top of page

Our Mission

Mountain View Hospice Society provides holistic compassionate support, respectful care, and meaningful connection to individuals and families through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and community-based services.

Mountain View 
Hospice Society

We are a dedicated community collective in Mountain View County, committed to providing exceptional palliative care both locally and in neighboring areas. Our wide range of services includes hospice, grief & bereavement and Navigation support along with our community thrift store.

History of the Society

The Mountain View Hospice Society has undergone remarkable growth since its establishment in 2011.  

  • 2007: Five community members met to discuss hospice palliative care for Olds.

  • 2009: Survey gauged expectations from Bowden and Mountain View County residents, plus discussions with health-care professionals.

  • January 2010: Olds & District Hospice Society (O&DHS) approved as a society, with an interim board setting committees and policies.

  • October 2010: First General Meeting, board elected.

  • April 2011: charitable status granted.

  • Initial Care Model (five pillars): Contact Base, Information Base, Volunteer Support, Bereavement Support, Communication/Advocacy.

  • September 2012: Services Coordinator hired with support from Alberta Government.

  • January 2015: Added sixth pillar with hospice suites at Sunrise Encore.

  • August 2019: Executive Director hired.

  • November 2019: Nav-CARE added.

  • December 2020: Stand Alone Committee formed.

  • May 2022: Didsbury Expansion Committee formed.

  • June 2022: Administrative Assistant hired.

  • July 2023 - Sundre Palliative Care Association became a Satelitte NavCARE site through the Mountain View Hospice Society.

  • January 2023: Acquired Nu2U Thrift Store, hired Nu2U Manager.

  • 2024 Enhanced our Volunteer Driver Program, and added Bridging Bereavement one on one support.

  • 2025 - Officially changed our name to Mountain View Hospice Society 

  • 2026 - The Society now has 5 staff members, 7 Bridging bereavement facilitators, +150 volunteers, and has served over +1000 families.

Meet our Team

Dedication. Accountability. Empathy

PXL_20250514_161947417.PORTRAIT(1)~3.jpg

Mary Smith

Executive Director

mary@hospiceolds.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

In 2019, Mary became the Society's first Executive Director, helping guide a period of growth. Under her leadership, the Society embraced technology, developed sustainable funding strategies, and streamlined data systems, all while focusing on strengthening organizational structure.

Mary’s commitment to quality palliative care is deeply personal, shaped by her own experiences supporting loved ones through their end-of-life journeys. Her passion for hospice work is also reflected in her volunteer roles as a trained palliative support provider, Nav-CARE navigator, and bereavement facilitator. Outside of hospice work she spends her evenings coaching young athletes at the Red Deer Youth Badminton Club.

A resident of Olds for over 20 years, Mary shares her life with her family (Faith, Neo, Christian, Ryder)—and loyal dog, Kaida.

image0 (4).jpeg

Bridget Ryan

Services Coordinator

bridget@hospiceolds.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Bridget joined MVHS September, 2024 and has called Olds home for 30 years, sharing her life with her husband Brad and their two sons, William and Austin.

With over a decade of experience in senior care, Bridget’s career began as an Activity Coordinator, where she earned her certificate from Red Deer College. She later transitioned into a Volunteer Coordinator role, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to service.

In addition to her professional contributions, Bridget volunteers as a Tournament Coordinator for Olds Minor Hockey, where her sons play in the U7 and U9 leagues. Her dedication to her community is truly inspiring, and we are grateful to have her on our team.

20240927_114321 (1).jpg

Amber Thaxter

Nu2u Manager

Amber@hospiceolds.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Amber Thaxter joined the Society September, 2024 an is the Manager of Nu2u Thrift Store. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, she spent 15 years in Hamilton, Ontario, before moving to Alberta in May 2024. Amber, along with her 18-year-old son, her mother, and their cat Paul, is becoming integrated in our great community.

With a background in both corporate training and social services, Amber brings valuable experience to her role. Before joining Nu2u, she was a Training Supervisor for a large organization, where she developed content for new hires, managers, and quality evaluators, while leading a team of trainers. Her career began in Social Services in 2010, with roles in women’s detox centers, community health programs, and residential care homes.

Amber is passionate about creating compassionate and supportive environments. She values integrity, authenticity, and honesty and looks forward to being part of the Mountain View Hospice Society. Amber invites everyone to stop by and say hello!

13603324_10157184207230232_7952761554615683278_o.jpg

Charlene Wilson

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

In June 2022, the Olds & District Hospice Society welcomed Charlene Wilson to their team. Charlene, residing in Olds with her husband Frank and daughter Kaitlynne, brings her exceptional administrative talents and gifts to ensure the society's operations run smoothly.

Charlene's meticulous organizational skills and dedication support both clients and volunteers, enabling the society to provide effective care and assistance. Her valuable contributions behind the scenes help maintain a well-structured environment where individuals receive the support they need during challenging times.

With her commitment to excellence and passion for serving others, Charlene plays a vital role in the Mountain View Hospice Society. Her administrative expertise and  support contribute to the overall success of the organization, enhancing the lives of clients and volunteers.

14086397_10154452262964138_5182462928833030856_o (1).jpg

Ruby Elliott

Bridging Bereavement Facilitator

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Ruby Elliott plays an important role in our organization as one of our primary bridging bereavement facilitators. Her journey with the Society has been nothing short of remarkable, as she served as the Society's service coordinator for an impressive three years. During this time, she discovered a unique talent and a profound ability to provide empathetic support to individuals navigating the challenging journey of bereavement.

 

Ruby's commitment to personal growth and professional development is evident through her pursuit of multiple relevant courses and her ongoing efforts to obtain a counseling certification.

 

Her dedication to helping others cope with loss is truly inspiring.

Outside of her work, Ruby and her husband Brian reside on a picturesque acreage in Watervalley. They enjoy traveling, spending time with family and side by side trips in their spare time.

IMG_5313.JPG

Adrianna Bennett, BA Psych. RPC-C

Bridging Bereavement Facilitator

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

https://www.cedarviewcounselling.ca

Adrianna joins the Mountain View Hospice Society as a Bridging Bereavement Facilitator, offering compassionate 1:1 support to individuals navigating grief and loss. She is a Registered Professional Counsellor–Candidate with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association and the founder of Cedarview Counselling.

Her background includes front-line work with at-risk youth and families, counselling clinic administration, and volunteer roles such as crisis responder with Kids Help Phone, palliative care support through Mountain View Hospice, and equine-assisted therapy for veterans and first responders with Can Praxis. Adrianna brings a calm, grounded presence to her work, along with a strong belief in each person’s capacity for healing.

She lives on an acreage outside of Olds with her husband, two golden retrievers, two horses, and their cat, Kevin. She finds balance in nature, animals, and photography — and is honoured to walk alongside others during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

Strategic Planning Priorities

Annual Focus

496047907_18087626356620878_1038827957705807933_n.jfif

Community Engagement

Expand client services and expand peer to peer volunteer support programs

486624028_981117050849015_792998397744587846_n (1).jpg

Client Services

Increase community engagement through events, partnerships. Strengthen volunteer training, recruitment and retention

Image by Josh Appel

Focus on increasing the capital reserve fund, and sustainable revenue sources. Expand government advocacy efforts

Strategic Planning Priorities

5 year focus

Image by Ishan @seefromthesky

Sustainability & Development

Launch a Legacy giving campaign. Create $250,00 capital reserve fund. Diversify revenue through thrift store expansion.

Image by Hannah Busing

Community impact & Visibility

Host Education nights, & public forums. Build collaborative relationships with healthcare, schools & indigenous communities. Expand on community events.

494984732_1010416677919052_1857158699857156983_n.jpg

Client Services

Expand hospice at home, mobile grief support team, and mental health support within bereavement program.

470204919_914134110880643_4753649651781339682_n.jpg

Operations & Infastructure

Streghten internal leadership & succession planning. Extablish a formal staff/volunteer wellness initiative. Implement environmental sustainability practices.

End Statements

Image by Drew Beamer

The Mountain View Hospice Society will develop a sustainable, people-centered organization that empowers staff and volunteers, expands community presence, and strengthens capacity — ensuring long-term delivery of high-impact care and support.

486624028_981117050849015_792998397744587846_n (1).jpg

The Mountain View Hospice Society will create a future where all individuals in Mountain View County and surrounding areas can access compassionate, dignified end-of-life care and emotional support — ensuring no one faces death alone or without comfort, regardless of financial means. The Society willincrease hospice suites aligned with need.

Image by Dominik Lange

The Mountain View Hospice Society will lead a cultural shift toward open, informed conversations about palliative care, grief, and healthy aging — helping build a compassionate society through education, outreach, and partnerships.

Grief.png

The Mountain View Hospice Society will foster a community where families and caregivers are supported through grief and caregiving challenges — with equitable access to resources that strengthen resilience, connection, and healing

Our Services & Programs

1

Hospice Support

The Society provides compassionate hospice support wherever it’s needed—at home, in the hospital, or in one of our two community hospice suites. Our Hospice Suites offer a comforting, home-like space for clients and families, allowing them to be together in peace. With the help of our dedicated, palliative-trained volunteers, we ensure that no family faces this journey alone. All of our support is provided free of charge, bringing comfort and relief when it matters most.

2

Bereavement Support 

The Society provides meaningful, one-on-one bereavement support through our Bridging Program, offering four individual sessions free of charge. Clients can then choose to continue with our compassionate bereavement facilitators in private practice or join our supportive eight-week group sessions, available each spring and fall, at no cost. These services are designed to guide individuals through loss with care, connection, and understanding.

3

Navigation Support

Social Prescribing

Navigator are specially trained volunteers that enhance the lives of older perssons by connecting them to essential community services and resources, offering compassionate emotional and social support, and providing transportation to medical appointments. Linda’s story began with Navigation support for her mom and evolved into full Hospice support. Watch a family’s journey in this heartfelt video.

4

Nu2u Thrift Store

Our thrift store provides valuable community service by offering affordable items to those in need, fostering sustainability through reducing, reusing, and recycling, and minimizing waste by keeping items out of landfills. Nu2u is a safe, welcoming space for people to connect, volunteer and therefore strengthening community ties and promoting social well-being. Additionally, it supports newcomers to Canada and individuals rebuilding their lives by offering resources, affordable essentials, and a sense of community, helping them get back on their feet.

Thank you to our Donors

Contact Us

Get in Touch

Mailing Address:

Box 4231, Olds  AB  T4H 1P8

Physical Address: 5026 51 Street, Olds

403-586-9992

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Thanks for submitting!

Email signature on transparent (1).png

© 2023 by Olds & District Hospice Society. Designed by Joy.

bottom of page