Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House
On November 7, 2006, the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House opened its doors as the first freestanding hospice house in Eastern Iowa, made possible through the generosity of donors and a shared commitment to compassionate end-of-life care.
In just one year, more than $7.5 million was raised to bring this vision to life, creating a place that has since become a source of comfort, dignity, and peace for patients and their families during life’s final journey.
That same spirit of generosity traces back to Clarissa C. Cook herself. For more than a century, her legacy of compassion has lived on, and today, it continues through the support of donors like you.
Because of your generosity, the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House provides a warm, home-like setting where patients can spend their final days free from pain, surrounded by loved ones. Your support ensures this legacy of care continues, offering comfort, dignity, and peace for generations to come.
If you are interested in making a contribution or including the Hospice House in your estate plan, please contact the MercyOne Genesis Foundation at 563-421-6865.
A Family’s Story
Angels walk among us. They don't wear halos or wings, but rather the uniforms of the dedicated staff at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House. Today, I want to share a deeply personal story that demonstrates why supporting this extraordinary facility is so vital for our community.
When we arrived with our mother following her acute illness diagnosis, we immediately sensed something different about this place. Instead of the sterile atmosphere often associated with healthcare facilities, we were embraced by inexplicable peace. The nurses and staff created an environment of pure compassion, wrapping not just our mother, but our entire family in their care during the three-and-a-half days we spent there.
In what could have been only days of sorrow, the staff helped us find moments of profound beauty. They created a space where we could share stories, shed tears, pray together, and yes, even fill the halls with laughter as we reminisced about cherished memories. Perhaps most touching was their organization of a recognition ceremony honoring our mother's years of service as a nurse. Watching each staff member approach her bedside, thanking her for the lives she touched and acknowledging her as a fellow caregiver, created an unforgettable moment of dignity and respect that moved everyone to tears.
On that final morning, as our mother drew her last breaths, the staff's true excellence shone brightest. Multiple nurses stayed with us, offering comfort with a level of care that made them feel like extended family. Staff members remained by our side long after Mom's passing, supporting us through our grief and guiding us through necessary next steps with infinite patience and understanding. There was no rush, no pressure – just a sacred space held open for us to say our final goodbyes.
The Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House transformed what could have been an unbearably difficult experience into a peaceful farewell. They showed us what the end of a beautiful journey should look and feel like – like coming home.
Forever grateful,
The daughters of Mary Shenk
Amanda Kimbrough, Carrie Larson & Emily Shenk-DeMay
