Clarington mourns death of hospice and community champion

Condolences are streaming in on the passing of a community champion and one of the biggest advocates for hospice care in Clarington.

Jill Richardson, Clarington’s Senior of the Year in 2021, a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International (2022) and a driving force behind the decades-old dream to build an end-of-life hospice in Clarington, died Sunday.

Mayor Adrian Foster expressed condolences and said he was “profoundly saddened” by her passing.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our community and all those lucky enough to know this incredible citizen,” Foster said. “As a fierce advocate for hospice, Jill’s work was essential in making the construction of the Marigold Hospice Care a reality. End-of-life care in our community will be forever improved because Jill championed this cause.”

With groundbreaking on the nine-bed facility on Cobbledick Road in Newcastle last fall and opening scheduled for next year, Foster said Richardson’s spirit will carry on and “continue to inspire many who also seek to make a difference.”

Residents in the hospice will benefit from 24-hour care from a team of palliative physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses, personal support workers and volunteers.

The Clarington Board of Trade said in a statement on Instagram their members were “grateful to have known such a kind-hearted, driven, passionate person and undeniable force” behind the vision of Marigold Hospice Care.

“Her commitment was contagious, inspiring members of the community to also support this very important project that will mean bringing comfort, dignity, and peace to families,” the statement continued.  “Jill, your legacy will live on in the hearts of so many and in Marigold Hospice, which will stand as a testament to your vision for the best care, and love for this great community.”