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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

Vice Chair: Patti Marino

I’m Patti Marino. Rossland is where I spent my childhood, and I’ve called Trail my home for over 47 years. My husband and I raised our 2 children in Trail surrounded by grandparents and extended family. For most of my 38 year nursing career I was employed as an RN at KBRH, in various departments in a variety of positions. In my spare time I have volunteered in several Winter/Summer Games as clinic lead, first aid for the Trail Smokeaters and other sporting events . After I retired in 2013 I continued to volunteer locally. My volunteer efforts included organizations -St. John Ambulance, Pain BC as a facilitator, and the Canadian Cancer Society. My heart truly lies in our community, and being involved in health-related initiatives has been my way of giving back. In January 2022, I joined GTHS as a Board member. It is here I discovered a local non-profit society making a difference in my home community. Greater Trail Hospice provides a range of programs, all designed to assist our residents through the challenges we all face along our life journey. I am proud to be a volunteer of GTHS as we continue supporting those in of need our services.
The Greater Trail Hospice Society
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

2021 was a pivotal year for me. At age 65, I chose to get married, retire, sell my home and move 1100 km from my family and friends. I’d been a widow for 12 years and had always worked. I served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a jet mechanic, worked in our family butcher shop in Wynndel, was a medical assistant and finally spent the last 30 years in the insurance industry. I found that I did not know how to “retire.” I responded to a Hospice advertisement and I have found my missing piece (peace). I took Hospice training and from that decided to join the Board to be a part of this extremely important group. It has been a privilege to be with many people as they have passed on, as well as being with people who are grieving. I try to be a listening ear and a support, and to meet each person exactly where they are, and in the way they need me. The Hospice team in Trail is an amazing group of caring and selfless people that give freely of their time and energy. I encourage everyone to see if there is a spot that you can fit into within Hospice. You control how much time you donate, knowing that even 1 hour a week can make a huge difference in someone’s life. I am proud to be part of this team.

Member at Large: Sharron Noble

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.

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

Vice Chair: Patti Marino

I’m Patti Marino. Rossland is where I spent my childhood, and I’ve called Trail my home for over 47 years. My husband and I raised our 2 children in Trail surrounded by grandparents and extended family. For most of my 38 year nursing career I was employed as an RN at KBRH, in various departments in a variety of positions. In my spare time I have volunteered in several Winter/Summer Games as clinic lead, first aid for the Trail Smokeaters and other sporting events . After I retired in 2013 I continued to volunteer locally. My volunteer efforts included organizations -St. John Ambulance, Pain BC as a facilitator, and the Canadian Cancer Society. My heart truly lies in our community, and being involved in health-related initiatives has been my way of giving back. In January 2022, I joined GTHS as a Board member. It is here I discovered a local non-profit society making a difference in my home community. Greater Trail Hospice provides a range of programs, all designed to assist our residents through the challenges we all face along our life journey. I am proud to be a volunteer of GTHS as we continue supporting those in of need our services.

Member at Large: Sarah Cupello

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
2021 was a pivotal year for me. At age 65, I chose to get married, retire, sell my home and move 1100 km from my family and friends. I’d been a widow for 12 years and had always worked. I served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a jet mechanic, worked in our family butcher shop in Wynndel, was a medical assistant and finally spent the last 30 years in the insurance industry. I found that I did not know how to “retire.” I responded to a Hospice advertisement and I have found my missing piece (peace). I took Hospice training and from that decided to join the Board to be a part of this extremely important group. It has been a privilege to be with many people as they have passed on, as well as being with people who are grieving. I try to be a listening ear and a support, and to meet each person exactly where they are, and in the way they need me. The Hospice team in Trail is an amazing group of caring and selfless people that give freely of their time and energy. I encourage everyone to see if there is a spot that you can fit into within Hospice. You control how much time you donate, knowing that even 1 hour a week can make a huge difference in someone’s life. I am proud to be part of this team.

Member at Large: Sharron Noble