After spending her life as a beloved voice and piano teacher, one of the things she missed most in her final days was being surrounded by music. Living in a hospice care facility in Austinburg, Ohio, she had one simple wish before saying goodbye—to hear her favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art.”
That wish became even more meaningful because one of the hospice aides caring for her was Joshua Woodard, a former student she had taught since he was just 9 years old. Their special bond had lasted for decades.
Without hesitation, Joshua pulled up the lyrics on his phone and gently sang the hymn that meant so much to Maria. His heartfelt performance brought comfort and peace during her final days, creating a touching moment that no one present would ever forget.
“Hospice workers are angels, but this hospice aide is truly special,” one family friend shared. “Mary taught voice and piano for years, and Joshua was one of her students as a child. It was such a beautiful full-circle moment.”
Maria has since passed away, making the video of her final wish being fulfilled even more emotional. It serves as a powerful reminder of the compassion shown every day by hospice caregivers and the incredible difference they make in the lives of patients and their families.