Hospice of Orleans leader announces retirement

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2016 at 7:41 am

Mary Anne Fischer has led the organization since 1992

Mary Anne Fischer

Mary Anne Fischer

ALBION – The chief executive officer of Hospice of Orleans since 1992 has announced her retirement.

Mary Anne Fischer has the the organization in its push to expand programs for people battling advanced illnesses and to offer support for their families and loved ones.

“Through her guidance and dedication, Mary Anne has developed Hospice of Orleans through its infancy to the highly regarded state that it is today,” Hospice said in a news release. “Her involvement was vital in providing the community of Orleans County the level of care that has become a high quality standard and was the shepherd in conceptually constructing and opening the doors of the Martin-Linsin Residence in 2012, which has served so many patients and families.”

The Martin-Linsin Residence opened behind Hospice’s administrative building on Route 31 after a $2.3 million capital campaign. The 8,500-square-foot hospice home has rooms for eight residents. There is 24-hour-a-day nursing care.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Mary Anne Fischer is pictured with Cora Goyette, who served as Hospice’s development director during the campaign to build the Martin-Linsin Residence.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Mary Anne Fischer is pictured with Cora Goyette, who served as Hospice’s development director during the campaign to build the Martin-Linsin Residence.

Hospice serves about 130 patients a year, with most receiving care in their homes.

The Martin-Linsin Residence provides “a home away from home” for residents with complex medical issues, Fischer has said.

The eight residential suites were designed to accommodate visitors and allow family members to stay overnight. The site includes a family kitchen, lounge and dining room, spa area with therapy tub, family meeting room, a chapel and an indoor courtyard.

Fischer was praised by Hospice officials for her “tireless efforts” for nearly a quarter of a century.

Joel Allen, Hospice’s director of finance and facilities management, will assume the duties of chief operating officer. The board of directors for Hospice will soon begin a search for a new chief executive officer.

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