Experiencing death at a young age set the course of Dr. Mary Jo Bonner’s life

What's The Story?

Dr Mary Jo Bonner was left baffled and hurt by the untimely death of her father when she was just 14. She thought that should not happen As a 3rd year student at University of Penn Mary Jo noticed doctors did not share stories with patients, typically conversations happened outside the room with family members. She remembers thinking, “this is a strange way to practice medicine, why not have conversations about life an death?” It was these things that shaped her journey in internal medicine. Mary Jo chaired the ethics department at the PA Medical Society. This was at a time when we weren’t prepared for the ethical situations the use of technology presented. This led her to the study of patients’ rights. She became a staunch advocate for the living will to be sure that patient wants are honored. Mary Jo Bonner says “the Closest time to God is when there is a death or a near death”. To be able to bring a calm peaceful dignified death is a blessing to be present at the death of a person is a blessing That led her to St Francis Home where the mission is to make sure no one dies alone and there is dignity, peace and calm around death. Her passion and energy surrounds St Francis Home in Cumru Township. It has 3 private bedrooms and is filled with love. It is a social model for hospice care. Round the clock volunteers will be their family and caregiver so the residents can undergo hospice benefits. They always need volunteers. Find out more, call 610-670-1050 or visit http://www.saintfrancishomereading.org