Published: May 2, 2014
The Sparrow Women's Board of Managers and Sparrow Volunteer Services Department have named Patricia Carrow of Bath as the May Volunteer of the Month.
Carrow has volunteered in Hospice for more than 10 years, starting after her parents were Patients there. She comes in twice a month to bake eight dozen cookies for Patients and their families to enjoy. She spends time with them as they follow the cookie smells into the kitchen.
She also is involved in the planning and recruiting of volunteers for the annual fundraiser, Hike/Bike for Hospice, held at Granger Meadows Park.
Carrow is known for the calm, empathetic, reassuring quality about her as well as being warm, kind, and sincere. This makes a big difference in the experience of our Patients and their families.
She said she experienced joy with her parents in their process at Hospice, including music and dancing and family fun, so she tries to help others have that same family atmosphere.
"We must give back what we receive and pay it forward," she said.
Carrow and her husband, Rick, have one son and daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and a daughter. She enjoys gardening and reading in her spare time, and they have a place in northern Michigan near Traverse City where they enjoy vacationing.
She retired from the Michigan State Police headquarters after working 43 years in the area of traffic safety.
For more information about volunteering at Sparrow, visit Sparrow.org/Volunteer.