Cindy Marsh | A Hospice Hero

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | HOSPICE OF TEXARKANA, INC.

Executive Director Cindy Marsh has compassionately been helping Hospice of Texarkana families for almost 30 years.  Although Cindy and the HOT team work with people who need end-of-life care, the services they provide bring dignity and honor to those family members before, during, and after the loss of a loved one.  Hospice of Texarkana assists the community in an ethical manner while promoting the true meaning of community service.

photo by: ABBY ELLIOTT

Why did you decide to work in Hospice care?    

I was hired by Hospice of Texarkana on September 2, 1992.  By the end of that year, we had to borrow money twice to cover payroll.  It was definitely a struggle for several years.  (And, at this point I always like to give credit to Dr. Ed Eichler.  Without his confidence and support, we would not have been able to survive those lean years!)

Our big break came in 2000 when CHRISTUS St. Michael opted to close their own hospice in favor of collaborating with Hospice of Texarkana.  At this point, our nonprofit organization had the volume and income to expand services, like bereavement care for the entire community.  And of course, by 2016 we were able to offer the only inpatient hospice center in this region.  This addressed a completely unmet need and has been such a blessing to so many!  I love my job and the Hospice of Texarkana mission!

Name one thing about your profession that people might not know.

We are not morbid!  Hospice care is about “life” and living every day to its fullest!  That is why we welcome the opportunity to have people in our facility and open the conference rooms to healthcare partners, civic groups, and nonprofit organizations.  The 2407 Galleria Oaks location is filled with original art donated by local artists, and the 501 East 6th Street location has a wonderful mid-century vibe that is totally unexpected.  When you walk in the door, you will be greeted by people who care about you … and possibly get a snuggle from our comfort dog, Maggie Grace.

Who has helped you become the person you are today, and how did they inspire you?

My grandfather!  He was a hardworking Frenchman whose eyes twinkled with mischief!  I grew up hearing, “You can do anything that you think you are big enough to do!,” and “I love you so much, I love you too much!”  With those mantras playing in the background, how can you not be filled with confidence and excitement about life?

Tell us one thing you can’t do without on Thanksgiving Day and explain why.

My grandmother’s cranberry salad.  And, I always set the formal table with her Fiestaware®.  If anyone knows me, they know how much I enjoy cooking.  This was definitely imparted from her including me in her kitchen activities!

What do you love most about the Four States area?

The people!  I love going to restaurants and events where I see so many friends and acquaintances.  Even strangers seem to go out of their way to be engaging and friendly. 

What lessons have you learned from the pandemic?

How much we need one another!  When we were working from home, isolating and avoiding people … it was incredibly undermining to morale.  People need people!

How would you like for others to remember you?

I would like to think that I am kind and supportive to others.  (I give it my best shot.)  Hopefully, people will know that I am a Christian because of the love shown to others.  If we can just look at life through the other person’s perspective, our view might change a bit! 

But most of all, I pray that I will be remembered for the unconditional love I have for my family!