David Riehle

By KIM NANCE
Business Development Director, Kosciusko Home Care And Hospice

Mary Riehle lived her life caring and encouraging others. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and was the caregiver for her parents at the end of their lives. David Riehle, her husband of 50 years and one day, shared how his wife loved life and cared deeply for others. After fighting cancer for 23 years, Mary was ready to go home. Her faith gave her hope that there was more to look forward to when her life on earth was over.

During the last weeks of his wife’s life, Riehle appreciated the support from family, friends and Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice. Hospice was called in to help Mary with comfort care, quality of life, voicing her last wishes, and support for Riehle. He shared that the hospice workers and nurses were amazing. “They not only supported Mary but also me during this difficult time” he stated.

Riehle shared he was also offered additional help with his wife’s care but he felt he wanted to do these things for her. He would recommend to others receiving hospice care to not be a “Hero” and to accept the extra help that is available.

Caregiving can be rewarding but also overwhelming at times. One of their neighbors, who is also hospice volunteer brought them soup and would visit. Riehle said “Hospice Nurse Rebecca made my wife feel like she was her only patient. She was never in a rush and helped us both”.