Bereavement Newsletter March 2026

Posted on February 18, 2026

If my calendar is correct, the first day of Spring is right around the corner! March 20th at 10:46 AM (EST). Of course, that doesn’t mean we will not get wintry weather, but it does mean we will see signs of new life as the trees begin to bud, and flowers begin to pop up through the ground. I don’t know about you, but I am ready! There was too much snow this winter-not to mention the frigid temperatures. I’m ready to mow and trim the lawn.

As a child, my father taught me how to care for the small lawn around our little brick home on the south side of Cambridge. We had a clunky little Montgomery Ward lawn mower and mom always warned me to keep my fingers and feet safe. Dad has been gone for over 35 years, and mom left us almost 4 years ago. However, just as Spring brings new life to nature, good memories can bring new life to our souls. Yes, memories can be painful; we will cry and the sadness of the season can be overwhelming. But good memories bring gratitude and new life. I choose to remember my father’s loving instructions, my mom’s constant care, and their pride when I did well. In every season, try to dwell on the memories that bring life.

On another note, this is my first newsletter as the new Bereavement Coordinator here at Hospice of Guernsey. I miss my amazing mentor and our previous coordinator, Terri Wootton! I’m sure you will too. She is the best! That said, while I cannot fill her shoes, I will do what I can to help you and to make her proud.

Upcoming Events

Monday, March 9-Lunch Bunch in Barnesville at 12 Noon at Tlaquepaque.

Wednesday, March 11-Lunch group at 12 Noon at Mr. Lee’s

Wednesday, March 18-Support breakfast at 9 AM at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley

Wednesday, March 25-Coffee with Chris: Men’s coffee and support group meets at 9 AM at Wendy’s, 2180 East Wheeling Ave., Cambridge

If you have any questions, call me at 740-432-7440. I am also available for one-on-one times. Remember that together and with support, we can make it through each new day.

In Your Corner,

Chris Dyer, BA, MA, DMin, Bereavement Coordinator

Longtime Executive Director to Retire from Hospice of Guernsey

Posted on February 13, 2026

After 35 years of dedicated service, Lorraine Teague, Executive Director of Hospice of Guernsey, has announced her retirement, marking the conclusion of a career defined by compassionate leadership, strategic growth, and unwavering commitment to palliative and end-of-life care.

Teague, who became Executive Director in 2014, played a pivotal role in shaping Hospice of Guernsey. Under her leadership, the non-profit expanded services, strengthened financial stability, and earned a reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate care for patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses.

“Her vision, integrity, and dedication have left a lasting imprint on this organization and the countless lives it has touched,” said Board President Bryan Conaway.

According to Conaway, a key strength of Teague’s leadership has been her ability to bridge clinical insight with sound business and financial management. Coupled with strong financial, business, and leadership skills, her approach guided the organization through changes in healthcare delivery, reimbursement models, and regulatory landscapes.

“Leading this agency has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Teague said. “I have witnessed compassion, courage, and grace from the people and families I’ve served and from the talented team of people who do this work.”

Teague was active in the field of nursing, caring for terminally ill patients in the hospice setting for over 22 years. With a Bachelor of Nursing degree, she brought a deep understanding of the medical field to hospice administration, ensuring that patient care remained at the heart of every decision.

Conaway noted that Teague championed collaboration among clinical staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.

“She fostered a culture of compassion and continuous improvement, helping build a strong, mission-driven team and a solid foundation for the future,” Conaway said.

Teague will officially retire in October 2026, and the Board of Director has expressed confidence that the strong organizational foundation established under her leadership will support continued growth and success in the years ahead.

“As I step aside, I know Hospice of Guernsey will continue to thrive because of strong board leadership and unwavering commitment to dignity, comfort, and love that defines the work we do,” Teague said.

The Board of Directors will initiate an immediate search for Teague’s successor, with leadership transition activities taking place over the next several months.

Hospice of Guernsey admitted its first patient in 1985 and has since provided care to thousands of terminally ill patients in Guernsey, Noble, and western Belmont counties. It employs more than 30 staff members and has over 40 volunteers.

Bereavement Newsletter February 2026

Posted on January 16, 2026

By now you have had time to settle in to the new year just a little bit. Christmas decorations are down and tucked away for another year. To many, that may seem like a relief. Many emotions are flying at the thought of what the new year might hold. To some, it may mean a new beginning…this year has to be better than the last. Others might wonder how they can possibly go on…face the new year without their loved one. By now you have come to the realization that the world does not stop for you, no matter if you feel that it should. I am here to encourage you not to go at it alone. Find someone that will be a support and encouragement to you in the days and weeks ahead. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.” If you feel you need someone to talk to, our new bereavement counselor (Chris Dyer) will be available for one on one time. There are also many events that take place throughout the month that you might find helpful. Give some of them a try.

This is the last newsletter I will be sharing with you. It is truly a NEW SEASON for all of us and bittersweet as well. I feel good leaving you in Chris’ hands. He is a kind man, full of faith and compassion. He will make time for you as you need. I pray many blessings on your life’s journey. You have left footprints on my heart. I love you all!

February Events

February 9th-Barnesville support group at Noon at Tlaquepaque

February 11th-Lunch Bunch at Noon at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge

February 18th-Breakfast support group at 9:00 AM at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley

February 26th-Coffee with Chris men’s coffee and support group meets at 9:00 AM at various places in the community. If interested, contact Chris for details of the upcoming month’s location.

If you have any questions about any of the events, or you find yourself just needing a listening ear, call Chris at 740-432-7440. Blessings!

Terri Wootton MSW, LISW, Bereavement Coordinator

Bereavement Newsletter January 2026

Posted on December 22, 2025

A new year is upon us! Where does the time go? When I was young, I hated it when someone said how fast the time went, for as a child, I didn’t believe it and I couldn’t wait for the years to pass! Now it is sometimes just a reminder of what was. It is sometimes hard not to wish those days and years back. But, as we are so aware, we cannot! We do, however, need to remind ourselves to make the most of today and pray for a happier tomorrow. A friend once shared four little words with me that might help to make a difference in your days. They are “I have a choice”. We can choose to worry and be upset at life’s circumstances, or we can choose to move ahead one day at a time, making our life count for something. It has been said…”Those who grieve well–heal well”! They also live well-living in the now! I hope you can begin to do that in the coming year.

This new year brings a new season in my life. After 20 plus years here at Hospice of Guernsey, I will be leaving mid-February. We have moved to be closer to our daughter’s family which includes our 2 grandsons. I hope to have the time to be more involved in their lives. I will also be working a couple days a week…just were is yet to be seen. It is bittersweet and I will leave part of my heart with all of you! I hope to introduce my replacement soon!

Upcoming Events:

January 12-Lunch Bunch in Barnesville at Noon at Tlaquepaque

January 14-Lunch group at Noon at Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge

January 21-Support breakfast at 9 AM at Patty’s Place in Belle Valley

January 28-Coffe with Chris: Men’s coffee and support group meets at 9 AM at various places in the community. If interested, contact me for details of the upcoming month’s location.

If you have any questions, call me at 740-432-7440. I am also available for one-on-one time. Remember that together and with support, we can make it through each new day.

God Bless you in this New Year!

Terri Wootton, LISW Bereavement Coordinator

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