Greatness That Goes Beyond the Workday

Jessica Richardson, Resident Services Manager

Parkland at the Lakes

As Jessica Richardson spent more time in palliative care, her passion for end-of-life care grew stronger. She knew she wanted to do more, which led her to explore volunteering as a death doula. In this role, Jessica supports her community in a deeply meaningful way, offering non-medical emotional, spiritual, and practical care to individuals and families before, during, and after death. Much like a birth doula welcomes new life; death doulas walk alongside people at the end of life, providing comfort, dignity, and understanding.

In this role, Jessica helps with advance care planning, vigil preparation, and meaningful rituals, while guiding families through the natural changes that occur near death. Her calm presence and ongoing support help loved ones feel informed, supported, and less alone. At Parkland at the Lakes in Dartmouth, N.S., she uses her palliative care knowledge to support the nursing team, families, and team members through end-of-life care and early grief.

This spring, she will share her expertise at the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Conference, where she will speak on The Modern Death Movement: Bringing Death Home and Back into the Conversation.

KeithRing, Housekeeper

Faubourg du Mascaret

In addition to his role as a housekeeper at Faubourg du Mascaret, Moncton, N.B., Keith Ring is involved in giving back to his hometown of Bridgetown, N.S. With regular trips home, he coaches basketball at the school he once attended, mentoring youth. He also helps lead an annual community event that brings together former classmates, teachers, and families. Keith sees this as an opportunity for people to reconnect and for him to support the community that shaped him.

Keith also coaches trampoline basketball at Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Moncton, N.B., teaching coordination and the thrill of reaching new milestones, such as touching the rim or landing a dunk. Many young athletes plan their visits around his schedule, eager for his encouragement. Over the years, Keith has seen countless Great Moments through this work, with kids achieving milestones they once believed were beyond their reach. His positivity, energy, and ability to “hype up” the kids provide a tremendous boost, showing how one person’s actions can uplift youth and strengthen the community.