At Hope Residence, residents become family
Pat’s bright red hair, amazing smile and contagious laugh lit up the halls at Hope Residence in Belle Plaine, Minn. She loved life, which made it all the more difficult when she passed away in the fall.
Becca Lambrecht met Pat two years ago, when Becca started as a direct support professional (DSP) at Hope Residence. She knew instantly they would be friends, but she didn’t realize how deep that bond went.
“They never told us how much we would love Pat. They never told us losing her would hurt this bad or that we would cry this hard,” Becca said in Pat’s eulogy. “Pat made days easier when they seemed to be at their worst. Her quick wit and hilarious stories could make us laugh until our guts hurt.”
Patricia Huss grew up in Bixby, Minn., an only child to Herbert and Elsie Huss. Her parents owned a small supper club where she helped as a waitress and a door greeter. Pat knew everybody and loved everybody.
In 2005, Pat moved to Hope Residence for more assistance with mobility. Hope provides an extensive array of services to support and enhance the lives of residents dealing with disabilities. The family atmosphere felt welcoming to Noreen Seurer, Pat’s cousin and her legal guardian.
“The care she received there from day one has always been top notch,” Noreen said. “The team at Hope just cared so much for Pat and were very sad in her passing. In my heart, it felt good to see that. They were good friends to Pat and really loved her, and the feeling was mutual.”
Pat liked to look through catalogs and pick out clothes, and adored jewelry. She loved her job, the music of Elvis and travelling. She made many friends at Hope, including DSPs Becca, Brenda, Allison and Natalie. Brenda went to the hospital with Pat, often on her own time. She was also with Pat the days she was in the hospital before she died.
Last summer, Allison went to the Minnesota Zoo with Pat. When Allison noticed Pat was crying, she asked why. Pat responded, “I’m just so happy.”
“That’s the thing about Pat, she just loved life,” Becca said.
God called Pat home to heaven September 21. Noreen was by her side with Allison, Becca and Natalie — all off the clock — singing Pat’s favorite Elvis song as she took her final breath here on earth.
“We were all so blessed to be assigned to Pat’s living area, but the true blessing was that she took us in as part of her family,” Becca said. “Every steak, cheeseburger, Diet Pepsi, strawberry shake and Budweiser will never be the same.”
At Pat’s funeral, Becca ended her eulogy with a simple prayer: “Pat, please watch over all of us each and every day. We love you, we miss you, and you are forever in our hearts.”
At Hope Residence, person-centered care is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, focusing on personal growth and enrichment. Do you know someone who would like to join our Hope family? Find out more.