Our Mission

To provide quality, compassionate care for those facing chronic and terminal illness by offering physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and educational support to individuals, their families and community at the end of life and during bereavement.

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Mountain View
Hospice Society

We are a passionate community collective based in Mountain View County, wholeheartedly dedicated to delivering outstanding palliative care not only within our county but also in the surrounding areas. Our comprehensive range of programs and services encompasses hospice care, bereavement support, and NavCARE assistance, all of which are designed to provide crucial support to individuals and families dealing with palliative and chronic illnesses. Furthermore, we extend our compassionate assistance during times of loss and grief. To achieve our mission, we rely on a dedicated team of trained volunteers who generously offer their expertise and care to those who require it.

History of the Society

The Moutain View Hospice Society has undergone remarkable growth since its establishment in 2011. With our expanded range of services and the broader community we now serve, we believe it's time to explore a potential name change that truly encompasses the entirety of our operations.

2007: Five community members met to discuss hospice palliative care for Olds.
2009: Survey gauged expectations from Bowden and Mountain View County residents, plus discussions with health-care professionals.
January 2010: Olds & District Hospice Society (O&DHS) approved as a society, with an interim board setting committees and policies.
October 2010: First General Meeting, board elected.
April 2011: charitable status granted.
Initial Care Model (five pillars): Contact Base, Information Base, Volunteer Support, Bereavement Support, Communication/Advocacy.
September 2012: Services Coordinator hired with support from Alberta Government.
January 2015: Added sixth pillar with hospice suites at Sunrise Encore.
August 2019: Executive Director hired.
November 2019: Nav-CARE added.
December 2020: Stand Alone Committee formed.
May 2022: Didsbury Expansion Committee formed.
June 2022: Administrative Assistant hired.
January 2023: Acquired Nu2U Thrift Store, hired Nu2U Manager.
2024 enhanced our Volunteer Driver Program, and added Bridging Bereavement one on one support
The Society now has 4 staff members, +140 volunteers, and has served over 650 clients.

Meet our Team

Dedication. Accountability. Empathy

Mary Marshall

Executive Director

ed@hospiceolds.com

In 2019, Mary became the Society's first Executive Director, helping guide a period of growth and improvement. Under her leadership, the Society embraced technology, developed sustainable funding strategies, and streamlined data systems, all while focusing on strengthening organizational leadership.

Mary’s commitment to quality palliative care is deeply personal, shaped by her own experiences supporting loved ones through their end-of-life journeys. Her passion for hospice work is also reflected in her volunteer roles as a trained palliative care provider, Nav-CARE navigator, and bereavement facilitator. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration in organizational leadership and spends her evenings coaching at the Red Deer Youth Badminton Club.

A resident of Olds for over 20 years, Mary shares her life with her husband Todd, their four children—Faith, Neo, Christian, and Ryder—and their loyal dog, Kaida.

Bridget Ryan

Services Coordinator

sc@hospiceolds.com

Bridget has called Olds home for 30 years, sharing her life with her husband Brad and their two sons, William and Austin.

With over a decade of experience in senior care, Bridget’s career began as an Activity Coordinator, where she earned her certificate from Red Deer College. She later transitioned into a Volunteer Coordinator role, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to service.

In addition to her professional contributions, Bridget volunteers as a Tournament Coordinator for Olds Minor Hockey, where her sons play in the U7 and U9 leagues. Her dedication to her community is truly inspiring, and we are grateful to have her on our team.

Amber Thaxter

Nu2u Manager

nu2u@hospiceolds.com

Amber Thaxter is the new Manager of Nu2u at Mountain View Hospice Society. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, she spent 15 years in Hamilton, Ontario, before moving to Alberta in May 2024. Amber, along with her 18-year-old son, her mother, and their cat Paul, is eager to become part of the community.

With a background in both corporate training and social services, Amber brings valuable experience to her role. Before joining Nu2u, she was a Training Supervisor for a large organization, where she developed content for new hires, managers, and quality evaluators, while leading a team of trainers. Her career began in Social Services in 2010, with roles in women’s detox centers, community health programs, and residential care homes.

Amber is passionate about creating compassionate and supportive environments. She values integrity, authenticity, and honesty and looks forward to being part of the Mountain View Hospice Society. Amber invites everyone to stop by and say hello!

Charlene Wilson

Administrative Assistant

admin@hospiceolds.com

In June 2022, the Olds & District Hospice Society welcomed Charlene Wilson to their team. Charlene, residing in Olds with her husband Frank and daughter Kaitlynne, brings her exceptional administrative talents and gifts to ensure the society's operations run smoothly.

Charlene's meticulous organizational skills and dedication support both clients and volunteers, enabling the society to provide effective care and assistance. Her valuable contributions behind the scenes help maintain a well-structured environment where individuals receive the support they need during challenging times.

With her commitment to excellence and passion for serving others, Charlene plays a vital role in the Mountain View Hospice Society. Her administrative expertise and support contribute to the overall success of the organization, enhancing the lives of clients and volunteers.

Chantel Plamondon

Bereavement Facilitator

https://www.holdinghopecounselling.ca/

At Holding Hope Counselling, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. We understand that life can present many challenges, and sometimes it can be difficult to navigate through these challenges on your own. That's where we come in.

We are here to offer you support and guidance as you work through life's difficulties. We provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and validated. With kindness, compassion and empathy we will explore your journey helping you find healing and growth.

We specialize in a variety of areas, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, suicide prevention, domestic violence, palliative care, addictions, stress and all traumas. Our approach to counselling is tailored to meet your unique needs and goals, and we work collaboratively with you to help you achieve your desired outcomes.

At Holding Hope Counselling, our mission is to empower you to lead a more fulfilling and satisfying life. We believe that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow, and we are committed to helping you reach your full potential. We genuinely value your uniqueness and we are always open-minded when we are counselling clients.

We believe investing in oneself is never a waste of time. That investment lasts forever for yourself and your life ahead.

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Ruby Elliott

Bridging Bereavement Facilitator

Ruby Elliott plays an important role in our organization as one of our primary bridging bereavement facilitators. Her journey with the Society has been nothing short of remarkable, as she served as the Society's service coordinator for an impressive three years. During this time, she discovered a unique talent and a profound ability to provide empathetic support to individuals navigating the challenging journey of bereavement.

Ruby's commitment to personal growth and professional development is evident through her pursuit of multiple relevant courses and her ongoing efforts to obtain a counseling certification.

Her dedication to helping others cope with loss is truly inspiring.

Outside of her work, Ruby and her husband Brian reside on a picturesque acreage in Watervalley. They enjoy traveling, spending time with family and side by side trips in their spare time.

Our Services & Programs

Hospice Support

The Society provides compassionate hospice support wherever it’s needed—at home, in the hospital, or in one of our two community hospice suites. Our Hospice Suites offer a comforting, home-like space for clients and families, allowing them to be together in peace. With the help of our dedicated, palliative-trained volunteers, we ensure that no family faces this journey alone. All of our support is provided free of charge, bringing comfort and relief when it matters most.

Bereavement Support

The Society provides meaningful, one-on-one bereavement support through our Bridging Program, offering four individual sessions free of charge. Clients can then choose to continue with our compassionate bereavement facilitators in private practice or join our supportive eight-week group sessions, available each spring and fall, at no cost. These services are designed to guide individuals through loss with care, connection, and understanding.

Nav-Care Support

Nav-CARE’s specially trained volunteer navigators enhance the lives of individuals with chronic or terminal illness by connecting them to essential community services and resources, offering compassionate emotional and social support, and providing transportation to medical appointments. Linda’s story began with Nav-CARE support for her mom and evolved into full Hospice support. Watch a family’s journey in this heartfelt video.