Mary Munie, one of our Team Clerks at our Belleville Location, set out to work for Hospice of Southern Illinois in 2013. “I have always wanted to work for hospice. I have had a few family members on hospice and the compassion they were given was unforgettable.” Mary is a warm voice on the phone, friendly face in the office, and a wonderful help to our clinical team in the field and staff in the office. Mary’s favorite part of her job is talking with patients and families. She is often the first impression of our customer service and compassionate care when anyone calls to inquire about Hospice of Southern Illinois’ services. Other times, she is the first person people talk to after a loved one has died. Her genuine heart and willingness to help are two qualities that make her the right person for this position. Mary also added that she enjoys the trust her teammates place in her. She is the go-to person for office supplies, patient information, and team communications. Mary is one-of-a-kind. We cherish her work ethic and caring sentiment toward others.
Mary was born and raised in O’Fallon, Illinois. O’Fallon is one of the many towns where we serve patients and families that Mary comes into contact with every day. We appreciate Mary’s values of family and faith, two things that are most important to her. 
Mary mentioned, “I come from a big family.” It doesn’t surprise us the way she is always so willing to help, do so with a smile, and works so well with others, day-in-and-day-out. May has a quote in her home that reads: “Kindness Matters,” which we see her share with others every day. Hospice of Southern Illinois is lucky and thanks you, Mary, for all the kindness you bring and share at our not-for-profit organization.
April Ehlers, Bereavement Counselor for Hospice of Southern Illinois, began her journey in hospice care in 2011. “I wanted a challenge of working in a field I had never worked in before. It has truly become a blessing. I have met and been a part of taking care of the patients that we serve.” April’s favorite part about her job is being able to meet with families. She is always here to serve their needs, emotionally and spiritually. She aides in helping them cope through the dying process and grief experience. April adds, “To know that you have touched a part of someone’s life is the most humbling feeling there is.”
April’s favorite quote, “Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder. Let the challenges make you strong,” by an Author Unknown. She carries this statement through her work every day. She excels at helping get others stronger. She helps them look for a deeper meaning in their challenges to grow, discover peace, and find adventure in the 
new day. She meets patients and families where they are, wherever that may be in their hospice journey. Hospice of Southern Illinois can count on April to be a shoulder to lean on and the support to help them through. Thank you, April, for your dedication to our mission and the patients and families you serve. We appreciate your willingness to serve and help others through this precious time in their life.
