Since retiring in 2009, Mary Bertsch has dedicated herself to serving others through the JRMC Auxiliary. Over the years, she has made an impact across the hospital — most recently through her work as one of JRMC’s talented “stitchers.” From receiving blankets for newborns to walker bags for rehab patients, sheet strips for therapy and drain tube bags for the surgery center, Mary’s creations provide comfort in moments that matter most. To date, she has generously given over 1,000 hours and created nearly 600 items for patients and care teams alike.
In 2024, Mary experienced firsthand the care she had long supported. After suffering a heart attack and being airlifted to Fargo for two stents, she returned to JRMC for cardiac rehabilitation. There, she worked closely with cardiopulmonary coordinator Madeline Ranum. “Madeline is always friendly and truly cares about the people she works with,” Mary shares.
For Madeline, caring for Mary was especially meaningful. “Mary brings the same kindness to rehab that she gives through her volunteer work,” she says. “It’s an honor to be part of her journey.”
Mary says volunteering is her way of giving back. “I’ve always liked the mission of JRMC, and it brings me a lot of personal satisfaction,” she says. “And the rehab team writes the best thank you notes.” Along with believing in the mission, Mary strongly credits the encouragement and expertise of her rehab team as the reason she made a successful recovery.
Her story is a powerful reminder: sometimes the hands that give are the same ones that heal.
As seen in the Summer 2026 issue of AppleSeeds.