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Hope Hospice recently announced receiving a house and antique store site near downtown Livermore by bequest, and the local nonprofit plans to work with its supporters and the community in the months ahead to determine how best to utilize the North L Street parcels.
The gift was left behind by Livermore resident Henrietta “Henri” Fankhauser, a strong supporter of Hope Hospice and other community organizations who died last November at the age of 96.
“This is a very special gift,” Hope Hospice CEO Bob Boehm said in a statement last week.
“We believe the best way to use this donation is to have it serve our community,” Boehm added. “In the upcoming months, we will form the Henri’s House Committee made up of local individuals to seek advice and ideas to help us determine the best use of this house in ways that are consistent with our mission.”
The property includes a 108-year-old, craftsman-style house at 309 North L St. and the Blue Door Antiques building next door at 321 North L St.
Fankhauser and her husband, Chester, bought the properties in 1973. Both were active supporters of Livermore charities and organizations as well as avid antique collectors. Chester, who worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, died in 1992.
Fankhauser named Hope Hospice in her will in the early-2000s as a way to memorialize her brother, who received hospice care before his death, according to the local nonprofit. The property donation from the Fankhauser Family Trust was finalized earlier this year in the months following her death.
“Gifts of all kinds allow us to provide exceptional end-of-life care when it is needed the most and often continue giving into the future,” Boehm said.
Founded nearly 40 years ago, Hope Hospice provides hospice care and home health care as well as bereavement services and community education for families in the Tri-Valley and surrounding communities.
For more information about the Henri’s House Committee, visit www.hopehospice.com or contact Hope Hospice director of development Jennifer Pettley at 829-8770.
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In addition to being dedicated supporters of community organizations, the Fankhausers were also avid antique collectors — even owning the Blue Door Antiques shop now bequeathed to Hope Hospice. (Photo by Chuck Deckert) -
Livermore resident Henrietta “Henri” Fankhauser, a strong supporter of Hope Hospice and other community organizations who died last November at the age of 96. (Contributed photo)
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How incredibly kind. I hope “Hope Hospice” won’t sell the property to a developer who will tear it down and build a development of homes because that would have a greater financial return for the organization. Seems I’ve heard of this kind gesture before with that outcome. Matadera neighborhood perhaps?
This is wonderful! Hopefully they will keep the house, much like “Bruns House” run by Hospice of the East Bay in Alamo. Amazing home, with amazing staff and support! It would be great to have a similar in-patient hospice in Livermore!