VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — Susan Foegley was named the volunteer of the month for August by Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice. Since March, Foegley has been playing music on her keyboard for several hospice patients. (Photo provided)

Susan Foegley was named the volunteer of the month for August by Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice.

Since March, Foegley has been playing music on her keyboard for several hospice patients. Setting up her instrument on a wheelchair in their rooms, she stands and plays serene and calming piano music for those who have expressed an interest in hearing her play.

“Sometime the families are there and sometime they are not. I usually hear from the staff afterward how much the patients enjoy the music,” said Foegley, who goes to each patient’s home or nursing home once per week for a 20 minute visit.

“It’s nice to have serene and soft music over the noise of the machines. If they are sleeping, I’ll still play. Hearing is often the last thing to go.”

Foegley and her husband, Steve, who is the song leader at Community Bible Church, also volunteer at Grace Village. They play piano and sing at a Sunday morning service held at Grace Village once per month, and play for special events. The Foegleys also hold a “Making Music” program at the nursing home one Friday per month where they facilitate hymn singing.

Foegley first began playing the piano in a nursing home for her mother several years ago.

“My mother spent six years in long term care so I would play the piano for her,” she explained. “Other residents would come out of nowhere and listen. They loved it.

“I think music helps distract them from the pain and anxiety they might be feeling.”

Foegley, who was born in Ohio but grew up in Goshen, has been playing the piano since she was a child. The Grace College graduate plays at her church as well as for banquets, funerals, and weddings. The Foegleys, who live in Warsaw, have two grown daughters and son-in-laws.

“God has blessed me with so many things,” she said. “I play my music to encourage folks while they are weak and tired.”