Hospice is a “home away from home” for many families we serve. Our care extends beyond looking after the residents; we ensure that family members, too, receive attention and support to handle stress and loss during such a difficult time. This “wrap around” care means families can stay overnight to be close to their loved ones. It means having privacy, peaceful space, and home-cooked hot soup and nutritional snacks always available.
Hospice care shines a beacon of light in times of darkness, filling hearts with comfort and love. With the support and dedication of people in our community, we are here for families when they need us most.
Olga’s Story: A Song of Gratitude
Olga’s Story:
A Song of Gratitude
Soon after Olga and her daughter, Simona, arrived at Hospice, they felt a deep sense of peace. Simona’s worries eased when Ronda, our Director of Care, offered her words of comfort and heartfelt reassurance. In that instant, Simona knew hospice was exactly where they needed to be. Simona has said, “Hospice is so different from any other place – it’s the care and the love you find there. It’s just beautiful.”
Pictured above is Olga Sandu
Every morning at Hospice, Olga sang. Her voice, which once filled Romania’s largest cathedral, carried through our residence with a warmth that touched everyone who heard it. Singing was her way of saying thank you – of giving something back to others.
As we enter this season of giving, Olga’s song reminds us that gratitude can take many forms. Though she has passed, Olga’s melody lingers still, a beautiful echo of love and appreciation that embodies the true spirit of the holidays.
Pictured above is Olga Sandu
“People at Hospice have a special calling. They do everything with so much care and love. I truly believe they are born with giving hearts.”
– Simona Gagliostro, Olga’s daughter
Thank You
Lights of Love
OUTDOOR MEMORIAL & LIGHTING CEREMONY
The Gies Family Centre, 100 Solstice Way, Waterloo
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
On Sunday, December 7th, we gathered to remember our loved ones and to celebrate those in our care. Thank you to everyone who showed up and to those who donated.
Event Highlights:
- Candlelight Procession at twilight (4:40 pm)
- “In Our Hearts” Memorial
- Lighting Ceremony
- Live Music
- Warm Beverages
Thank you to TMMC Cambridge and Benjamin Tree Farm for their in-kind donations.
OUTDOOR MEMORIAL & LIGHTING CEREMONY
On December 7th, 2025, we gathered to remember our loved ones and to celebrate those in our care. Here are some photos from that night.
Funding from the government covers a portion of our annual operating budget. Ongoing donations are vital to ensure that Hospice Waterloo Region can provide exceptional service and care, at no charge, to hospice clients and their families.
To make a donation, please click here.
Have Questions?
Please contact Emily Squirrell: [email protected].