By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Monarch Landing resident Janice Travers graduated from Bethany Seminary in Oakbrook when she was 65. As a chaplain at LaGrange Memorial Hospital, Travers uses her faith and her education to comfort others in their time of need.

“I didn’t want to go into a church, so this is just perfect for me because I like to visit with people one-on-one,” Travers says.

The meaning of ‘compassion’
Travers explains that the root of the word “compassion” means “to be with someone,” and that is how she describes her work as a chaplain.

“I go into these rooms and I meet every type of person,”Travers says. “They will tell me things they wouldn’t even tell their families.”

Travers’ demeanor is warm and gentle and her strong spirituality is apparent, so it is no surprise that the hospital patients she visits are able to confide in her.

While her role is to comfort and support others, Travers says she also derives tremendous benefits from her work as a chaplain.

“You can’t feel all dried up or anything when you are helping others,” Travers says. “It’s spiritually feeding—it’s holistic for you.”

Finding others who share their faith
Travers and her husband George are active members of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Hinsdale.

Since the couple moved to Monarch Landing from their house in Burridge, they have been involved with several activities and groups that focus on faith and spirituality. Travers recently participated in a Bible study on the Book of Psalms and also shared an essay she wrote on the value of prayer with her Monarch Landing  neighbors.

“A lot of people here have faith, and it’s something we really do enjoy,” she says.