The Smith Family: A Special Life, A Peaceful End

Roy E. Smith was a unique man, a trailblazer in many ways. A single dad from the time his two daughters, Donna and Diane, were babies, he not only raised his children on his own but took daily care of his mother who had severe diabetes.

“He was a man who lived a simple life, with simple means,” said Donna Smith-Bocash, Roy’s younger daughter.

“He was an amazing man,” added Diane Smith. “He reached his hand out to help everyone and not once asked for anything in return.”

Known as “Papa” to his six grandchildren, he took great pride in helping to raise them – picking them up from school, making them meals and teaching them how to fix things around the house.

The Smith-Bocash Family Talk About their Experience with Hospice Care

In the summer of 2016, Roy was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As disease spread throughout his body, Roy made it clear that he wanted to be at home when he passed away. The Smith family turned to Hospice of the South Shore for help.

“To say that the care provided by the Hospice caregivers was less than amazing would be an understatement. They are angels in their own right,” said Donna. “The care that they provided to my father was dignified, compassionate and at a moment’s notice if needed, day or night.”

Roy passed away on November 18, 2016, surrounded by his entire family.

Because of the wonderful, loving and dignified care Roy received through Hospice of the South Shore, his family has chosen to honor his caregivers by making a gift to the South Shore Health System Foundation.

“I could not have orchestrated that day any better than how it all played out for everyone to be there,” said Diane. “You don’t realize until you’re in that situation the value that hospice brings to the family. “We are extremely grateful to the hospice team who was beside him along the way, helping him, and us, every day.”

In 2017, The Smith Family was the honorary family for South Shore Health System's Walk for Hospice. To learn more about the event, visit southshorehealth.org/walk."