Residential living residents Marlene Garrison and Penny Naugle are dedicated volunteers who co-lead the Comfort Care Ministry at Quarryville. This ministry offers comfort, compassion, and faith to residents nearing the end of life and also provides support to their families during this difficult time.

Marlene Garrison

Volunteering has been an important part of Marlene’s life for many years. Her experience includes helping at church, as a nurse at a local pregnancy center, delivering meals, assisting with activities in Personal Care Living and Skilled Nursing Care, and co-leading the Comfort Care Ministry.

In 2022, just a few months after moving to QPRC, Marlene was asked to sit with a dying resident who had no family member present. Soon after, a similar opportunity arose with another resident. Joe Greer, director of customer relations, then approached Marlene about helping to organize a Comfort Care Ministry.

Marlene partnered with fellow residential living resident Penny Naugle, and members of Quarryville’s Life Enrichment team to develop the ministry and coordinate volunteers. “It is an honor to serve as part of this team and to comfort a dying resident and their family,” said Marlene. “As a nurse, that has always been very important to me—a privilege from God.”

Penny Naugle

Penny Naugle and her husband moved to Quarryville in 2023. Having previously served as a chaplain in a retirement community, Penny came with the intention of becoming involved in Quarryville’s community and ministry—particularly in skilled nursing care. When she learned of a need for Bible study in that area, she volunteered and has been leading a weekly class for the past two years.

As Penny and Marlene became acquainted, they discovered a shared desire to support dying residents and ensure that no one dies alone. The Comfort Care Ministry now includes approximately 12 volunteers who offer companionship and a spiritual presence during the final hours of life. Penny manages the volunteer email list and helps coordinate visit schedules.

Penny and Marlene also worked with Quarryville team members to provide volunteers with hospice training. Volunteers typically sign up for two-hour shifts to support residents in need. They may read Scripture, play music, or pray quietly at the bedside. “Even when a resident is unresponsive, we trust that they have a sense of being cared for,” Penny said. Through faith and human connection, the Comfort Care Ministry brings peace and dignity to life’s final chapter.

The ministry also supports families who may not be able to be present around the clock. Services include overnight vigils, breaks for family meals or walks, and companionship during family meetings or absences. These small acts of presence and compassion can leave a legacy of God’s love and kindness.

If you would like to volunteer or learn more about the Comfort Care Ministry, please contact Quarryville’s Life Engagement Manager at 717-786-5717.