Huron Shores Hospice officially opens third residential suite, Serenity

By: Liz Dadson October 25, 2026 130

Huron Shores Hospice officially opens third residential suite, Serenity

It was a proud day for Huron Shores Hospice as it held the official ribbon-cutting of the third residential suite, Serenity, at Tiverton Park Manor, Friday morning.

This one joins the first two suites, Trillium and Tranquility, in providing compassionate, end-of-life care, close to home.

Tanya Leppington, vice-chairperson of the Huron Shores Hospice board of directors, welcomed the small crowd and said the Serenity suite is the culmination of years of planning, funding and generosity.

"In 2018, we opened the first hospice bed here," she said. "In 2021, we added the second one. And in October, 2024, we submitted an expression of interest to add a third bed, and that application was approved. The planning began in 2025, and we opened an interim third suite earlier this year.

"Now, the renovations are complete and we are proud to officially open Serenity."

Leppington thanked Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson for her support and efforts to get the approval and funding, and to Tiverton Park Manor for being such an exceptional partner in this endeavour.

She also thanked the Hearts of Hospice supporters, and the local organizations, business owners and individuals for assisting with this project.

"We are grateful for all the staff and volunteers at Huron Shores Hospice," said Leppington, "especially (executive director) Cathy Herbert who was our 'Captain of Care and Construction'!"

Herbert thanked contractor Guy Vincent for creating such a beautiful and welcoming space for the residents who are cared for at the hospice, and their families.

"We are so fortunate to live in a community that believes that hospice care matters," she said. "This new suite is warm, peaceful, comfortable and functional," said Herbert. "There is space to share a meal, visit, rest and simply be present together, during one of life's most challenging moments. Every detail is intended to support dignity, comfort and time together."

Thompson thanked everyone who worked to make this vision of a third hospice suite, a reality.

"You've created a community here as well, with the Hike for Hospice and Handbags for Hospice," she said. "People are sharing their stories and making confident decisions about end-of-life care. They believe it's okay to talk about what their end of life looks like.

"The steps you take to ensure a resident in your care gets to see one more sunset, or has a beloved pet at the hospice, that makes me proud to call this area home. You lead with your heart."

Thompson picked up the scissors and cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Serenity. Joining her, were board chairperson Alex Pizycki, former chairperson Carol Rencheck, Leppington, Herbert, and founding members Peggy Zeppieri and Cheryl Cottrill.

People then toured the new suite, checking out the new cuddle bed that allows loved ones to lie close or cuddle, when desired and appropriate; the accessible ensuite bathroom and shower which support dignity and personal care; and the pull-out chair or couch that helps loved ones stay comfortably, including overnight, when needed.