This April, Sean and Lesa were both invited to join the Hospice of the Valley Board of Directors—a role they accepted with honor and gratitude. For them, it was not just a recognition, but also an opportunity to deepen their lifelong commitment to end-of-life care.
Sean and Lesa’s professional paths have closely paralleled since 2002. They began their hospice careers with Roaring Fork Hospice when it was still a department of Valley View Hospital. When Hospice of the Valley was founded, Sean became its first chaplain, and Lesa its first nurse. Later, when the Calaway-Young Cancer Center opened, they both transitioned there—Sean as the center’s chaplain and Lesa as the radiation oncology nurse.
It was during their time at the cancer center that they launched the No One Dies Alone program, which trains volunteers to sit with dying patients, offering comfort and advocacy in their final moments. In addition, both have worked with Pathfinders, supporting individuals through grief and loss.
Though Lesa’s 40-year nursing career came to a close due to life circumstances, her dedication to end-of-life care endures. Now a grief coach, she facilitates grief support groups for mothers who have lost children, through her work with Pathfinders. She also leads Bedside Voices of the Valley, an a cappella group of hospice volunteers who sing to those in need of comfort or nearing the end of life.
Sean has worked in the field of death and dying since 2000. She recently retired from Valley View Hospital in June and is now able to devote more time to her podcast, Where the Veil Grows Thin, which explores life, death, and what lies beyond.
Being asked to join the Hospice of the Valley board felt like coming full circle for both Sean and Lesa. They are eager to give back with their time, energy, wisdom, and experience to the only locally-run nonprofit hospice agency in the area—a vision they have long shared and supported.
If you see Sean or Lesa around town and have questions about hospice care, chances are—they’ll have the answer.
Join Us:
Hospice of the Valley will host its First Annual Two Rivers Trek for Hospice.
To register, visit [event website if available] or call 970-930-6008.
