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October 24, 2007

Wenham woman lauded for helping others cope with death

Steve Landwehr

WENHAM | Most people have a hard time embracing death, and many would find the prospect of facing it every day depressing.

"In fact, paradoxically, I find quite the opposite is true," Wenham resident Dianne Stringer said.

As president and CEO of Hospice of the North Shore for the past 18 years, she's come to find dealing with death can be uplifting.

"It's a tremendous gift to be present with a person and their family at the moment of death," Stringer said.

Stringer was one of two people presented with a Distinguished Person of the Year award by the Yankee Clipper Council of the Boy Scouts of America at the Danversport Yacht Club last night. The other honoree was Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry of Peabody.

The award is presented to individuals who in the eyes of the council have demonstrated concern for others in their professional and private lives.

When Stringer joined Hospice, it was an all-volunteer organization. Today it has 210 employees and 250 volunteers. It provides services to about 300 patients a day.

Stringer, 53, has been living in Wenham for 21 years.

The goal of the nonprofit Hospice is to help terminally ill patients and their families live each day as fully and comfortably as possible. Its services are reimbursable by Medicare and Medicaid.

The organization offers care to both the very young and the very old, Stringer said. Referrals come from doctors, clergy or friends of the family.

"Anyone can make a referral," Stringer said.

While everyone initially finds dealing with the prospect of a loved one dying difficult, Stringer says that when the wishes of the patient are carefully considered and carried out, most people are better able to cope.

"It can really be a beautiful moment," she said.



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