When Carol arrived at the Livonia Care Center with her mother, Alice, Alice looked around and said, “This place reminds me of a cruise ship!”
It was 2012, and Alice would go on to call Angela Hospice home for the next year and a half — something Carol acknowledges is rare in hospice care. During her stay, Alice celebrated two birthdays.
“She kept requalifying,” Carol shared. “She accepted everything and was so content.”
Each week, Carol would bring her mother to Mass. She remembers the kindness of the hospice team, and how much her mother enjoyed talking to Sister Giovanni, Angela Hospice’s founder. On pleasant days, Carol would wheel her mom through the beautiful grounds, taking in fresh air and peaceful surroundings.
When an insurance issue threatened her stay, Alice made her feelings clear: “I’m not going anywhere!” Luckily, she was able to remain at Angela Hospice — comfortable, cared for, and at peace.
Carol never forgot the compassion her mother received.
“Mom had such good care from the CNAs and nurses,” she said. “I wanted to give back.”
Carol began volunteering in the Care Center, helping patients with their breakfast and supporting the nursing staff, from 2013 to 2020.
After Alice’s passing, Carol and her brother, Larry, wanted to create something lasting in their parents’ memory, something that would bring comfort to patients and their families.
Their first gift, a beautiful waterfall feature in the Livonia Care Center great room, was enjoyed for many years. When it could no longer be refurbished, Carol and Larry once again felt called to give. The idea of a saltwater aquarium was suggested, and they graciously embraced it.
Mark Hibbard, Angela Hospice CFO
Angela Hospice’s CFO, Mark Hibbard — now affectionately known around the Care Center as our “Chief Fish Officer” — was called on to bring the vision to life.
A saltwater aquarium hobbyist for over 30 years, Mark didn’t hesitate when asked if he could help. What started as a donor wish to honor their parents quickly became a passion project for Mark. With careful planning, he designed and installed the stunning 180-gallon marine-reef aquarium.
“I still enjoy the process of creating a new aquarium,” Mark shared. “When I was asked if I could help fulfill the donors’ request, it was certainly rewarding to have a part in providing something so special for Angela Hospice.”
Carol Snapp-Brinton and her brother, Larry Snapp, stand beside the beautiful fish tank they donated in memory of their parents.
Today, brightly colored tropical fish weave in and out of living coral. Gentle lighting reflects off the water’s surface, and the steady sway of the reef creates a quiet, calming rhythm for its viewers.
In moments when words are hard to find, the natural beauty of the aquarium offers something soothing. The display is truly commemorative, dedicated to the memory of loving parents, Alice and Leon, with heartfelt gratitude for care received.
Because of donors like Carol and Larry, compassion continues to ripple outward in unexpected and beautiful ways.
If you’ve ever wondered how you might honor a loved one while also blessing the families Angela Hospice serves, we would love to speak with you. Tribute and memorial gifts, whether large or small, create lasting touches of comfort throughout our programs. Call our Community Outreach and Philanthropy Office at 734.464.3478.
