Making good on a promise to her mother to “give back”, Lourie Shannon began her career with Eaton Community Hospice in June, 2006. “I promised her that I would help others as she had been helped by Hospice. One day I decided to make good on my promise and stopped at the Hospice House. I asked Margaret Kyser if they needed help, and it so happens she did and here I am!” 

Lourie says, “I truly enjoy working with every staff member and volunteer, but especially Dorothy Smith and her cooking! ”Lourie’s typical day starts by going over each patients current needs with the staff member coming off shift. She greets each one with her smile and tries to brighten their day with her cheerful demeanor. After each patient has had their personal needs taken care of , Lourie will go and visit with them, just to say “hi” or see what other needs they may have.

“Some patients you can’t help but become attached to. Nancy Reed was one of those patients. She would tell me every day, ‘Thank you for being my best friend!’ Nancy was mentally disabled. I think I became especially close to her because I have a sister who, due to a closed head injury, is also mentally disabled."

Lourie looks at Hospice patients as more than just her job. She truly cares about each patient. She is known to come in on her days off just to see how they are doing, to give them a hug or just to say hi.

Lourie lives in Bellevue with her two girls, Jenna and Casie. She enjoys NASCAR, spending time with her family and at the lake boating.