Donna Tapley Retires After 27 Years

On Nov. 26, Donna Tapley retired from Hospice Care Plus after 27 years of service. Only one other employee has served longer. She’s contributed to many milestones, and the bonds she’s formed with coworkers, patients, and family members will never be forgotten.  

Donna started her career in 1997 when our name was changed from Hospice of the Kentucky River to Hospice Care Plus, to reflect the growing array of services offered by our organization. Her first role was as a nursing assistant and delivering medications on call.

In 2001, Hospice Care Plus reached two milestones. Our Palliative Care Program began, and an administrative office was opened in Berea. Soon afterward, Donna was asked to serve as an administrative assistant there.

Through the years, Donna’s love for Hospice became a family affair. Affected by her care for our mission, her husband, David, was soon recruited as housekeeper, cook, and grounds crew.,

Donna often thinks of when David brought holiday cheer to our Compassionate Care Center by hanging festive lights during the holidays. David is also responsible for the lovely trees throughout the grounds of the Center that hold memorial plaques beneath them, inscribed with names of loved one’s past. David planted those trees, something Donna remembered fondly every day when passing them in and out of work.

Along with David’s career with Hospice, which lasted many years, Donna and David’s granddaughter also found a place in her heart for the organization. As a young girl, Donna’s granddaughter would get off the bus at the Berea office and sit at the table to do her homework. Over time, she decided to become a volunteer and dedicate her time to bringing smiles and comfort, the same way her grandmother had done for so many years.

Donna has looked forward to enjoying the company of her family full-time. Her seventeen wonderful grandchildren and three beautiful great-grandchildren hold a special place in her heart. We have enjoyed the photos of her family growing up over the years and her amazing stories about them (and her pups).

Family is what is most important to Donna, whether it is the family you are given or the family you create. Donna believes that family is one of the most important gifts bestowed upon us. Hospice has become her family too. She has been there for so many colleagues and friends, seeing them through marriages and babies. All have described Donna as a loyal co-worker and friend who always has a smile and a kind voice.

Donna has enjoyed many Hospice Care Plus activities, such as Christmas parades, horse shows, and especially, bring-your-pet-to-work days. She recalled all the fun they had at one annual staff gathering in Nancy, KY. Employees played games, dressed up, and enjoyed great food. Perhaps, most importantly, they got to know one another outside of the job.

The number of lives Donna has touched throughout her career is immeasurable. Many coworkers have expressed how much they will miss her taking them by the hand and praying for them. However, we do not believe there will be a day she does not think of us and send up a good prayer.

As we bid Donna farewell, may we all strive to embody what she has meant to us and honor her advice to have as many activities together as an organization as possible.

Hospice Care Plus was founded as a non-profit organization to support the quality of life of its communities through hospice, palliative, and grief and loss care programs. The organization serves Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle counties and owns and operates the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. Relying on contributions from individuals and groups, all care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Make a gift, explore career and volunteer opportunities, or call 859-986-1500 to learn more.