With the support of individuals and organizations throughout our large catchment area, we have developed a variety of ways you can give including: (see below)

​For further information about any of our programs, please contact SFVH Foundation at 613-756-3045 ex 333.

While you can choose to donate to any one of our healthcare partners, you will make the greatest impact by directing funds generally to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. This will give the Foundation the flexibility it needs to ensure funds are directed to where they are needed, and when they are needed, the most.

St. Francis Memorial Hospital

Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care

Valley Manor Long Term Care

Making an In Memoriam or Tribute donation to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation is a meaningful way to pay tribute to a loved one, friend or neighbour while giving the gift of health.

Acknowledgement of your gift is sent to the family by way of a memorial card.

You may also want to support this program by letting the funeral home know that you would wish to direct all memoriam donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.

This helps your friends and family know of your wish to support the needs of St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Madawaska Valley Hospice, & Valley Manor.

Gifts can be made at the funeral home or directly through the Foundation office as well as online. Please call the Foundation office for more information (613-756-3044 ext. 217). 

Sample Wording for Obituaries 

If you are organizing your loved one’s obituary and would like some sample wording to help direct donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, feel free to use any of the phrases below:

• In Memory of (loved one’s name) the family respectfully requests donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.
• In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (St. Francis Memorial Hospital OR Valley Manor OR MV Hospice Palliative Care) would be appreciated

Meet some of our In Memoriam families:

GERARD O'MALLEY

Gerard O’Malley was no stranger to the local healthcare facilities in Barry’s Bay. From being admitted to St. Francis Memorial in his childhood for Type 1/Juvenile Diabetes, to a hockey accident that left him quadriplegic in 1984, Gerard established a keen respect for his local hospital.  

“For 40 years he required the professional services of this unique healthcare facility,” Gerard’s sister Joan Cybulski said. “Gerard had great admiration for the staff, services and the care he received over the years.” 

He also had a special place in his heart for the Valley Manor, since it was a place for seniors and those with disabilities to live without leaving their home community. 

When he was diagnosed with cancer, he experienced quality care from the Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative team.

Gerard made it a priority to assist St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, which raises funds for Hospital, Hospice and the Valley Manor. As co-owner at the Barry’s Bay Metro, he would support the many events and programs initiated by the Foundation. Even after he passed on February 29, 2024, Gerard had directed his family to request that in memoriam donations be made to four local charities, including the Foundation.  

He wanted donations go to the greatest need, which allows the Foundation to direct funds when and where they are needed the most.   

By doing this, and through his overwhelming generosity over the years, Gerard helped create a lasting legacy and will ensure healthcare remains local for generations to come.  

DOROTHY CORBEIL

Dorothy Corbeil of Golden Lake was a doer. As a Registered Nurse, she knew that the only way to get things done properly was to roll up your sleeves and do them yourself. Local healthcare was her passion and she wanted to ensure that residents had access to quality services and equipment. 

“She was on a mission to improve healthcare in the region and her way was to become directly involved on boards and committees and such,” her son Andre Corbeil said.  

Dorothy battled lymphoma and spent her final days at Madawaska Valley Hospice, where she was cared for by the exceptional staff and volunteers. She died December 6, 2023, “after a fulfilling and happy life” her obituary (which she wrote) read. 

“We - my brother and I - didn't choose the Foundation for donations, my mother herself did,” Andre said, touching on the fact that Dorothy thought of every last detail. “I can certainly speak to how important the hospital and hospice were to me at the end of her life and that my mother knew how important they would be when and if she should need them.” 

It was important to Dorothy to leave a lasting legacy on local healthcare. She asked that In Memoriam donations be directed to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation in her name for the greatest need at either the hospital, Valley Manor or hospice.  

“She wanted the Foundation to be the designated donation recipient because she was so proud of all you do for the community,” Andre explained. “Not just the hospital, but healthcare workers overall.” 

Asking for In Memoriam donations to go to the greatest need ensures our partners at the hospital, Valley Manor and hospice have the tools they need to offer exceptional healthcare close to home. 

It’s as simple as asking that “in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.” 

LORRAINE BRIGGS

If you ever needed a prescription filled at the Barry’s Bay pharmacy, you likely met Lorraine Briggs.  

She was the daughter of Henry J. Chapeskie and Rose C. Chapeskie and pursued a degree in pharmacy at the University of Toronto. In 1954, she opened Lorraine’s Pharmacy, the first in Barry’s Bay. Her husband Ron was also a pharmacist, who worked alongside Lorraine until his death in 1975. 

Lorraine went on to raise her six children alone, while running her pharmacy. As the children got older, she joined the Canadian Cancer Society and served as president of the local branch. It was a way of honouring her late husband.  

Her son John said his mother had a firsthand perspective on local healthcare on the community and was so very supportive of it.  

“Mom recognized that local healthcare is one of the foundations of our community,” he said. “She worked within it for 40 years and like all of us she sought the services provided by it when needed. She fully understood that supporting the health and wellbeing of her fellow citizens would be better achieved in dedicated healthcare facilities staffed with creative and empowered people.” 

She actively supported the healthcare teams operating withing the community, at the hospital and at the Valley Manor. When she passed at the age of 92 in 2022, her children wanted to honour her by dedicated In Memoriam donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.   

“Choosing Memoriam donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation upon her passing was something that we as a family knew she would support wholeheartedly,” John said. 

The family also chose to purchase a stone on the Memorial Mural to honour their late mother.  

“Her dedication to supporting the work of our healthcare teams in the community, at the hospital, and at the Valley Manor, as the town’s first pharmacist, should not be forgotten,” John said. “It was important for our family to publicly recognize her for all of her efforts by purchasing a stone on the Memorial Mural. It also serves as a reminder to all of us who follow that we need to continue with her work.” 

ROBIN MCLEAN

Robin McLean wore many hats over his lifetime; husband, dad, grandpa, business owner.   

He was raised in Combermere, eventually relocating to Toronto where he worked at various jobs. He met and married Rita Peplinskie and after a few years of city life, they decided to move back home to Combermere where they raised their two sons, Mitchell and Matthew. 

Robin became a licensed electrician and owned his own business for 40 years. During those years, he obtained his master electrician, plumber and linesman licenses. He was highly trusted and recommended by his many customers and employees. 

He enjoyed the outdoors, and was a skilled, competitive ice racer, master water skier, avid fisherman and hunter, and so much more. 

Robin was diagnosed with non-familial ALS in 2020, a disease that progressed rapidly in him causing many trips to St. Francis Memorial Hospital`s emergency department over the months.  

“As Robin’s health was quickly declining, he requested to go to Hospice,” his wife Rita said. “We were already familiar with the amazing management, staff, volunteers and home-like setting, as we spent a lot of time there with his mother, Elsie a few months earlier.” 

Rita said her husband expressed concern that she would essentially burn out if she was to look after him 24 hours a day. 

Sadly, Robin passed away on June 2, 2021. His family asked that In Memoriam donations be directed to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation for the highest priority needs.  

“We appreciated and were so grateful for every bit of help we received during this very stressful time dealing with Robin’s horrible illness that we encouraged any one that could to make a donation to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation in Robin’s memory,” Rita said. “We were overwhelmed, and very thankful to the many, many people who sent donations in his memory.” 

She said that the family will continue to support the foundation, to ensure that other families will benefit from the wonderful local healthcare services in the community. 

This beautiful mural is a depiction of the view of a landscape typical of what you might see in our local area from the eye of the artist, Donnie Burchat of Wilno. The elements on the mural are made from the many different types of wood native to this area.

Elements like leaves, ducks, stones etc. are engraved as a way of honouring or remembering someone special.   The Foundation allows for In Memoriam donations to be used by family members towards the purchase of an element in appreciation for their support of the Hospital by directing In Memoriam gifts to the hospital.

For more information and pricing, please click here to view our In Memory Mural brochure, call us at 613-756-3045 ext. 217 or drop by the Foundation office and pick up a brochure.

Meet some of our In Memory Mural families: 

RONALD LORBETSKIE

Ronald Lorbetskie of Barry’s Bay was somebody who made it a priority to help others. Married to Joyce Lorbetskie, the pair would volunteer in the Auxiliary gift shop inside St. Francis Memorial Hospital together. They enjoyed chatting with everyone who came in for appointments or visits. Ronald was also a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the local food bank.   

The Lorbetskies knew how important local healthcare was to the community. Ronald experienced a long battle with cancer before passing away on May 7, 2022 at the age of 72. He managed to stay home as he had wished up until the last few days, where he passed at hospice.   

Joyce asked loved ones to donate to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation in memory of Ronald. The Foundation raises funds for three local healthcare partners, including Madawaska Valley Hospice, Valley Manor and St. Francis Memorial Hospital.  

“We ourselves have used the hospital many times,” Joyce said. “The staff is wonderful, and I am grateful for the treatment that Ron received in the last moments of his life.” 

As someone who loved to spend time at the hunt camp and enjoyed being outdoors, Ronald had always been interested in a duck element on the Memorial Mural inside St. Francis Memorial Hospital.  

Joyce honoured that wish by purchasing the element in her husband’s name.  

“I think it is fitting because he spent a lot of time at the hospital,” Joyce said.  

It surely was the perfect tribute to a man who gave so much to his family and his community. 

MONICA BURCHAT

Monica Burchat of Wilno had a deep love for her community. A woman of great faith, Monica was active in her parish of St. Mary’s and always enjoyed helping with the annual chicken supper fundraiser there. 

She enjoyed baking and quilting, and could be found at her parish’s Christmas craft sale, selling her knit ware and crafts. As her children put it, her doors were always open; she always had treats on hand to welcome friends and family to her home. 

“She was an easy-going private person, who always put everyone else’s needs before her own,” her son Don Burchat said. “She was an optimistic person.” 

Monica recognized the need for quality healthcare in her community, especially during after her husband Felix was admitted to St. Francis Memorial Hospital in 1993 with Stage Three cancer. 

“She saw a lot of what was going on in the weeks he was here at the hospital,” Monica’s daughter Carolyn Prince said. “She saw the excellent care that he received.” 

Monica became involved with the hospital auxiliary and frequently donated her knitted items to sell in the gift shop. 

St. Francis Memorial Hospital always felt like home to Monica, especially after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She became nervous when she had to travel for out-of-town appointments. That all disappeared when she came back to St. Francis. 

“It was home,” Carolyn said. 

Monica passed away at the Valley Manor at the age of 83 on February 15, 2021. Her family will eternally be grateful for the quality care Monica received at St. Francis and at the Manor. 

When Felix had passed, Monica wanted to purchase an element in his name.  

“It was important for mom to get a leaf for dad because of the care he received at the hospital,” Carolyn said.  

When their mom passed, the family wanted to do the same for Monica to recognize the excellent care she received at the hospital throughout her lifetime.  

JOHN "JACK" GOLKA

The hospital held a special place in the heart of the late John “Jack” Golka. 

Although he started life as a humble dairyman delivering milk around the Valley, he eventually relocated to work in the mines.  

It was there he suffered a workplace injury that would change the trajectory of his career forever. 

John joined St. Francis Memorial Hospital first working as an orderly and eventually becoming a pharmacy technician. He was asked by Sister Rosenda Brady if he would be interested in starting the ambulance service, which he did on January 1, 1971. 

Although his healthcare career led him to other places over the years, his daughter, Joanne Truskoski, said St. Francis Memorial Hospital was always home for John and his family. John’s wife, Ursula, was born and raised in Barry’s Bay and served as a member of the hospital auxiliary.  

“I was born at St. Francis Memorial Hospital and to this day, we continue to have our health care managed by Dr. Jason Malinowski and his team,” Joanne said. “Barry’s Bay has always been home no matter where we’ve lived and our ties to the community and to the hospital have always remained strong.”  

At 84 years of age, John passed away on June 27, 2021. His family directed In Memoriam donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, to be used for the highest priority needs. 

“We are so proud of the quality of care provided in the hospital and we will always support its growth and further development so that it continues to be such an incredible local resource for so many,” Joanne explained.  

The family also purchased an element on the memorial wall at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, so that John’s memory will be kept alive in the hospital that meant so much to him.  

“It’s wonderful that people don’t have to leave the area for health care services because so much is available right here at home,” Joanne said.  

More often than not, you have experienced one of our volunteers, caregivers, or staff go the extra mile to ensure either you or a loved one has just what you need.

Perhaps the receptionist has gone out of their way to help you with a phone call, the administration office assisted you to get the information you need quickly, a volunteer helped you at the door and gave you that smile you needed, or the great care staff at our healthcare organizations provided you or a family member with extra special care when you needed it most. 

We are so very proud of everyone who makes up our community's wonderful healthcare team! 

The Guardian Angel program allows you the opportunity to show your appreciation for exceptional and compassionate care in a meaningful way that helps us change and save lives by ensuring our caregivers have the equipment and facilities they need to provide you with the best possible care. 

And... Your Guardian Angel will be presented with our unique Angel pin to wear with pride. 

Your kind gift, of any size, will be used for the most urgent community needs at our healthcare sites (St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Valley Manor and MV Hospice Palliative Care. 

Nominate your Guardian Angel today by contacting the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. 

We'll ensure they know just how much they are noticed and appreciated! 

Thank you for helping keep local health care strong in our community by honouring your Guardian Angel!

Meet Some of Our Guardian Angels!

We Need Your Help! 

Click on the newsletter image below to read about our Monthly Giving Club

Meet some of our Monthly Giving Club Members! 
 

MARY-ELLEN HARRIS
As Director of Patient Care Services at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Mary-Ellen Harris has direct experience with how important monthly giving is to the hospital. Mary-Ellen said the Foundation is a critical partner in the hospital's ability to achieve its mission of providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare in collaboration with its partners; and its vision of being a leader in health services that are patient-centered, integrated and responsive to rural community health needs. "Without the support of the foundation and the community, SFMH would not have the state-of-the-art clinical and imaging equipment needed to respond and care for those in need of our help. The foundation ensures we have the most up-to-date, innovative, and necessary clinical and technological solutions available to our Clinical Teams. In turn, SFMH attracts and retains qualified and highly skilled staff and Physicians," Mary-Ellen explained. If you would like to join Mary-Ellen by contributing, you can start your membership on the Foundation's website by Clicking Here or give us a call at 613-756-3045 ext. 217!

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Thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors, supporters and volunteers, we are thrilled to announce that together we have raised an amazing 1 MILLION DOLLARS which will help bring a new Valley Manor long-term care home to Barry’s Bay!!  Click on the image below to enlarge! 

Singing for Valley Manor

Have you got your copy yet?  This amazing CD featuring Sister Rosenda and the Kelly family is a wonderful collection of music and special tribute to Sister Rosenda.

On sale now for $20 each.  Pick up your copy today at the Valley Manor, Pharmasave or Hospital Gift Shop.

When you give a donation to the St Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation you are making an impact on local healthcare in our community, helping provide care givers from the St Francis Memorial Hospital, the Valley Manor and Madawaska Valley Hospital Palliative Care with the tools they need to look after precious patients and their families.

Over the next few years, critical priorities will include the redevelopment of Valley Manor for 90 long term care residents as well as the enhancement of the Hospital’s Emergency Department

Thank you for choosing us as a charity worthy of your support! We could not hope to do the work we do without you as our partner.

Every kind gift, no matter the size, is important to us and makes an impact on continuing to have local healthcare in our community, close to home, where we need it most.