A Heart of Service
While most people imagine retiring as a time to unwind, take up hobbies, and relax, Vitas found a different calling. After 30 years at Ford Motor Company, he stepped into retirement in 2016. But instead of slowing down, he embraced a new chapter of life by dedicating his time to others.
“I wanted to use my extra time to give back,” he said—and that desire led him to Angela Hospice.
For nearly two years now, Vitas has been offering his time, his heart, and his faith as a dedicated volunteer at Angela Hospice. Whether offering companionship or bringing communion to patients, Vita’s presence has brought peace and comfort to many. His journey with us began in a way that reflects his deep commitment to faith and service—through a simple invitation from a friend.
Dennis Bostwick, a fellow member of Vitas’s men’s group at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and a long time Angela Hospice volunteer, often requested prayers for hospice patients and their families. When Dennis noticed Vitas’s natural warmth and ability to connect with people, he suggested that he consider volunteering too, especially since he could offer spiritual comfort in such a meaningful way.
Starting out as a volunteer offering companionship to hospice patients, Vitas provided much-needed emotional support to those facing the end of their lives. More recently, he expanded his role to include spiritual care, bringing communion to patients every other week.
“Bringing communion opens doors to conversation,” he explains. “It’s nice to bring God to hospice patients. Many of them are so thankful, and you can tell they find their peace in those moments.”
For Vitas, every visit is more than just a volunteer opportunity—it’s a sacred connection. “You meet very special people when you volunteer,” he said.
He describes Angela Hospice as “like a shrine,” a place he calls holy ground.
“The staff here is remarkable. There’s a good spirit in this place, full of helpfulness and goodness,” Vitas said.
A proud Lithuanian, Vitas speaks fluently in both the language and the culture. His roots run deep in his heritage, and he’s also deeply devoted to his family. He met his wife of almost 50 years at a Lithuanian youth camp in Manchester, Michigan. Together they’ve raised four children and now have three grandchildren, who live throughout the Midwest. Traveling to visit them—and exploring new places around the world—has been a passion for the couple.
Vita’s story is one of selfless service. With every visit, every prayer, and every moment of spiritual care, he brings light and comfort to those who need it most.
