ASHLAND — A bequest in the amount of $72,231.08 from the estate of Shirley J. Patterson, a longtime resident of Ashland, Ohio will help improve end-of-life care for Ashland County hospice patients. In addition, a portion of the estate will be used to create a permanent HNCO endowment in Mrs. Patterson’s memory at The Ashland County Community Foundation.

Jim Cutright, ACCF Executive Director stated: “ACCF is extremely grateful for the opportunity to provide stewardship of this generous gift which will benefit HNCO’s Ashland patients. We at ACCF also greatly appreciate the mutual respect our organizations have for each other and HNCO’s continued belief and commitment to endowment”.

Ralph Tomassi, HNCO Chief Development Officer/Senior Administrator stated: “In addition to supporting immediate needs, Mrs. Patterson’s thoughtful gift will have a lasting impact on our patient’s comfort care as a result of the endowment fund that has been established. Mrs. Patterson’s legacy estate gift is a testament to her belief in the importance of supporting and perpetuating non-profit hospice care in Ashland County.”

Hospice of North Central Ohio serves more than 200 patients daily in Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Morrow, and Richland counties who are living with chronic and terminal illnesses. Additionally, free continuous bereavement services are provided for hundreds of families of hospice patients and to anyone in the community experiencing grief. Call 800-952-2207 for more information. HNCO is a 501c3 non-profit organization with over 36 years of experience and a community partner of United Way of Ashland and Knox County.