Donor Impact On
Hospice Care at Stella Maris
Whether patients come for rehabilitation services, or residents need help with daily activities, or patients are seeking palliative care, the highly trained staff at Stella Maris treat each person with dignity and respect. That is especially true when it comes to our hospice care and services.
A Legacy that Lives On
In Fiscal Year 2022, the Piccinini family made a very generous planned gift that will profoundly benefit people in need of Stella Maris’ inpatient hospice care for years to come.
Hugo Piccinini was born in 1926 to Italian parents living in the United States. Over the course of his life, he held many jobs, owned his own business, and served as a union leader.
In the 1950s, Hugo moved to Baltimore for work, where he met his wife, Mary Delorenzo. They were happily married for 60 years. Although they never had children of their own, they believed in wisely investing their money for the future.
After Hugo retired, he devoted 30 of his golden years to volunteering at Stella Maris. Hugo became a Friendly Visitor to long-term care patients and helped with hospice inpatients. He and Mary were regular attendees at Saturday Mass in Stella Maris’ chapel and were beloved members of the Stella Maris family. Mary passed away in the care of Stella’s home hospice program in 2018; Hugo passed away in 2019. Their absence is still keenly felt.
Sister Karen McNally, RSM, former Chief Administrative Officer of Stella Maris, is currently one of the Honorary Chairs of the McAuley Society for planned gifts. She remembers the Piccininis fondly. “Hugo and Mary were devoted and kindhearted. After their deaths, they shared their wealth so that others could be provided for. I can think of no greater legacy, no more fitting testament to their characters, than their unceasing willingness to do good, to love Mercy, and to walk humbly with God.”
Another servant of God who pledged his wealth to enhance Stella Maris’ hospice care was Monsignor Meisel.
A Tradition of Service and Love
Monsignor Charles Frederick Meisel passed away in Stella Maris’ hospice during Fiscal Year 2022. He was 96 years old, and at the time of his death was the oldest living Archdiocesan priest.
A devoted pastor for more than 70 years, Monsignor Meisel loved his parishioners and they adored him. His colleagues described him as humorous, witty, a great mentor, and willing to do anything to help others.
Over the years, Monsignor Meisel made gifts to Stella Maris to support the expansion of the inpatient hospice unit; the renovation of the Celebration Room in honor of Sister Louis Mary Battle, RSM; and the construction of the Rehabilitation Center in honor of Sister Karen McNally, RSM. His generosity made a real and lasting difference to the quality of care and hospitality that Stella Maris offers.
When Mercy Ridge was built in 2001, Monsignor Meisel moved into one of the apartments for retired Archdiocesan priests. He lived there for many years until he had a stroke and required more care. Then he spent four years living at Stella Maris. He died in October of 2021 with hospice home care.
When asked why Monsignor Meisel decided to support Stella Maris’ hospice care, he jokingly said, “When nuns take care of you, you have to take care of them.” He went on to explain: “Stella Maris is a successful place due to great leadership. They follow the path of Catherine McAuley—a tradition of service and caring for people, based on love.”
For more information, please visit the Stella Maris website.
Monsignor Charles Frederick Meisel passed away in Stella Maris’ hospice during Fiscal Year 2022. He was 96 years old, and at the time of his death was the oldest living Archdiocesan priest.
A devoted pastor for more than 70 years, Monsignor Meisel loved his parishioners and they adored him. His colleagues described him as humorous, witty, a great mentor, and willing to do anything to help others.
Over the years, Monsignor Meisel made gifts to Stella Maris to support the expansion of the inpatient hospice unit; the renovation of the Celebration Room in honor of Sister Louis Mary Battle, RSM; and the construction of the Rehabilitation Center in honor of Sister Karen McNally, RSM. His generosity made a real and lasting difference to the quality of care and hospitality that Stella Maris offers.
When Mercy Ridge was built in 2001, Monsignor Meisel moved into one of the apartments for retired Archdiocesan priests. He lived there for many years until he had a stroke and required more care. Then he spent four years living at Stella Maris. He died in October of 2021 with hospice home care.
When asked why Monsignor Meisel decided to support Stella Maris’ hospice care, he jokingly said, “When nuns take care of you, you have to take care of them.” He went on to explain: “Stella Maris is a successful place due to great leadership. They follow the path of Catherine McAuley—a tradition of service and caring for people, based on love.”
For more information, please visit the Stella Maris website.