For two years the women worked tirelessly to recruit supporters, volunteers and funding. They enlisted volunteer nurses, social workers, physicians and chaplains. Churches provided office space and volunteer administrative support.
In October of 1977, Hospice of Contra Costa accepted its first patient. “The patient’s family generously requested that memorials in his name be donated to us,” remembers Peggy, “it was these donations that provided us with our sole financial support.”
On November 16th, 1978 Hospice of Contra Costa was incorporated by the State of California. Until 1980, all patient care and family support were provided by volunteers. Then, as now, the success of Hospice of the East Bay was principally attributed to volunteers’ hard work and dedication. Over the years, our organization has seen dramatic growth, now caring for more than 190 patients and their families each day throughout the county.
The unwavering dedication and initial leadership of Viola Riebe, Evelyn Peggy Radford and Dell Oblacynski, is the reason Hospice of the East Bay has evolved into a world class organization offering exemplary patient care and education. We are indebted to those committed three women who “recognized a need, set to work and did it right!”
