Aroostook Hospice Foundation
The Aroostook Hospice Foundation
The Aroostook Hospice Foundation, owner of the Aroostook House of Comfort, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2009. Its mission is to raise hospice care awareness, build Charity Care funds for patients at the House, and help ensure the perpetuity of the Aroostook House of Comfort. The board members, volunteers, and local community are all bound by one common thread—their loved ones. This bond fuels their commitment to making an impact on the lives of patients and families.
The members of the AHF Board are volunteers charged with oversight of the Aroostook House of Comfort. Their primary responsibilities include property management, volunteering, and organizing local fundraisers. Their efforts and the support of volunteers, partnerships with the local community, and the generosity of donors have made it possible to offer hospice and respite care services in Aroostook County successfully.
Back row from left to right: Nancy Cronkite, Ray Hews, Norman Fournier, Tyler Stoliker, Mike Thibodeau, Dr. Caleb Swanberg, Suzanne Hews, Lise Collins, Sue McCrum, Mike MacPherson,† Gail Phair-Kirk. Front row from left to right: Nancy Putnam, Terri Ouellette, Abbey Clair, Nancy Duncan, Rick Duncan, Carol MacPherson. † In memoriam: Mike MacPherson, served as vice chairman of the Aroostook Hospice Foundation.
Meet Our Board of Directors
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
Abbey Clair
Executive Director
Abbey Clair, LCSW
Abbey Clair, LCSW, was born and raised in Presque Isle. She is proud of her Aroostook County heritage and how this has shaped her personally and professionally. Following graduation from Presque Isle High School, Abbey earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and later her Master of Social Work from the University of Maine at Orono. Abbey was employed at Northern Light Health AR Gould Hospital from 2012 until August of 2022, upon accepting a new position as Executive Director for the Aroostook Hospice Foundation. Her background in clinical social work and case management includes acute psychiatric interventions, end-of-life care planning and hospice referrals, long-term care admissions, medical discharge planning, and high-risk labor and delivery support. Abbey understands and cares deeply for the unique needs of Aroostook County community members and is honored to serve in this capacity.
“It is a passion of mine to ensure that patients are empowered to make informed decisions in this stage of life, that they feel seen and heard, and of course, remain comfortable. The Aroostook House of Comfort is more than a care facility—it is a safe haven. It is an honor to be a part of this mission to meet the needs of Aroostook County community members medically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
Rick Duncan
AHF Board Chair
Rick Duncan
Richard M. (Rick) Duncan was born and raised in Presque Isle and Mars Hill, Maine. He graduated from the University of Maine, Orono, and the New England Institute of Applied Funeral Art & Sciences in Boston, Mass. Rick was employed for 38 years in funeral service, owning and operating Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Duncan Funeral Home, Dorsey Funeral Home, and the Northern Maine Crematory. He has been an active member of many professional and civic organizations and mission teams serving in many areas. Giving back to his community has been a priority in his life. In May 2009, Rick & his wife, Nancy, established the Aroostook Hospice Foundation, which built and currently owns the Aroostook House of Comfort Hospice House. Rick has served as the Chairman of the AHF Board and is an active volunteer at the House.
“This was a very lofty dream and one that required special people with special talents and perseverance to stick with the journey through all the obstacles while keeping true to the mission and, most importantly, a compassionate and humble heart for others. I will be forever grateful for the support and dedication of our board members through the years and the many volunteers. “
Nancy Duncan
Cofounder
Nancy Duncan
Nancy W. Duncan was raised in Bridgewater, Maine, and graduated from the University of Maine Presque Isle with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. After teaching for eleven years, she worked in the funeral industry alongside her husband, Rick Duncan. Watching and walking with families became a ministry more than a business, which opened many opportunities to become involved in numerous service activities and ministries. After actively caring for Maxine Duncan, her mother-in-law, during her hospice and end-of-life journey, the Aroostook House of Comfort dream was born. Through one person’s journey comes comfort for many. In May 2018, the doors were opened where support and comfort are of utmost importance for the guests, family, and friends. Nancy serves on the board and is an active volunteer.
“This heart endeavor couldn’t have come to fruition without community fundraising partners, people who embraced the project and volunteered countless hours with the belief it could be done, and everyone’s persistence in getting it accomplished. Eventually, the Northern Light Home Care & Hospice leaders and staff joined the team, providing top care. It takes a team giving of themselves fully to work to make the end-of-life experience comfortable for patients and much more meaningful for families. “
Carol MacPherson
AHF Vice Board Chair
Carol MacPherson
My involvement with Aroostook Hospice Foundation began a bit after a group began organizing and investigating the actual construction of a free-standing facility. The interest that I had grew out of the varied personal experiences that my husband and I had with the deaths of our four parents. Over the course of twenty years, our parents died, three from cancer and one from a massive “stroke.” One passed in a hospital, one in a nursing home, one in a rudimentary “hospice” facility, and one at home. The level of family involvement was certainly impacted by location. My father passed at home as he desired, but with a level of pain that should have been managed in a better fashion. Having been part of that process, I knew there had to be a better way to care for someone so loved.
“I wanted to make a difference in our community. Thus, I have continued to be involved with AHF as Aroostook House of Comfort came into being and continues to impact families here in Aroostook County. Anyone who visits that facility as either a family member or friend can only exclaim how fortunate the region is to have Aroostook House of Comfort, the incredible staff, and the caring volunteers who serve all at such an important time in their lives. How privileged I am to work with this group of volunteers.”
Suzanne Hews
AHF Secretary
Suzanne Hews
After graduating from Presque Isle High School, Suzanne (Grant) Hews attended the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where she earned a degree in Secondary English Education. She taught high school English at Fort Fairfield High School for several years before earning her master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Maine. In 2017, Suzanne retired from public education after working as a high school guidance counselor for many years. In addition to serving on the Board’s public relations and marketing, strategic planning, special projects, and fund development committee, she volunteers at the front desk one afternoon each week and occasionally works in the House gardens. Suzanne also serves as treasurer of Aroostook Partners in Arts, President of United Methodist Women, and chairs several committees at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church. She and her husband, Ray, have two daughters and four grandchildren.
“It is truly a privilege to be involved with an organization that provides a much-needed service to our community.”
Ray Hews
Ray Hews
Ray Hews was born and raised in Presque Isle. After graduating from Presque Isle High School, he attended Purdue University, earning a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Agricultural Mechanization (Agricultural Engineering Department). Ray joined the Aroostook Hospice Foundation’s Board of Directors several years ago because of his family’s experiences with hospice care and his interest in seeing a stand-alone hospice facility in Aroostook County. Serving as Chair of the Investment Committee and former Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, Ray also volunteers at the House, occasionally cooking, helping at the front desk, working in the gardens, and providing the nursing staff with special chocolates. The compassionate care provided by the dedicated staff, supported by a team of committed volunteers, is what makes the House of Comfort very special to him. While Ray’s college degrees are in agriculture, his work experience is in banking. A retired commercial banker, he has worked for several local banks in Northern Maine. Ray is also an active member of Grant Memorial United Methodist Church and the Presque Isle Rotary Club and serves on several foundations and the Presque Isle Industrial Council.
“It is very rewarding to me to work beside a group of like-minded individuals who selflessly offer their time to provide comfort and care to individuals and their families during their time of need.”
Mike Thibodeau
Mike Thibodeau
A lifelong native of Presque Isle, Mike earned his Associate BS Degree in Accounting with Highest Distinction from Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (now NMCC), his BS Degree in Accounting with Highest Distinction from Husson College, and obtained a Certificate in Human Resources Management from the University of Maine. In addition, he is a graduate of Stone and Webster Management School, Harvard/MIT Labor Relations School, Cornell University Institute for Labor Relations, Leadership Aroostook, the Institute on the Maine Economy, and the Purdue University College of Call Center Excellence.
Professionally, Thibodeau served more than 20 years with Maine Public Service Company in various management positions as Manager of Rates & Financial Planning; Assistant Treasurer; VP Human Resources; VP Controller & Chief Risk Officer; and VP Compliance and Risk Management. In 2005, Thibodeau joined MMG Insurance and retired as Accounting Manager on December 31, 2019. He previously served in various MMG capacities, including Director of Compliance and Risk Management and Customer Service Manager. He also previously served at Key Bank of Maine as an Assistant VP, Small Business Relationship Manager.
Civicly, Thibodeau currently serves as a Board member of the Aroostook House of Comfort. Thibodeau is a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System. In addition, he previously served as Vice-Chair of the Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) General Advisory Council. He is also a former member of the Board of Directors of the NMCC Foundation and a former President of the Board of Directors of the NMCC Alumni and Friends Association. In 2012, he received the NMCC Foundation's Eagle Award, and in 2015, he received the NMCC Alumni Torchbearer Award. Thibodeau is also a past member of the Board of Directors of the Presque Isle Rotary Club, a past member and Treasurer of the Sister Mary O'Donnell Homeless Shelter's Board of Directors, and a past Chair of the St. Mary's Catholic Church Finance Committee.
Thibodeau resides in Presque Isle with his spouse of 38 years, Cindy, and has two grown daughters and two grandchildren.
"Having been raised in a Roman Catholic family, my parents instilled the tenets of love, compassion, and caring in myself and my siblings. My mother was a long-time hospice volunteer, and when she became terminally ill at the age of 86, I witnessed firsthand the caring and compassionate care she received at that time by VNA Home Hospice. She was petrified about the nursing home, and with the assistance of hospice, she was able to die with dignity in her home with her family by her side. That experience was the genesis of my wife Cindy becoming a long-time hospice volunteer, and with me, also accepting the call to contribute my time and talents to the Aroostook Hospice Foundation Board of Directors. I don't view my involvement with AHF as work. I view it as a service and a privilege in helping to preserve the legacy of our beautiful "Home" to help alleviate some of the stress and pressures of area families in dealing with the end-of-life journey of their loved ones."
Terri Ouellette
Terri Ouellette
Terri Ouellette has been with MMG since 1998 and serves as Accounting Manager. Terri holds an MSB from Husson University and a dual B.A. in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She earned her Certificate in General Insurance, Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Associate in Reinsurance (ARe), and Associate in Insurance Accounting and Finance (AIAF). She has the distinction of being named Virginia Allan Young careerist in 2006 by the Caribou Business & Professional Women. Terri serves on the Accounting and Business Administration Advisory Board of Northern Maine Community College and the Caribou Ecumenical Food Pantry Board.
“I have personally witnessed the genuine and compassionate care that the AHOC provided not only to my father during his time of need but to my entire family. The overwhelming sense of relief that I experienced by entrusting my father’s care to AHOC in his final days was something that I am eternally grateful for. The appreciation, gratitude, and respect that I have for this organization inspired me to want to contribute to the cause. All that said, becoming an AHOC Board member was an extremely easy decision for me.”
Lise Collins
Lise Collins
Lise Collins has been an active community member since her arrival from Canada thirty-six years ago. While raising four daughters and managing properties, she found time to volunteer. Seeing the need for adult literacy, she helped establish a Literacy Volunteer of America Chapter in the Caribou area. She shared her faith by teaching catechism to kindergartners at her local church. Recognizing the importance of maintaining one’s heritage, she tutored students of all levels in French at local schools. She coordinated the youth Nordic ski rental program for many years, providing students with access to equipment at minimal cost. She served on the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative board, whose mission of reversing the out-migration of the County’s youth inspired her. In addition to the AHF, she serves on the UMPI Foundation board and Holy Rosary Church Council.
“I have had the opportunity to dedicate myself to the Foundation and been honored to spend time at the House with committed staff and other volunteers to help patients and their loved ones through hospice.”
“Having experienced the challenges of hospice firsthand, I feel privileged to support others as they bear witness to their loved one’s end of life.”
Nancy Cronkite
Nancy Cronkite
Nancy Cronkite was born in Houlton and left the County early in her life because of her father's military career. Her family eventually returned home to Houlton for several years and then to Presque Isle, where she still resides. Once married, she was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mother returning to work once her youngest child was established in school. Her working career was with TAMC Oncology/Aroostook Cancer Care. Nancy served as her church treasurer for many years on the MSAD#1 School Board and the ACAP Board of Directors.
“During my teen years, my grandmother shared with me her experience caring for her mother-in-law as she battled cancer, hospice care before the term existed. In my mid-twenties, I witnessed her again provide hospice care as she cared for my grandfather in the home that was his birthplace and the home they lived in their entire married life. Fortunately, my grandmother had many family members more than willing to help both my grandparents through their final days together. My sister and I were our mother's caregivers during her cancer journey. Knowing her time with us was ending, she made it clear she would not come to my home if she became unable to stay in her own home. Her grandchildren were the reason. She did not want her grandchildren to see anything similar to some of the things she had seen while her mother was caring for her grandmother. Thankfully for her, she was able to stay in her home until she passed. During my years with TAMC Oncology/Aroostook Cancer Care, I personally knew many patients, several of whom were close friends and their families (and there were some that had no family), dealing with end-of-life care situations that would have been so much easier for all had the House of Comfort existed. As our website says, “we are all just walking each other home.” Everyone deserves to be walked home with kindness, caring, and compassion.”
Nancy York Putnam
Nancy Putnam, MSN, FNP
Nancy York Putnam, MSN, FNP, grew up in Aroostook County, was educated in Maine, and works as a family nurse practitioner in her hometown of Houlton. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Husson College, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Maine and completed a fellowship at the Andrew Weil School of Integrative medicine focusing on melding eastern and western medicine. Nancy is employed at Houlton Family Practice, where she cares for persons throughout their lifespan. During her 25 years of family practice, she has used a holistic and preventive healthcare approach.
“I became interested in the House of Comfort initially because I wanted to know more about its operation and align myself, and therefore my practice, with such a worthy cause. I strongly support the Hospice philosophy from both my nurse practitioner perspective and my personal experience. As a family nurse practitioner, I follow persons throughout their lifespan, including until the time of their death. My experience has taught me that when a cure is not possible, leaving mortal existence in peace and comfort becomes the focus of treatment. Palliative care and Hospice fulfill that need. The Aroostook House of Comfort is unique to the area and new to many people. The more I know about this organization, the more persuasive I can be with patients and families who could benefit from the service. I consider Board membership a privilege. I am grateful for your offer of a position where I may serve my community while helping families at the end of their lives. A Board such as this provides an opportunity to expand and learn through new friendships and other professions. And finally, as a health care clinician, I may also be able to offer professional advice.”
Norman Fournier
Norman Fournier
Norman Fournier was born and raised in Wallagrass and is a graduate of the University of Maine in Fort Kent with a B.S. in Education. He attended Graduate School at the University of Maine in Orono, earning 45 hours in the Doctoral Program in U.S. History before being drafted and serving two years in the U.S. Army. Norman has served on several boards throughout Aroostook County, including the Maine Human Rights Commission, United Way of Aroostook, SAD# 27 School Board, Maine Employers' Mutual Insurance Company, Aroostook Transportation Corporation, St. Joseph Parish Council, and the University of Maine System. His 40-year career in health and social services includes positions as the Director of Children Services and the Executive Director at Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP), later as the Associate Administrator at Northern Maine Medical Center, and as Chief Executive Officer of Fish River Rural Health Eagle Lake before retiring in 2012.
“Having worked in Health Care for 25 years, I know firsthand how crucial the services of the Aroostook House of Comfort are for the residents of this County. I am honored and excited to serve as a Board member of such a worthy organization.”
Dr. Caleb Swanberg
Dr. Caleb Swanberg
Dr. Caleb Swanberg is a Caribou native who is now a practicing Family Medicine physician in Aroostook County. He obtained his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Maine and later attended Tufts Medical School. After completing his residency in Ogden, Utah, Caleb returned home to Caribou to start his practice. He currently provides primary care at Pines Health Services, manages patients at Caribou Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, and serves as Chief of Medicine for Cary Medical Center. Outside work, he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife, Melissa, and his three daughters, Rosalie, Madeleine, and Lucille.
"In my time as a physician, I have come to realize that one of the most important responsibilities of the medical community is to provide a comfortable, caring, and supportive end-of-life experience. Many of my patients have passed away at the House of Comfort, and I have had my own loved ones pass away in hospice settings. I have been continually impressed by the level of care and professionalism provided by those at the House of Comfort. It is an essential part of Aroostook County's medical community. I am proud and excited to now be a part of the House of Comfort and its critical service to the community."
Gail Phair-Kirk
Gail Phair-Kirk, MSW, LSW
Gail Phair-Kirk, MSW, LSW, was born and raised in Aroostook County and currently resides in Caribou. She obtained her Associate's degree in Business Administration in 1996 from Northern Maine Community College, her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2003 from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and her Master of Social Work degree in 2006 from the University of New England. Catholic Charities Maine employed Gail from 1989 to 2003, and during these 14 years, she found her passion in working with the elderly, sick, and disabled. In May of 2003, Gail was offered a full-time social worker position at Visiting Nurses of Aroostook and a year later became the hospice manager. Her years of traveling in Aroostook and working with hospice patients and their families have given her extensive experience in resource management and availability in rural areas, long-term care planning, end-of-life discussions, and awareness of complicated grief. When the Aroostook House of Comfort opened in 2018, this allowed her to be more mindful of what patients and families go through during a patient’s final days. She enjoys working with a phenomenal group of dedicated hospice staff and finds it is a privilege to be a part of their journeys.
Tyler Stoliker
Tyler Stoliker, MSN, FNP-C
Tyler J. Stoliker, MSN, FNP-C, is a practicing Family Nurse Practitioner at Fish River Rural Health in Madawaska. Born and raised in the St. John Valley, Tyler has a passion for serving and providing medical care to the residents of his hometown and surrounding areas. Tyler completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, where he graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Following years of experience as an Emergency Room nurse, Tyler pursued graduate studies at St. Joseph College of Maine, where he earned his Master’s degree and became licensed in advanced nursing practice in 2015. He has since attended multiple training sessions and conferences through Harvard Medical School, which have further supported his work in both outpatient and in-hospital settings.
“It is a true honor and privilege to volunteer for the Aroostook Hospice Foundation. Through my experience in various outpatient and inpatient settings, I have developed a passion for palliative and hospice care. I hope to bring the needs of the St. John Valley to the Foundation to promote the end-of-life needs of its residents.” - Tyler Stoliker
Sue McCrum
Sue McCrum
Sue resides in Mars Hill with her spouse of 52 years, Jay McCrum. Together, they have raised three children and are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren. Since 1971, Sue has supported her family-owned farm businesses in Aroostook County and Belfast.
Sue McCrum is a proud graduate of Presque Isle High School and the Augusta General Hospital School of Radiologic Technology. She was employed as an X-ray technician at Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital in Presque Isle from 1971 to 1978. In the early 1990s, Sue trained as a hospice volunteer under Janet Durgin. She has since volunteered for hospice care in central Aroostook County and, after moving to Belfast in 2004, continued her volunteer efforts there.
She is a founding member of Maine Agri-Women, where she has twice served as the organization's state president, advocating for agriculture at the local, state, and national levels. Additionally, she is an active member of American Agri-Women (AAW), has served on the AAW Foundation Board, and is a past national president of AAW. Sue's leadership extends into the financial and environmental sectors. She has served on the Board of Directors for First Citizens' Bank in Presque Isle and as a director of the Forest Society of Maine.
Sue is also a dedicated member of the United Baptist Church of Mars Hill, where she actively participates in church activities and community outreach programs. Her multifaceted contributions reflect her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and the causes she holds dear.
“I love being back in the County. I enjoy spending time with family here on the farm and at our family camp. Supporting our grandchildren’s sporting events and activities is so much fun! I like downhill and cross country skiing and I’m still working on my golf game! I am thankful for the privilege of working with other Board members who support this wonderful project in Aroostook County. What a great vision the founders of the House of Comfort had to provide hospice clients and their families such a unique space to care for their loved ones.”
Heidi Thompson
Norman Fournier
Heidi Thompson is a lifelong resident of Aroostook County, Maine, proudly calling the region home her entire life. Born and raised in Caribou, she has spent the past 29 years living in the close-knit community of Washburn with her husband, Randy. Together, they have two grown sons, Parker and Quintin, who also reside in Washburn.
Heidi is a graduate of the Caribou High School System and holds an Applied Science Degree with a concentration in Accounting and Business Administration from what was formerly known as Northern Maine Technical College. She has worked in the financial industry for 34 years and is currently employed as a Senior Accountant at The County Federal Credit Union.
Deeply connected to her community, Heidi has been a dedicated volunteer at The Aroostook House of Comfort for the past four years, an experience that inspired her to join the Aroostook Hospice Foundation Board of Directors. She is honored to help support the Foundation’s mission of providing compassionate, quality care to individuals and families across Aroostook County.
In her spare time, Heidi enjoys reading, crafting, and traveling. A creative spirit, she loves tackling DIY projects and furniture flips. During the summer, her favorite season, she spends as much time as possible outdoors, gardening and tending to her flowers. Recently, she completed golf lessons and looks forward to adding golf to her list of hobbies.
In Loving Memory
We remember their service with gratitude and love.
Mike MacPherson
1949 - 2025
Dr. David Jones
1952 - 2023
TESTIMONIALS
What People Say About Us
“The House of Comfort is a wonderful facility for end-of-life care. My Dad went for a week of respite care, and I can't thank the staff enough for all they do. It really is a "House of Comfort." I felt very much at home when visiting Dad. The atmosphere is of a quiet nature. There are various sitting areas, a fireplace, and a kitchen area. The staff are friendly and there for you and your loved ones anytime, day or night. I love you, Pop. From the bottom of my heart, I say "thank you" to the entire staff at the House of Comfort.”
Becky Hare
“When my father, Danny Albert, was at the House of Comfort, I felt so incredibly thankful that my family and I could be there with him in such a beautiful and supportive environment during that part of his journey. It’s a bizarre feeling to be suffering and grieving while in a place of peace. The House of Comfort is (surprisingly) exactly that, a place of peace that lifts the weight of tragedy off your shoulders enough so you can breathe and be present, knowing your loved one is being cared for.”
Kelsey Anderson
