Keepsakes of Love: Handmade Comfort for Loved Ones at St. Paul Elder Services

At St. Paul Elder Services, kindness extends far beyond great meals. Executive Chef Amanda leads not only the dining services team but also a heartfelt program creating animal-shaped keepsakes for families grieving a loved one in hospice care. 
 
This initiative began with Amanda sewing memory bears for another local hospice, using fabrics that held sentimental value. These bears were crafted from loved ones’ clothes, blankets and other cherished items, making each one uniquely personal. She soon realized St. Paul Elder Services could have its own program. Inspired by Bella, the facility’s beloved mascot, Amanda chose a dog pattern for St. Paul’s keepsakes. 
 
“Bella is such a big part of our identity and the lives we touch here,” Amanda shares. The decision was further validated by a touch of history—when part of St. Paul’s building operated as Kaukauna Community Hospital, newborns were gifted toy puppies. This connecting thread made the choice even more meaningful. 
 
Through these keepsakes, families receive more than a token—they feel the love and compassion that defines St. Paul, a place where care goes far beyond the expected. The project is deeply personal for Amanda, who experienced hospice care with her mother-in-law. 
 
“Grief is a journey,” Amanda said. “It brings me joy and comfort to give families something tangible to hold onto, something that helps them on their own path.” 
 
These keepsake dogs embody the core values of St. Paul Elder Services—a commitment to dedicated care, honoring personal connections, and bringing comfort in meaningful ways.

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