Hospice

1. Hospice benefit A benefit for Hospice of Washington County. The evening will include hearty hors d' oeuvres, cash bar, Tom Riford as emcee, testimonials from three Hospice of Washington County families and five songs performed by Karen Taylor-Good. 5 to 6 p.m. cocktail hour; 6 to 7 p.m. program; 7 p.m. autographs and photographs with Karen Taylor-Good. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Cortland Mansion, 1941 Cortland Drive, Hagerstown. Free tickets; donations requested. Call 301-791-6360. 2. Shepherd jazz Shepherd University's jazz ensemble, lab band and jazz combo will perform works by Charles Mingus, Gerry Mulligan, Quincy Jones and Sonny Rollins.

This year, about 40,000 people in the United States will chose to end their lives. It's a sobering statistic from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Equally sobering is the fact that it might be someone you know - a family member, a friend, a neighbor or co-worker. The reasons for escaping this world will vary - from genetic predisposition to mental health issues. But regardless of why the decision was made, the impact on those left behind will be tremendous.

Patsy Ann Spielman, 68, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at her home while under the care of Hospice of the Panhandle. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Berkeley Springs, which will be open from noon to 8 p.m. for the convenience of family and friends. The service will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. G. Edward Grove officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery.

On Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Cortland Mansion in Hagerstown, tables will be adorned with centerpieces, event programs and tissues.  Yes, tissues. Tears of inspiration and joy will be shared during the one-hour program. Tom Riford will emcee the event.  Three local families who have used Hospice of Washington County services will share their stories with the 240 guests who have already reserved tickets.  Kelly Wright, news anchor for Fox News. will be one of those individuals sharing his story.  During the program, Karen Taylor-Good will perform five songs.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's 14th annual International Survivors of Suicide Day is Saturday, Nov. 17, at Hospice of Washington County Inc., 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown. Light refreshments and sign in begins at 12:30 p.m. The DVD presentation will begin at 1 p.m. and time for discussion will follow. Thousands of survivors of suicide loss gather together around the world on this day for mutual support and practical guidance on coping with grief. For information or to register, call the Bereavement Department at 301-791-6360.

Shelby J. Bowman, 76, of 929 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, Md., passed away Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, at her home, after a long courageous battle with cancer for nearly three years. Born Sept. 29, 1936, at home in Security, Md., she was the daughter of the late John Henry and Irene Elizabeth (Gross) Lowman. She is survived by her husband, Donald Lynn Bowman, to whom she was married for 59 years. They were married May 22, 1953, by the Rev. Norment in the parsonage of First Christian Church.

James Stewart Collins Jr., 54, of Points, W.Va., died Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, at his home while under the care of Hospice. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at South Berkeley Chapel in Inwood, W.Va. The service will at 11 a.m. Monday, at the funeral home with Chaplin Stephon R. Reed officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Arden.

Hospice of Washington County Inc., has scheduled a winter volunteer training program. The course will be offered Monday, Nov. 5, Thursday, Nov. 8, and Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 9 p.m. Hospice of Washington County Inc., is a Medicare-certified, JCAHO-accredited, licensed program of nursing, certified nursing aide, social work, chaplain and volunteer support services for patients and families who need end-of-life care. For more information or to apply, call Lindsay Anderson at 301-791-6360 by one week prior to the training start date.

Anne Frances Shaffer, 45 of Williamsport Pike, Greencastle, Pa., died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and friends, after an unbelievable five-year battle with cancer. Born Nov. 19, 1966, in Silver Spring, Md., she was the daughter of George Coleman and Lillian Frances Carrodus Shaffer of Frederick, Md. She attended North Carolina Wesleyan College. She was an avid golfer and softball pitcher. She was also a dog lover. In addition to her parents, she is survived by Lori Ann Yohn, her partner of 14 years; a sister, Katie and her husband, Edward Keller, of Toms River, N.J.; a brother, Todd Coleman Shaffer of Woodbridge, Va.; nieces, Morgan Frances Keller, Alice Mae Shaffer, and Amy Treaster; nephews, Tyler Edward Keller, Coleman Thomas Shaffer, Lauren McMullen and A.J. Yohn; an aunt, Nancy Shvanda; an uncle, Thomas Carrodus; and her loving dog, Buddy.