Retirement did not mark the end of Ellendeer Berkowitz’s compassion; it marked the beginning of a new chapter of service. After years as a social worker at St. John’s Home specializing in comfort care, Ellendeer felt called to return as a volunteer. Giving back became a powerful, ongoing act of love. Today, she continues to touch lives, not out of duty, but out of a deep desire to serve and connect.
From Social Work to Volunteerism
During her career at St. John’s, Ellendeer worked one-on-one with residents in their final chapters, listening deeply and validating their feelings. “There’s a lot of loss as you go toward the end of life: roles change, physical and cognitive abilities change, and you’re not working anymore. There are multiple layers of loss,” Ellendeer says. She made it her mission to help each person feel seen and valued.
After retirement, Ellendeer realized she could not step away from the relationships she had built and the meaning she found at St. John’s. “It was important to me to do something meaningful and helpful, especially for the older population,” Ellendeer shared. “I wanted to make a difference in the lives of residents here, especially those who don’t have visitors or family nearby.”
Now as a volunteer, she visits a set group of residents each week, offering companionship, a listening ear, and a connection to the world outside of their rooms. Sometimes Ellendeer escorts them to the courtyard or Ice Cream Shop; other times, they simply talk about life’s joys and losses. “Even just spending 10 or 15 minutes with someone, they look forward to it. They feel less isolated, more connected. And I feel blessed, too, by the opportunity to be there for them,” she explains.
After a full career as a social worker—including over a decade at St. John’s Home— Ellendeer brings the same dedication to helping elders reflect on their lives and recognize their legacy. She encourages them to remember not only their accomplishments, but also the kindness, compassion, and courage they have shown. She reminds them that their presence still matters deeply, no matter the stage of life.
Ellendeer finds that the smallest gestures can mean the most, whether it is sitting quietly with someone, taking a walk to the courtyard, or simply listening. “Even just being present with someone can be a blessing,” Ellendeer says. Her weekly visits are filled with conversation, reminiscence, and validation. “Even if you can’t do what you once did, you still have so much to offer from your heart,” she reminds residents on her visits.
A New Approach to End-of-Life Conversations
Ellendeer’s experiences in comfort care inspired her to seek even deeper ways to support residents and their families. “Supporting people going through their end of life was very precious to me. I did my graduate work on end of life, attended conferences, and I even started writing a book,” Ellendeer said.
Her upcoming book, Finding the Right Words Through Life’s Last Transition: Bringing Meaning and Comfort to the End-of-Life Experience, is a culmination of her years of wisdom and compassion. It offers guidance for families and caregivers facing difficult conversations. “It’s about pairing something easy to talk about with something hard to talk about, end of life,” she explains. “Having those conversations, knowing what’s important to someone and how they want to be remembered, can help bring peace and meaning to their final days.”
For Ellendeer, the connections she has built with both residents and staff are what keep her coming back. Volunteering is not just about giving; it is also about receiving gratitude, forming meaningful bonds, and being part of a caring community.
Her advice for anyone considering volunteering at St. John’s or elsewhere is clear: “You can really make a difference when you touch someone’s heart. Even just a few minutes spent as a friendly visitor can brighten someone’s day—and yours as well.”