Margaret Stankievech, volunteer

Now at 101 years old and living with macular degeneration, Margaret Stankievech has not lost her vision of compassion. She still volunteers daily; she has a special gift for visiting and listening to residents. Margaret started volunteering in 1988 when the Sisters were still active onsite.

Margaret is determined to ensure all residents, their families and the staff have someone on their side. She wants everyone who enters St. Mary’s Health Care Centre know that they are valued as a special child of God. She takes time to get to know each person at the site. She endeavours to remember people’s individual needs, joys and desires. Margaret will search out little gifts that people will appreciate. She will check back with people about previous conversations, and she will search out why someone did not attend an event they might normally enjoy.

She helped with church services and was a regular at the Tuesday devotions until her eyesight began to fail. Losing her vision did not stop Margaret. Instead, she found a new way to help. She started guiding other residents to devotions and chapel services making sure anyone who wanted to attend could get there.

Margaret has the ability to notice when someone is struggling. While some might overlook these moments, she always stops to help and give support. Her kindness is not occasional; she shows it everyday. Her impact is measured in the comfort she brings, the hope she restores and the support she gives.