Volunteer Spotlight: Jan Patterson

Jan Patterson has been a faithful volunteer with Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH) for nearly 15 years. She shares some of the wisdom and experience she has gained below:

How long have you been volunteering with FPH, and in what ways have you served?
I’ve been volunteering with FPH for 15 years. I’ve helped with Thankful Thursday calls, visited patients at home and in care facilities, been part of the 11th Hour team and helped train other 11th Hour volunteers. I was one of the first volunteers for the Faith Kids Bereavement program, which I still love being part of and I’ve also volunteered at four Camp Erin retreats. These days, I visit patients and families at the inpatient center once a week.

How would you describe your experience as a volunteer?
It’s an honor to be with patients and families during one of the most tender times in their lives. Just being present and offering support means so much. People are always so grateful to know someone cares.

What do you love most about volunteering with FPH?
It gives me a deep sense of purpose. I try to be a calming presence and support for both the patient and their family. A lot of times, family members don’t know what to say or do. I help guide them in ways they can still connect – like talking to their loved one or noticing small signs of response. Once they see that connection is still possible, they’re able to relax and just be there with love. When patients are alert, I take the time to listen to their stories. That space to share is such a comfort to them, and they’re always touched that someone is willing to sit and listen.

Can you share a meaningful moment from your time as a volunteer?
I was sitting with a patient while her daughter sat on the other side of the bed. The patient hadn’t spoken in two days, but I encouraged the daughter to tell me about her mom. She shared a few sweet memories and then began singing a lullaby her mom used to sing to her. In the middle of the song, her mom suddenly joined in and sang the rest. It was such a gift. That moment changed everything for her daughter – she was no longer afraid and was able to really connect with her mom again.

What did you do before volunteering?
I was a social worker for two years, then taught elementary school for two more. After that I worked in customer service, then spent two years answering the help line for New Life Ministries. For the past seven years I’ve been on staff part-time at my church doing congregational care.

What do you enjoy doing outside of volunteering?
I love reading and spending time with my family.

Tell us about your family.
I have a blended family with six kids (two biological sons), ten grandkids and four great-grandkids. They bring me so much joy.

Do you have a bucket list?
The one thing I always hoped for was a big family, and I got that dream. One thing I still hope to do is take a river cruise. We’ve talked about it for years but haven’t found the right time yet.

What do you hope people remember about you?
That I was compassionate and always willing to walk alongside others during the hospice journey.

Anything else you’d like fellow volunteers to know?
If anyone ever has questions or wants to talk through something, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned along the way.