Suzanna Bryne’s Story

Suzanna Bryne, originally from Maghull in Sefton, continues to support Queenscourt Hospice from her home in Los Angeles, Orange County USA.

Suzanna recently shared her memories with us of contributing to the development of Queenscourt Hospice when the building was first opened in 1991, by becoming one of our hospice’s very first volunteers.

Suzanna was born in Maghull in 1943 just as the siren announced the end of the Christmas cease-fire. She moved to California in 1966 and married a schoolteacher. Originally an art student, she returned to education after the birth of her son, earning a BA in Philosophy, a BA in Literature, and an MA in the Teaching of English.

Suzanna’s support of Queenscourt dates back to the late 1980’s. She first came to know Queenscourt following a surgery performed by Mr Peter Lynch, who was a founding physician along with Dr Karen Groves. Inspired by the care she received, she became a contributing member of the new Queenscourt building at Kew in Southport, and eventually a Volunteer.

Suzanna said: “When I first became a Volunteer, I spent a lot of time with a patient called Anne who later died. I painted in water colours with her, and I remember she seemed to enjoy the company and the activity.

“Volunteers were also taught how to set a meal tray for patients and to always make the meal look tempting for a jaded appetite.

“I will always hold dear my time spent volunteering at Queenscourt, it was one of my best experiences and certainly an education.

“We learned how to care for people who were terminally ill and how to help them cope with their situation sympathetically.

“I stay in touch with Southport and Queenscourt as they are my connections to my beloved island home. I receive a copy of their Queenscourt Matters Newsletter twice a year – which I love to read.

“If I were asked to encourage someone to become a Volunteer for Queenscourt, I wouldn’t hesitate to tell them about the warm and uplifting atmosphere Queenscourt maintains for both patients and their families, as well as for staff and Volunteers.”