Patient Stories

Mother’s Care Inspires Memorial Donations to Care Dimensions

It’s always heartwarming to witness the thoughtfulness of families who suggest memorial donations be made to Care Dimensions in the obituaries of their loved ones. This summer Care Dimensions received numerous donations in memory of Betty Golden, who touched many with her gracious spirit. Our hospice team cared for Betty, and in return her family requested memorial donations in her memory, making it possible for us to care for many others. “We wanted to pay it forward to other families who need Care Dimensions compassionate care,” said Mimi Krier, Betty’s daughter.

Betty and Bill Golden, married for 58 years, knew how to infuse their home with an unmistakable love, making it the gathering place for countless parties, celebrations and backyard barbecues for family and friends. Betty was active with her church and her community and volunteered with a hospice after she and Bill retired to the Cape. She was immensely proud of her four children, their spouses and her seven beloved grandchildren.

When Betty was diagnosed with cancer the close-knit family rallied around her. Doctors prescribed radiation and chemotherapy, but treatment came to a halt in January after Betty had a complication requiring a spinal fusion. “Together with her family and in consultation with her cancer team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we decided, no more chemo,” Mimi said. “Mom was on oxygen and pain medications and in a body cast but, to us, she looked like Wonder Woman. Her positive outlook and unwavering faith, even at this juncture of her journey, was inspiring to all of us.”

In March, the family decided the time had come to arrange hospice care at home. “Mom’s ongoing care required more coordination and expertise than we had, so we called Care Dimensions,” Mimi said. “Nurse Mary Hutchinson arrived, consoled us gently, and kept us informed and involved. I don’t know what we would have done without her calming and assuring presence.”

“The Golden family was very much on board with the care plan and with one another,” Hutchinson said. “It was an honor to take care of Betty and get to know her family.”

“Our family didn’t know what to look for and Mary kept it calm and natural,” said Sheila Devine, Betty’s eldest daughter. “It was reassuring to us that Mary was there and available near the end, guiding us through my mom’s decline, her breathing, and passing.”

Photo (L to R): Sheila Devine, her daughter Grace, and Mimi Krier.

“On a bright Sunday morning in March, with her family surrounding her, Mom labored but was never alone. She ultimately opened her eyes, smiled at us all and passed away peacefully,” Mimi said. “It was a beautiful day, and the birds were singing and the sun was shining. I wouldn’t change a thing about this experience my family shared.”

“Our family witnessed the passing of life and its struggle and the energy it required. It was all so very peaceful,” Sheila said. “We all felt my mom was taken care of and, by extension, so were we. We’re so grateful to Care Dimensions.”

Help create more peaceful moments like the Goldens.

Across Eastern Massachusetts, more than 1,000 people a day depend on the compassionate expertise that Care Dimensions provides to hospice patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Your contributions help give comfort to patients like Betty and support to their families. Please make a tax-deductible gift today.