Celebrating and Honoring Veteran Genara Marzan

At Compassus, our “Care for Who I Am” philosophy is the foundation of our approach to hospice care. This philosophy underscores our dedication to providing personalized care that honors the unique stories, experiences, and wishes of our patients. We are particularly committed to honoring our veterans and their families, recognizing their service and sacrifices with the utmost respect and gratitude. This summer, our Compassus hospice program serving Willingboro, New Jersey, had the profound honor of celebrating and honoring one such extraordinary patient and veteran, Genara Marzan.

A Centenarian’s Birthday Celebration

On July 25, 2024, we had the privilege of celebrating Genara Marzan’s 102nd birthday. Genara, a vibrant and spirited individual, has a remarkable story that spans decades and continents. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to the United States, where her birth certificate was never updated, making this milestone even more special. To mark the occasion, our team brought a cupcake cake and a thoughtful present that included a pink blanket, a pink bracelet, and hand lotion.

The celebration was a joyous event filled with smiles, laughter, and music. Genara’s happiness was evident as she danced and sang, surrounded by her loved ones and our dedicated team. Her daughter, Daisy, and son-in-law, Greg, were deeply touched by the celebration, expressing their gratitude for the happiness it brought to Genara. Compassus Volunteers, Nicholas Wolintz “Remi” and Paul Ferro, added to the festivities by singing to Genara. She particularly enjoyed Paul’s hair and humorously accepted Remi’s “proposal” as he serenaded her on bended knee. It was a day filled with love and laughter, reflecting our commitment to making every moment special for our patients.

A Tribute to Service

Just a week later, on August 1, 2024, we had the honor of celebrating Genara once again with a military pinning ceremony. This event was a testament to our commitment to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veteran patients. Volunteer Remi participated virtually, providing musical joy to the occasion, while Veteran Volunteer Richard Calderon attended in person to pin a flag pin on Genara and present her with a certificate.

Genara’s daughter, Daisy, and her husband were present, adding to the significance of the event. During the ceremony, Genara shared memories of her time working for the Clinton family and other senators after moving to the US. Her joy was palpable as she sang and danced, celebrating not only her life but also her remarkable journey.

A Heartfelt Thank You

These celebrations are a testament to the dedication of our Willingboro team. Their efforts to bring joy and honor to Genara’s life embody our “Care for Who I Am” philosophy. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, Nicholas Wolintz “Remi,” Paul Ferro, and Richard Calderon, for their invaluable contributions to making these events a memorable experience for Genara and her family.

To Genara, we extend our deepest thanks for your service and sacrifices. Your story inspires us, and we are honored to have the opportunity to celebrate your life and legacy.

To learn more about how you can make a difference by becoming a Compassus hospice volunteer,  click here.

To learn more about how we honor our veterans, click here.