The Gift of Compassion

Growing up in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Fran Coppla would've never dreamed she would eventually live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was a handsome service man named Jim Foss who brought her here after they were married. Fran spent forty-six years with her husband, whom she spoiled with her home-cooked Italian cuisine. With no children of their own, she loved spending time cooking and being the payroll manager at Sioux Falls Construction.

In 1993, Jim needed hospice care. Fran became friends with the Avera home hospice team while she cared for him. She was very grateful for their help and often reflected that she didn't know what she would've done without them. Fran was especially thankful for their deep concern and compassion after Jim passed away. She wanted to give back to the program that helped her through such a difficult time, so she made the decision to include Avera hospice in her estate planning.

This past year, Fran needed hospice care. Thankfully, the compassionate hospice caregivers were there for her when she needed them. Fran received home hospice care in July b2012 and then moved into the Dougherty Hospice in December. She had toured the facility many years ago and was grateful there was a room available when she could no longer be at home. Fran passed away in January 2013, and we thank her for her legacy of giving.