LL (New York, NY)
“My sister suffered from Parkinson’s Disease with Lewy Bodies Dementia, a complex condition that gradually deprived her of her mobility and ability to speak. Anna was always deeply respectful of my sister’s dignity and took genuine pleasure in taking my sister on walks, to art galleries, art museums, cafes, and dress shops. On days when my sister was “off” or low in spirits, she found ways to comfort her and soothe her spirit. In short, Anna was a ray of sunshine that brought joy and light, life and hope not just to my sister’s life, but to all of us.
As my sister developed more mobility issues, Anna supported her on walkers and wheelchairs, assisted her to and from the toilet, placed her in the hospital bed, secured her at the dining room table or the living room couch. Thanks to her vigilance, my sister never fell and always felt secure.
Whenever Anna arrived, my sister’s face lit up and her body relaxed, and she beamed with pleasure and relief. Though my sister had great difficulty forming words, this did not prevent Anna from understanding what was needed or asked for. She entered fully into the rhythms of my sister’s moods, the fluctuations of her strength, the high and low tides of her energy.
Throughout her time in her role as my sister’s aide, Anna has consistently demonstrated exceptional honesty, kindness, and professionalism. She is a natural self-starter who requires minimal supervision, always anticipating the needs of the individual in her care and responding promptly and thoughtfully. Her warm and personable nature fosters trust and comfort, making her a valued companion as well as a reliable caregiver.
In the last nine days of my sister’s life, Ms. Marshall never left her side and helped both my sister and all of us to ease into death with dignity and serenity. In this effort, Ms. Marshall was guided by her conviction that caring for the aged, the infirm, and the dying is a privilege, an opportunity to learn from the person who offers her trust, to return that trust with love and respect and humility. She taught us all to be our best selves in the very difficult months and days of my sister’s gradual passing from this life.”
MS (New York, NY)
“Anna Marshall joined our care team to support a 95-year-old gentleman in the final years of his life. As his health deteriorated, she played a crucial role in implementing a comprehensive end-of-life care plan, meticulously monitoring his vitals and overall symptoms. She was actively involved in coordinating between his physicians and the rest of the care team.
When he entered the final stages of his life, Anna brought a focused and compassionate presence to his bedside. Her care approach was both holistic and intuitive, addressing his emotional, spiritual, and practical needs with great sensitivity.
Anna has a unique ability to normalize end-of-life care, creating a space where family members felt comfortable discussing and understanding the dying process.
In the last 48 hours of his life, she was available around the clock, offering unwavering support. Her deep compassion was evident as she lovingly washed and dressed his body before the funeral home arrived. Anna’s dedication and empathy are extraordinary; she is truly a remarkable presence in the world.”
MP (Brooklyn, NY)
“As the death doula to my mother, Anna provided one of the most profound services and acts of care that transformed our end of life experience both individually and as a team. It was, simply, the greatest blessing.
Anna’s gifts are extraordinary — she is deeply present and connects with gentle and loving humanity. At every step of our journey together, she prioritized my mother’s agency and selfhood, co-building a way for her to meet her final days according to her values and desires. She was able to connect with my mom in a way I never experienced before, which would become healing for both of us.
Anna’s care, coaching, and support in my journey as my mother’s co-pilot and caregiver empowered me to also face the greatest struggle and suffering of my life with a sense of a spiritual invitation. She nourished the light within me that I needed to continue each day with love and full presence.
End of life journeys involve an overwhelming amount of responsibilities and decisions, as well as labor and administration. The greatest gift we received was Anna’s partnership as our team member. I wish everyone could experience her gifts as a family during end of life — it has been life changing and still bears fruit for my soul and I couldn’t be more grateful.”