Passionate Volunteer Receives Recognition for Work in Senior Care

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Sept. 8, 2015 - PRLog -- Laguna Woods resident Patricia Maruzewski has a long history of helping others and is dedicated to improving the lives of those she touches every day. Once recognized as Secretary of the Year by the International Association of Administrative Professionals, Maruzewski continues to keep busy, donating her time to many community organizations including Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County (http://www.alz.org/oc/) and Saddleback Coordinating Council. She also regularly volunteers with OC Hospice (http://www.ochospice.com/).

Maruzewski is the September/October recipient of Fairhaven’s Oliver Halsell Care Award (http://www.fairhavenmemorial.com/community/oliver-halsell-care-award). Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary, with locations in Santa Ana (http://www.fairhavenmemorial.com/) and Mission Viejo (http://www.fairhavenmemorialservices.com/), created the recognition program in 2012 to pay tribute to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional care in their profession and community, improving the lives and spirits of those they help.

“Patricia’s caring spirit and dedication to helping others is truly a gift to the community,” said Marla Noel, president of Fairhaven. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to recognize volunteers, like Patricia, for their continued commitment to improving the lives of many.”

Maruzewski’s involvement with Orange County nonprofits began after the tragic passing of her husband. Fueled by a passion to help others in their time of need, she derives great joy from caring for individuals through challenging life situations. In her work at OC Hospice, she helps to coordinate files for new volunteers and provides emotional and administrative support during difficult times in many people’s lives.

"I enjoy meeting and helping people in any way I can and strive to make an impact on people’s everyday lives,” said Maruzewski. “Even something that seems small to us may be the turning point in someone’s day, and I’m happy to provide that little bit of hope.”

Maruzewski will be honored at Fairhaven's Oliver Halsell Care Awards banquet in November at Fairhaven's Mission Viejo location. The banquet honors a year's worth of achievements within the local community. Additionally, Fairhaven will make a donation on her behalf to her selected charity, OC Hospice.

Fairhaven is accepting nominations for the 2015/2016 Oliver Halsell Care Awards. For more information and to nominate a deserving candidate, visit: http://www.fairhavenmemorial.com/community/oliver-halsell-care-award or email CareAwards@FairhavenMemorial.com.

About Fairhaven’s Oliver Halsell Care Award

Fairhaven’s Oliver Halsell Care Award pays tribute to Orange County individuals whose kindness and dedication to serving others is inspirational. These courageous individuals go above and beyond their job descriptions to serve with the utmost care and compassion. Fairhaven’s Oliver Halsell Care Award winners come from many fields including private care, hospice, social work, counseling, assisted living, medical providers, nursing, therapy, volunteer work and more.

About Fairhaven

Founded in 1911 by Oliver Halsell to provide a peaceful and comforting place for families to honor their loved ones, Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary is Orange County’s most beautiful full-service mortuary, crematory and cemetery. With the memorial park and mortuary in Central Orange County (http://www.fairhavenmemorial.com/) and an elegantly appointed mortuary in South Orange County (http://www.fairhavenmemorialservices.com/), Fairhaven provides funeral, cremation and burial services both at the time of need and through advanced planning, maintaining its steadfast commitment to care and compassion. Fairhaven is dedicated to celebrating the individual, providing services that are as unique and wide-ranging as the people they celebrate. Additional information is available at www.fairhavenmemorial.com. Connect with Fairhaven at www.facebook.com/fairhavenmemorial or www.twitter.com/fairhavenoc.