A Vision for Helping Others

Nancy RiceAs a wife, mother, and volunteer, Nancy Rice has experienced life's beginning, end, and everything in between at Overlook. So when her late husband, Charlie, suggested that they include Overlook Foundation as a beneficiary in their wills, she happily agreed.

"Overlook has been a big part of my life," says Nancy, who moved to Summit with Charlie and their young family 57 years ago. "From the birth of our third child, to emergency room visits, operations, and Charlie's final days, Overlook has always provided exceptional care. Providing for Overlook's future in our wills is our way of saying thank you."

A former substitute teacher in the Summit Public School system, Nancy admits it wasn't only her patient experience that shaped her opinion of Overlook. Her longtime association as a volunteer, first in pediatrics and then in hospice had a profound impact.

"I loved visiting patients and lifting their spirits," Nancy recalls. "It was extremely fulfilling and gave me a better perspective on the things going on in my own life."

Eventually, that perspective was tested when Charlie, a retired attorney with Mobil Oil, became gravely ill.

"When you' re trying to boost someone's morale in their final days, you need to be strong," comments Nancy. "My hospice experience gave me strength and shaped who I am today."

Although legally blind for the past decade, Nancy's vision for helping others couldn't be sharper. She organizes luncheons for seniors at Calvary Church; visits assisted living facilities, and supports the Paper Mill Playhouse, and travels to New York City for dinners with her granddaughter.

"I stay busy, meet people, and enjoy each day," Nancy says.