Family Tradition of Generosity Benefits Hospice & Community Care

The Flory Family Name Lives on Through Giving

The couple who backed Hospice & Community Care's construction of the Essa Flory Center in 1996 with the single-largest financial contribution to date, and whose daughter holds the namesake, were Bob and Agnes Flory.

Hospice cared for Essa during the last weeks of her life as she battled cancer. Bob and Agnes were deeply impacted by Hospice, even after Essa passed. Bob later lost Agnes, but continued to donate in her and Essa's memory.

Thelma Flory Joins Family and Philanthropic Efforts

Bob remarried long-time family friend and employee Thelma Flory who joined him in his philanthropic efforts. Thelma was not new to the Flory ideals. She had been a part of Bob's life since she was in grammar school, working for him and Agnes at the Nomad Motel, located on Route 30 East of Lancaster at the time. She remembers grabbing a root beer and visiting Essa every day after work, smiling as she recalls how Essa was more of a sister to her.

With a strong Mennonite background, Thelma grew up on a farm with her family who were very important to her from a young age. She began working part-time at the Motel, then transitioned to the Amish Homestead where she gave tours.

Thelma can keep your attention without being forceful, tell an engaging story and ask questions without seeming intrusive. These traits made her an excellent guide, though she claims she was very shy. She worked full-time at the Homestead in an administrative capacity until she retired in 1992 after the farm closed.

First-Hand Experience With Hospice

She helped take care of Essa after she got sick.

"I remember the Hospice nurses being professional and taking care of everything. They called everyone so we didn't have to do a thing," she says.

Thelma also cared for Agnes after she suffered from a stroke and passed away at home.

In 2000, Thelma and Bob married.

"It was the best part of my life. We didn't fight because we knew each other too well," she says.

Bob passed away unexpectedly but left a legacy that Thelma is making sure benefits the community today. Thelma continues to support Hospice & Community Care and is a regular attendee at the Labor Day Auction. She has seen it grow over the years: the space, the items, and the number of people. When asked about her favorite part her reply is quick: the food! Specifically, the pretzels.

Two rows of seats are reserved for her and friends each year and she bids on everything from gift cards to birthday parties. Her support is unwavering and Hospice cannot be more thankful.

Giving With Confidence

When asked why she donates, Thelma only pauses briefly before replying, "God has been good to me. We are stewards of the money we are given so I give to organizations who will take care of it," she says.

Her philanthropy spans beyond Hospice, so when she finds a few free days away she'll be on the ocean cruising with family and friends, traveling to faraway places or on her tree stand.

She is carrying on the Flory name and continuing the tradition of selflessly donating. Her continued advocacy for Hospice & Community Care is more generous than can be expressed in words, and we are thankful not only to have cared for Essa, known Bob and Agnes but to have the chance to continue to show our appreciation to Thelma.

Show Your Support

Contact Amy Lewis at (717) 735-8729 or alewis@hospicecommunity.org to learn how you can include Hospice & Community Care in your estate planning.