The March 26 article “Hopewell House, Portland hospice that closed in 2019, is expected to reopen in September” is another in a series of important stories the news outlet has graciously carried about this important and inspirational saga. Especially during these challenging times dominated by war, violence and civil unrest, let us pause a moment to honor and shine a light on a true hometown hero and changemaker – Joan Strong Buell, founder of Hopewell House. Consider that Buell acquired the house and opened Hopewell in 1987, and after a series of owners and operators, the last of which closed the House in 2019, she started over. With neighborhood and community support, Buell founded Friends of Hopewell House. In two short years, in the shadow of a global pandemic, she led the charge to raise money to reacquire the beloved stand-alone hospice she started 35 years before.

Let’s all collectively thank Joan Strong Buell for her courageous tenacity, compassion, energy and enlightened leadership. She has recreated a community sanctuary for respite and peace, respectfully honoring and supporting those dying and their loved ones, during their final weeks and days. Buell’s dedicated, civic-minded work is a selfless gift to the community and should be so honored and appreciated.

Len Carr, Portland