The latest from Hospice Muskoka

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SUMMER 2025 EDITION

Stories Of The Heart

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A Remarkable Life – as told by Donna Kearney, Executive Director

A man arrived at Andy's House from downtown Toronto. He was kind, intelligent, and carried a lifetime of stories in his eyes. He had ties to Muskoka but had been estranged from his family for many years.

As we got to know him, we learned more about his remarkable life. He told us about his military service—how he once belonged to an elite Canadian Armed Forces Paratrooper squadron. He had served with distinction until a traumatic mission changed everything. Haunted by what he had experienced, he turned away from the life he knew and embarked upon a spiritual journey, which led him to spend twenty years living unhoused.

He shared a fascinating family history with us. His great-great-grandfather was none other than General Isaac Brock, who had fought alongside Chief

Tecumseh in the War of 1812, defending Canada from an invasion by the United States. The legacy of strength and service ran in his lineage.

Over the course of his stay, he reconnected with his daughter and his former wife. Together, they had the kind of conversations that so many people put off until it’s too late. The quiet healing of those relationships was perhaps his greatest act of bravery.

In the end, his passing was just as he might have hoped: gentle and dignified. He simply closed his eyes and took his last breath.

We were honoured to care for him, to witness the final chapter of a life so full of history, heartache, and unexpected grace. He gave so much, asked for nothing, and left this world with a smile, knowing he was loved.

Don't Miss This Article

Good Grief by Janessa Swanson

Hospice Muskoka’s Clinical Social Worker, Janessa Swanson, shares her insight on the many faces of grief—along with helpful tips and reflections from her experience as a grief counsellor—in the latest issue of Muskoka Seniors Magazine.

Read the full article

Celebrate With Us

Celebrating Executive Director Donna Kearney's 5-Year Leadership Anniversary

We are so grateful to have had Donna leading and inspiring our team for five years! A supportive and visionary leader, Donna has guided the development of a robust model of hospice palliative care services and programs—one that will continue to serve our community for years to come.

Click here for more good news

Words From The Heart

Andy’s House is an amazing place with wonderful, loving and caring staff who provided my friend with the gift of extended life.

Thank you so much for the great care you gave to our dear friend in his final days. The care and your wonderful facility is second to none!

– Words from friends of former residents of Andy's House

hospicemuskoka.com