​Huron Shores Hospice thanks long-standing board members, welcomes new ones

Behind every moment of care at Huron Shores Hospice — every hand held, every family supported — there’s a team of volunteers working quietly behind the scenes: the board of directors.

These community members give their time, expertise, and energy to guide the organization — entirely as volunteers. Their leadership helps ensure that hospice care in the region is not only compassionate, but also sustainable and community-rooted.

Each June, the board gathers for the annual general meeting — a time to reflect on the past year, review the progress, and set direction for the road ahead. It’s also a moment of transition, when some members complete their terms and others step into new roles.

This week, the hospice said goodbye to several long-standing board members who’ve helped shape the organization through years of service and strategy. From financial oversight to fund-raising, community outreach to program development, these volunteers have played a key role in strengthening hospice care across the region.

Huron Shores Hospice is deeply grateful for the contributions of Alex Duthie, Liz White, Marlene Morrow, and Carol Rencheck.



When Alex Duthie joined the board two years ago, he brought with him decades of business experience and a steady, thoughtful approach. He quickly became a key contributor on the governance and grant-writing committees, and later, joined the technology road map committee to help shape the hospice’s digital direction.

Whether the topic was policy, planning, or systems, Duthie offered valuable insights. He listened carefully, spoke with purpose, and focused on the long-term.

Through it all, he remained calm, compassionate, and deeply respectful — a presence the board came to rely on around the table, and one that will be missed.



In her three years on the board, Liz White has played a key role in maintaining high standards of care for guests and families. As chairperson of the resident care committee, she led the recent HPC standards review and helped ensure the hospice practices remain thoughtful, safe, and person-centred.

She has been a committed comfort care volunteer, regularly offering her time to support guests in the suites, help with admissions, and make sure day-to-day operations run smoothly.

White was also part of the team that brought the Wind Phone to Southampton and continues to share hospice information in Saugeen Shores to help more people know about the support that’s available. Her kindness, knowledge, and willingness to help, wherever needed, have made her a deeply-valued member of the community.



Since 2018, Marlene Morrow has contributed to the board in many ways — as a member of the community programs and fund-raising committees, and as someone always ready to jump in wherever help is needed.

She became the go-to guide for the Hike for Hospice route each year, lending her trail knowledge and energy to make the day run smoothly. At Handbags for Hospice, she led sponsorship and games, helping raise funds while ensuring guests had fun and felt welcome.

Outside of events, she has delivered flyers by hand, sent personal thank-you cards, and often hosted meetings in her home. Through her warmth, generosity, and reliability, she has created connection everywhere she goes — and helped strengthen the sense of community at the heart of the hospice work.



Carol Rencheck joined the board in 2018 and stepped into the role of chairperson that same year — a position she has held ever since. Over her many years of service, she has helped lead the organization through growth, change, and the day-to-day demands of providing hospice care in a rural community.

She brought clarity and purpose to her leadership. She guided the finance and fund-raising committees with precision and heart, whether balancing budgets or planning events. She also never hesitated to show up in a hands-on role — helping welcome guests into the hospice, supporting admissions, and covering volunteer shifts on evenings and weekends.

Known for her wholehearted commitment, steady presence, and genuine kindness, Rencheck has given more to the hospice than could ever fully be captured in words. Her impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.

As Huron Shores Hospice honours the incredible contributions of these outgoing board members, it has welcomed several new leaders who will help guide the hospice into the next chapter. These individuals bring diverse experience and a shared passion for community-based, compassionate end-of-life care.

Joining the board are:
 

• Diane Allingham-Hawkins
• Keith Battler
• Stephanie Battler
• Claudia Dixon
• Carole Lee Foster
• Jacques Major

The hospice extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated board members continuing their service:
 

• Alex Pizycki - chairperson
• Tanya Leppington - vice-chairperson
• Cheryl Cottrill - secretary
• Paul Holmes - treasurer
• Lisa Forbes
• Carla McLean
• Pat O’Connor
   

The hospice is truly thankful to everyone who helps create meaningful moments for the individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses and grief, in the community.