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When the time comes, they'll be prepared

A seminar helps people deal with end-of-life issues so their family members don't have to.

By MICHELLE JONES
Published March 31, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - For some people who lose a spouse, faith can be the only thing that sustains them through their grief.

"Faith is faith; faith is not fact," said Donald Stoddard, the facilitator at a recent free seminar covering end-of-life issues at the Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs, 4651 Little Road, New Port Richey. "We are very concerned with how surviving spouses handle (their life) when spouses pass away."

The three-hour program, "A Good Plan to Say Goodbye," included Jeffrey Gold, a financial planner; Tome Beason, a minister; Kate Brusik, a nurse; Joan Nelson Hook, an elder affairs attorney; and Tom Dobies, owner of Dobies Funeral Home.

The original idea for the seminar came from the Rev. Bob Coughenour, an interim pastor at the church, before the Rev. Phillip Hollins became the senior pastor last summer.

Coughenour became concerned about how few people plan end-of-life issues.

Supporting his concern was a hospice study indicating that only 25 percent of people have written instructions concerning death and funeral arrangements.

Barbara Denicola, 49, of Fairway Springs, was one of the 66 people in attendance. She recently lost her mother and had to deal with all she had left behind.

"It was really painful, and I want to make sure I take care of things ahead of time," she said.

She said the lawyer discussed power of attorney, and she was surprised to learn that it was only in effect while a person was alive.

"Then it becomes probate," said Denicola.

However, she also learned about enhanced life estate where one can designate who a house goes to and avoid probate.

"I learned wills need to be updated because laws change all the time," she said.

Gina Bolander, 80, and her husband, Max, of Port Richey, also attended the seminar.

"Because of our age, it is time we starting thinking about saying goodbye," she said. "The seminar really rattled our chains."

When she looks into the mirror she wonders who the little old lady is looking back at her.

"She waves at me, and she is friendly," Bolander quipped.

Bolander said she would recommend the seminar to others.

"The attorney talked to us, not at us, and answered questions," she said.

Although the church doesn't have another seminar planned, they are open to scheduling another. Those interested can call the church at (727) 372-7203.

[Last modified March 31, 2007, 00:50:21]