Joy In Motion
Joy In Motion
A volunteer turns gratitude into action through leadership and generosity.
By Melody Royse | April 13, 2026
SHOREVIEW, MN (April 13, 2026) — Marcia Kull is a volunteer, a donor, and is passionate about creating a more active and joyful lifestyle for the people we serve. Marcia’s connection to Ecumen began when her aunt (also named Marcia) and uncle lived at our Ecumen Pathstone community in Mankato. Every week she was in awe of the people who work there, their level of professionalism and dedication to enhancing life-honoring care.
Her remarkable Aunt Marcia, farm wife turned global tourist agent, became a memory care volunteer at Pathstone while her husband John, who had Alzheimer’s, was a resident. Eventually, Aunt Marcia needed assisted living care, so she made her way back to Ecumen Pathstone. Marcia and her sister would take their aunt to Sibley Park, where they had played as kids. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she celebrated her 93rd birthday outside the window with signs, dogs, balloons and a unicycle. With her hair styled, and makeup done by caring team members, Aunt Marcia was glowing and celebrated in style!
When Aunt Marcia passed away in 2020, Ecumen team members sent personal notes of condolence to Marcia and her family, and it was clear she was beloved by many. Because of her uncle and aunt’s phenomenal experience at Pathstone, Marcia wanted to give back to Ecumen in a way that would honor them both. This encouraged her to take on a new role in her retirement as an Ecumen hospice volunteer where she could visit, play games, and talk about life. She felt connected to this community that focused on the wellbeing of patients.
When Marcia learned about the community’s need for a trishaw bike (a three-wheeled bike that can carry passengers), she knew she wanted to give in support of bringing mobility and fun to Ecumen Pathstone and to encourage resident visits to the beauty of Sibley Park. Later, Marcia became an Ecumen hospice volunteer to support seniors and their families, just like she was supported years earlier.
She has continued to volunteer at Ecumen on the Board of Trustees and has served as the chair since June of 2025. As Marcia says, “This is a very exciting time for Ecumen, as Cyrus Batheja takes the helm as our new CEO in Ecumen’s 164 year history. Technology and how people want to be served is changing how and where we want to age with dignity and support. With our enduring commitment to innovation, Ecumen continues to explore ways to expand and enhance our service to seniors and their families consistent with our mission and values, all delivered with love, dignity and support.”
Pathstone Latitude — Happy Hour & Open House | Aug. 19th, 4pm-6pm
When: Tuesday, August 19th from 4pm – 6pm
Where: Pathstone Latitude — 115 Rogers St, Mankato, MN 56001
SIP, SNACK, AND EXPLORE WHAT’S POSSIBLE AT ECUMEN PATHSTONE LATITUDE
Join us for complimentary beverages and appetizers as we showcase the best of independent, maintenance-free senior living.
During the event, you’ll:
- Take a tour of our beautiful amenity spaces and model apartments
- Learn about the active, social lifestyle that awaits
- Discover the perks of maintenance-free living
- Explore our scenic campus—nestled along river bluffs, walking paths, and just across from Sibley Park
- Come see how life at Latitude is designed for your next great chapter.
RSVP to Jodi Meyer at: JodiMeyer@ecumen.org | 507-381-3255
National Healthcare Decisions Day | April 16th, 1pm-3pm
When: Wednesday, April 16th @ 2 Times & Locations:
– Time/Location 1: 9:00am – 11:00am @ Ecumen Pathstone — 718 Mound Ave, Mankato, MN 56001
– Time/Location 2: 1:00pm – 3:00pm @ Pathstone Latitude — 115 Rogers St, Mankato, MN 56001
Event Description:
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), celebrated every year on April 16th and through the month of April, encourages people to begin or continue conversations about their wishes for care through the end of life. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of advance care planning (ACP).
Please join our Ecumen Hospice social worker to get information about the importance of advance care planning, pick up the necessary forms, and even complete a health care directive
All residents, visitors and Ecumen Team Members are encouraged to stop by/attend/make your wishes known.
Questions? Contact us at: 507-613-0390
National Healthcare Decisions Day | April 16th, 9am - 11am
When: Wednesday, April 16th @ 2 Times & Locations:
– Time/Location 1: 9:00am – 11:00am @ Ecumen Pathstone — 718 Mound Ave, Mankato, MN 56001
– Time/Location 2: 1:00pm – 3:00pm @ Pathstone Latitude — 115 Rogers St, Mankato, MN 56001
Event Description:
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), celebrated every year on April 16th and through the month of April, encourages people to begin or continue conversations about their wishes for care through the end of life. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of advance care planning (ACP).
Please join our Ecumen Hospice social worker to get information about the importance of advance care planning, pick up the necessary forms, and even complete a health care directive
All residents, visitors and Ecumen Team Members are encouraged to stop by/attend/make your wishes known.
Questions? Contact us at: 507-613-0390
What's It Worth? A Presentation on Downsizing | Dec. 12th at 9:30 am
Where: Ecumen Pathstone – Latitude (door #22)
Address: 115 Rogers St, Mankato, MN 56001
Event Description: What’s It Worth? — A Presentation on Downsizing by Caring Transitions | Dec. 12th from 9:30 am- 10:30 am.
Invite a friend and come to Pathstone Latitude for a FUN learning opportunity about downsizing and learning the value of your possessions. Pathstone Latitude will provide refreshments and offer a tour after.*
Bring an item if you want to learn the value.
*RSVP by December 11th to: jodimeyer@ecumen.org | 507-381-3255
AEROBIC EXERCISE FOR AGING ADULTS (CEU credit presentation) | Nov. 2nd @ 5:30 p.m.
Where: Ecumen Pathstone Latitude's Cardinal Point Learning Center
Address: 115 Rogers St. | Mankato, MN
AEROBIC EXERCISE FOR AGING ADULTS
CEU credits: 1.5 credits
Description: Ecumen Pathstone invites all PT/PTAs and OT/OTAs to this intermediate level course on aerobic exercise for aging adults.
Learn about the cardiopulmonary changes with aging, benefits of aerobic exercises, and guidelines for aging adults. Including evidence-based recommendations for optimal aerobic exercise dosing for aging adults including with specific diagnostic conditions.
Agenda:
5:00 PM | Check-in
5:30 PM | CEU Presentation & Light Meal
7:00 PM | Tours/Social Time in lobby
This is a FREE event. Attendees will earn 1.5 CEU credit.*
*RSVPs requested by Oct. 27th | 507-385-8557 | jodyhall@ecumen.org.
