Where compassion leads and every moment is honoured with dignity.
Moments of comfort. Moments of dignity. Moments of connection that unfold quietly in the most vulnerable chapters of life are what Cortellucci Hospice Vaughan is known for.
For Carmelina Cicuto, those moments are what make the emotional work of running day-to-day operations at a hospice worth it.
As Executive Director of Cortellucci Hospice Vaughan, Cicuto oversees an organization rooted in compassion and sustained by community. Since 1995, the hospice has served the Vaughan community with a philosophy that extends far beyond traditional care, embracing what she describes as a “circle of support” that begins at diagnosis and continues long after loss.
“We started with grief support,” she explains, reflecting on the organization’s early years. “It was a simple, compassionate service that the community really latched onto.”
That foundation of empathy has since grown into a comprehensive model of care. Five years ago, a successful capital campaign enabled the creation of a residential hospice — an extraordinary milestone for the region. Today, the facility offers a serene modern residence designed to provide comfort, privacy and peace during life’s most delicate transitions.
“What Differentiates Us is That We All Believe That What We Do Here is Sacred Work.”
Yet, Cicuto emphasizes that the true strength of the hospice is its people. “You can have a beautiful building,” she says, “but if the people inside don’t have heart, it’s not going to work.”
When asked what distinguishes the hospice from other organizations providing similar care, Cicuto describes the deeper purpose that guides her team.
“Everyone in this line of work is doing meaningful work,” she says. “But what differentiates us is that we all believe that what we do here is sacred work.”
Families are encouraged to remain present — day and night — supported by a compassionate team dedicated to preserving dignity and easing burdens. Meals, parking and essential services are provided at no cost, allowing loved ones to focus on what matters most: time together.
At the heart of the hospice’s mission is that time together and the care beyond — because the care does not end with a final breath. Grief support programs, community day services and counselling initiatives ensure that families remain supported long after their loss.
This ongoing commitment requires significant resources. While partially funded by the provincial government, the hospice relies heavily on community generosity to sustain its programs. Donations bridge the gap and reinforce a shared sense of responsibility for community care and solidarity in the effort to support residents, families and essential services that remain free to those in need.
Their sacred work is reflected in every interaction: every quiet reassurance, every compassionate gesture, every moment of dignity preserved. Carmelina Cicuto and her team are a testament that the most meaningful work is measured in humanity.
And humanity remains at the heart of everything they do at Cortellucci Hospice Vaughan.
