship, and support helping families care for their loved ones while giving them moments to rest, run errands, or simply take a breath. It’s the quiet, compassionate care that makes all the difference.

Have you had experience with any of our wonderful volunteers? Feel free to share below!

01/01/2026

As we welcome the new year, we give thanks for the compassion, courage, and care that lives within our community. We wish you moments of rest, hope where it can be found, and the quiet reassurance that support and understanding are always close by.

12/31/2025

At MV Hospice, we know that being close to your person matters. This is why we make space for families to stay, rest, and be present in whatever way feels right during this time.
We have two comfortable recliners right at the bedside, so loved ones can sit close, rest, or even sleep without leaving the room.
There is also a double bed that pulls out from the couch in our living room, perfect for families who want to stay overnight but need a bit more space.
And for those who need a quieter spot, we offer a sleep room with two single beds, giving caregivers and family members a chance to rest without being far away.
Families are part of the care team. Staying close can bring comfort, connection, and peace for everyone involved. Our hospice is designed with that in mind. A place where you can be with your person, day or night, surrounded by care and support.

12/26/2025

The Christmas Crash

For many caregivers and people who are grieving, the lead up to Christmas can be filled with anxiety.
So much anticipation. So many expectations. So much emotional energy just to get through the day.
You might have been surprised to find that Christmas Day itself was okay.
You managed better than you thought you would.
If that’s true for you, that is something to acknowledge.
What often comes next is what we call the Christmas crash.
After the day is over, the body and heart finally let go.
Exhaustion shows up.
Tears come out of nowhere.
Motivation drops.
You may feel flat, emotional, or simply worn down.
This is not a setback.
It is your nervous system exhaling after holding so much.
If you can, plan a rest period after the holidays.
Lower expectations.
Say no where possible.
Sleep more.
Let yourself recover.
You did not imagine how hard this season was.
And you do not need to rush yourself back to “normal.”
Be gentle with yourself.

12/26/2025

We are deeply saddened to share the death of our colleague Debbie D’ Andrade, who died, December 20, 2025, at the age of 55.
Debbie worked as a Personal Support Worker at Madawaska Valley Hospice, where she was a dedicated and trusted member of our care team. She provided excellent patient care with compassion, gentleness, and genuine presence. Debbie understood the importance of dignity at the end of life and offered comfort not only to patients, but also to families and coworkers alike.
Debbie brought warmth, kindness, and generosity into every space she entered. Her love for her children and family was evident in all she did, and that same care extended to the people she supported through her work. She was steady, thoughtful, and deeply caring, and her absence will be felt throughout our hospice community.
Debbie is survived by her children, Chena D’ Andrade and Mychal McKenna, and her longtime partner, Attila Sallai.
We will miss Debbie greatly. She will be remembered for her compassion, her dedication, and the quiet strength she brought to her work and to those around her.
Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

View Debbie Joyce D'Andrade's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/25/2025

Christmas can be beautiful and it can be incredibly hard.
If you are missing someone, feeling the weight of change, or moving through this season differently than before, you are not alone.
We send gentle thoughts and deep compassion to our patients, families, volunteers, and community.
Wishing you peace, comfort, and moments of light this Christmas.

12/24/2025

12/22/2025

An impressive $2,504 was raised in support of the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF) and will be directed toward hospice palliative care services in the community.

Thank you to Church Street Flowers and Jenna Stamplicoski for coordinating the annual holiday planter sale. A big thanks as well to Andrea Budarick for donating homemade donuts, which were sold at the store in support of the cause.

Pictured, left to right: Church Street Flowers owner Pam McNichol, Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care’s Jenna Stamplicoski, and SFVHF Executive Director Erin Gienow.

12/18/2025

Cultivating Gratitude in Hospice Care

Gratitude is more than a feeling. For hospice workers and volunteers, practicing gratitude helps reduce burnout, build resilience, strengthen connections, and stay present with patients and families.

12/16/2025

Thank you Madawaska Valley District School Staff and Students for learning with Jenna and Ian today!