St. Anthony received a generous gift from the estate of Justina Langel. Justina's connection with St. Anthony began when she moved to Carroll and started began working at the hospital. Later in life, she was an active volunteer with the St. Anthony Auxiliary.
Justina had many interests, including gardening, playing cards, bingo and traveling. Her greatest joy was spending time with her friends and family. According to her nephew, Tom Langel, "her love for people prompted her to leave her entire estate to charitable organizations that provide care and special services for people in our community."
Justina's gift benefitted St. Anthony Regional Hospice. A goal of Hospice is to affirm life and help patients "live until they die" by encouraging them to participate in life as fully as possible. The mission of Hospice is to provide comfort, support and compassionate care for persons in the final stages of illness. St. Anthony's Chaplain offers spiritual support, as needed, and serves as liaison between patient, family and their individual clergy. Hospice also provides support for family members, who are often serving as caretakers for the terminally ill person.
"We are grateful and honored that Justina included St. Anthony in her estate planning," said Ed Smith, St. Anthony President. "Everyone who knew Justina remembers her as a kind and caring person. Our Hospice and Pastoral Care Ministries are great examples of the things that were important to Justina," he added.