I came to the Trail area in 1975, via Vancouver from Montreal, to earn my “fortune”. I have been “fortunate” having now spent my lifetime contributing to this community. I began working as a Community Nurse for Home Care in its 2nd year of inception in Greater Trail, holding a number of positions until retiring in 2010. At present, I do some contract teaching on Navigation, both for Nav- Care, a UBC research project and locally for the Poverty Reduction project. Like many people, I have drawn on personal experience to inspire me in my work with Hospice. I like to say that my father was able to die at home because he grew his own Homecare Nurse and caring for my mother taught me a great deal about Navigation through life limiting illness. I began my Hospice work as its’ first Coordinator in 1987, helping develop the program in this community. It is a privilege to now serve as a volunteer, currently the Board Chair. I see Hospice as one way that we support each other, bringing a bit of structure and accountability to caring and compassion. I feel that this is increasingly important and am excited to be part of guiding our Society.

Meet Our Board Members

Chair Person: Brenda Hooper

I moved to Trail in 1990 after working at a variety of accounting jobs. I began working for the City of Trail that same year as an accounting clerk with a major emphasis on payroll. I retired in 2017. I became a member of the Hospice Committee in the mid 90’s and served as Treasurer for 8 years before resigning. When the Greater Trail Hospice Society was formed in December 2010, I joined the Board and have served as Treasurer since then. I was drawn to Hospice as a result of a personal loss. My brother was a recipient of Hospice care in Edmonton. I was pleased that he received a high level of compassionate care from dedicated nurses and doctors. That compassionate care also extended to his family, explaining symptoms, what to expect and answering any questions we may have had. My brother had a peaceful two weeks in Hospice before he passed and the family had peace in knowing that he was receiving the best possible care.

Treasurer: Barbara Gibson

Life has provided me with many wonderful and eclectic experiences. I have worked in nursing in the North with Inuit and Dene, in several nursing homes (public and private), in community, and in nursing education. As a Pastor I have ministered in several different denominational communities. As a daughter, I was able to support both of my parents to achieve their personal goals of palliating and dying at home. Since moving to the Kootenays in 1992 I have also participated in many different roles with the Trail Hospice Society. In every setting and opportunity I have learned from people whose life is coming to a close that life is to be lived as fully as possible. Days and moments matter. Excellence in palliative care is about person-centered care and that is what I believe Hospice does best. As a Board member I look forward to helping Trail Hospice build capacity as we expand our programs and help our community understand that we are here to journey with each person through life-limiting illness and grief.

Secretary: Gail Potter

Member at Large: Patti Marino

The Greater Trail Hospice Society

Vice Chair: Margaret MacDiarmid

My first exposure to palliative care was as an intern in Winnipeg where I learned a great deal from care providers, volunteers, family members and patients. I moved to Rossland in 1989 and worked in Trail as a family doctor for the next 18 years. My practice included palliative care and this was a truly meaningful and rewarding part of my work. My personal experiences with end of life of family members and close friends have been both good and bad. Sadly there is sometimes needless suffering for patients and for their families and I have experienced that myself. It is a strong motivator and I am delighted to have joined the hospice board and work to build on the existing strength of hospice in Trail. I lived in Vancouver from 2007 to 2018 and worked briefly as a family doctor there, took a year off for breast cancer treatment and recovery, and then became the MLA for Vancouver Fairview. I have an unusual background of having been a doctor, a patient, a politician, and probably most importantly a daughter wishing for better end of life care for my Dad. I hope to draw on all those experiences constructively as a member of the Greater Trail Hospice Society Board.

Hi! I'm Sarah, and I am truly honored to join the board of the Greater Trail Hospice Society. Since I moved to this wonderful area in 2014, I have felt a strong sense of belonging and connection to the community. Being part of the Board allows me to contribute to the well-being of clients and their families while fostering the supportive environment they truly deserve.Outside of my role as a Board member, I find joy in various activities. Cooking is not only a passion of mine but also a way for me to express care for others. Spending quality time with my family brings me immense happiness, and I firmly believe in the power of strong familial bonds during difficult times. Moreover, being in nature serves as a reminder to cherish and embrace life's precious moments, whether I'm exploring the outdoors on my mountain bike or skiing down the slopes.Together, as a dedicated Board and a Compassionate Community, we can create a lasting impact! Sarah Cupello

Member at Large: Sarah Cupello

Kootenay Internet Solutions

The Greater Trail Hospice Society

I came to the Trail area in 1975, via Vancouver from Montreal, to earn my “fortune”. I have been “fortunate” having now spent my lifetime contributing to this community. I began working as a Community Nurse for Home Care in its 2nd year of inception in Greater Trail, holding a number of positions until retiring in 2010. At present, I do some contract teaching on Navigation, both for Nav-Care, a UBC research project and locally for the Poverty Reduction project. Like many people, I have drawn on personal experience to inspire me in my work with Hospice. I like to say that my father was able to die at home because he grew his own Homecare Nurse and caring for my mother taught me a great deal about Navigation through life limiting illness. I began my Hospice work as its’ first Coordinator in 1987, helping develop the program in this community. It is a privilege to now serve as a volunteer, currently the Board Chair. I see Hospice as one way that we support each other, bringing a bit of structure and accountability to caring and compassion. I feel that this is increasingly important and am excited to be part of guiding our Society.