12/01/2025
Meet Susan Marcec, a warm and welcoming presence at the front desk of OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Since 2021, Susan has been offering more than just directions or help with wheelchairs. She provides a friendly face and a sense of calm to those walking into the hospital, often during stressful moments.
Susan volunteers not for a paycheck but out of a genuine desire to give back. She says, "I want to give something back to the healthcare I’ve received in my own life. It’s my turn to help others, even in a small way, to make their day a little nicer." For her, volunteering is about care, love, and connection—basic human needs that help build stronger communities.
She believes that life is more fulfilling when you are part of something bigger. Susan shares, "Living on an island by yourself is no fun. A community requires people, and people need people." She encourages others to get involved and give their time to causes that matter. Whether it’s food pantries, garden clubs, military organizations, or crossing guards, there are so many opportunities to make a difference.
Outside of OSF, Susan is a retired nurse, an avid reader, and enjoys daily walks. She is the oldest of twelve siblings, the proud mother of three sons, and a grandmother many times over. She also loves to travel and says her favorite trip was to Iceland. And in case you’re wondering, she happens to love liver and onions too.
Susan’s kindness, energy, and commitment remind us all that volunteers are truly the heart of a thriving community.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities: https://bit.ly/3KaoqH5
