A Day to Remember: Deborah Johnson’s Journey with Hospice of Washington County
For many, hospice care represents peace, comfort, and the chance to make meaningful memories when time feels limited. For Deborah Johnson, a patient with Hospice of Washington County, it also meant the chance to relive a treasured part of her past—the Great Frederick Fair. With the support of her care team and her devoted sister, Linda Reed, Deborah’s hospice journey has been filled with compassion, dignity, and one unforgettable wish come true.
A Life Rooted in Family and Home
Deborah grew up in Frederick County as one of ten siblings, surrounded by the bustle of a big family and the routines of farm life. Her parents raised beef cattle, and the children all pitched in to help. “We were brought up farmers,” her sister Linda recalls. “We were active in 4-H, and the Frederick Fair was always a big event for our family every year.” Those early years on the farm taught Deborah the value of hard work and the joy of simple traditions.
After attending college, Deborah met her husband, Ron Johnson, in Chicago, where they lived for a few years before returning home to Maryland. “She’s always been a home girl,” Linda says, “Grounded, loyal, and happiest when surrounded by family and familiar places.”
Today, Deborah is the proud mother of three sons—Paul, Chris, and Tim—and her family remains at the center of her life. Deborah’s husband, Ron Johnson, now lives in a nursing facility in Frederick, where he receives care for dementia. Though they are apart, the couple remains closely connected through the love and support of their family.
Finding Comfort and Support in Hospice
After a long battle with multiple sclerosis, Deborah’s health began to decline, and her sister Linda, who spent her career in health care, knew it was time to seek hospice support. “We knew about hospice from our parents’ care in Frederick,” Linda shares. “There was no question what we needed to do. We knew the kind of nurturing and pain management they provide.”
Deborah lives at Sterling Care on the Mountain in Boonsboro, where she receives hospice care and round-the-clock support. Her hospice team visits several times a week to manage her pain and offer emotional and spiritual care. “Our nurse is amazing,” Deborah says. “She takes care of the medical part, but she also sits with me—she listens, answers questions, and reassures me. None of them are ever in a hurry. They’re so nurturing.”
The hospice aide even styles Deborah’s hair and spends extra time making sure she feels special. “You wouldn’t know how many patients they have,” Linda adds. “They make you feel like you’re the only one.”
A Wish at the Great Frederick Fair
One of the most joyful moments in Deborah’s hospice journey came when her care team learned how much she missed the Great Frederick Fair—a beloved tradition from her childhood. Linda had mentioned that she couldn’t transport her sister safely anymore, but the hospice team quickly stepped in to make the impossible possible. “They moved into action,” Linda shares. “We had no idea it would turn into such a big event.”
With help from Hospice of Washington County, the fair’s fire department, and volunteers, Deborah was able to spend the day at the fairgrounds—visiting the animal exhibits, enjoying cotton candy and her favorite treat from Hemp’s Food Stand, and even riding in a golf cart down the horse track. “They asked, ‘Have you ever been on the track?’” Linda laughs. “Next thing we knew, we were racing up the track in golf carts!”
For Deborah, it was a perfect day filled with joy, nostalgia, and love. “It brought back so many memories,” Linda shares. “Growing up, the fair was our family’s special event. We couldn’t afford big vacations, but every year, we had that one day together. Hospice made it possible for Debbie to have that again.”
A Message to the Community
Linda hopes that sharing her sister’s story helps others understand what hospice care truly means. “People need to know how good hospice is,” she says. “The medical expertise, the compassion—it’s all there.”
Through the generosity of community donations, Hospice of Washington County ensures that every patient receives the care they need, regardless of ability to pay. For Deborah and Linda, hospice has brought comfort, connection, and a renewed sense of gratitude. “So many people can benefit from this support,” Linda says. “It’s made such a difference for us.”
To learn more about Hospice of Washington County or to make a donation that helps patients like Deborah, visit hospiceofwc.org.