When asked to identify what makes her experience as a Victoria Hospice volunteer so rewarding, Maureen Dixon does not hesitate: “By far, it’s giving people a safe place to grieve with other grievers. Where someone can be in a group that just gets it without explanation or judgement. And helping to support that community with kindness and understanding.”
Maureen joined Victoria Hospice as a volunteer eight years ago, returning home to the Island after a long career as a school principal in Red Deer. In that role, she had two separate occasions to walk with grieving families whose children had died while they were students at her school. She saw that her contribution had a positive impact, and she made a commitment to support people experiencing grief once she retired.
Since 2017, she has been a dedicated Victoria Hospice volunteer, fulfilling a weekly Friday morning shift on the In-Patient Unit. Maureen’s beaming smile and compassion brighten the day of every person with whom she interacts.
Maureen is also a valued member of the Bereavement volunteer team. Most recently, she has supported the Walking Group, Grief Cafés, and Living with Grief workshops. Her many years of hospice volunteer experience show in the way she compassionately and skillfully supports people to navigate the isolation and confusion of grief.
With a background in education, Maureen is a life-long learner, welcoming opportunities to enhance her skills to best serve patients, clients, and families. She shares this experience and wisdom as a mentor to new volunteers, guiding and supporting them through first shifts on the Unit.
In 2024, Maureen was made an Honourary Lifetime Member of the Victoria Hospice Society, in recognition of her outstanding contributions over the years. For more about Maureen’s story, be sure to pick up a copy of the Spring 2025 edition of Transitions newsletter, available in March.