LaVigne Home History

Our Story

National surveys consistently show that most people would prefer to spend their final days at home or in a comfortable, home-like environment. Yet, many individuals facing the end of life find themselves without a safe place to go or the support needed to receive compassionate care.

For many families, providing care at home is simply not possible. Loved ones often lack caregiving experience and may feel unprepared to meet the complex needs of someone who is dying. At the same time, they are balancing responsibilities such as work, raising children, and managing their own health concerns.

Recognizing this growing need, a group of professionals who worked closely with terminally ill individuals came together to create LaVigne Home for Compassionate Care, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a peaceful and supportive home for those at the end of life who have nowhere else to turn.

In 2023, through a generous gift from the estate of Barbara LaVigne, a property in Burton, Michigan, was purchased and transformed into a compassionate care home. Following extensive renovations, LaVigne Home opened its doors in September 2024.

In its first year of operation, LaVigne Home provided comfort, dignity, and compassionate end-of-life care to more than 170 guests and their families, ensuring they were surrounded by support during one of life's most meaningful transitions.


Barbara LaVigne

After a distinguished career with Chase Bank, Barbara LaVigne devoted her retirement years to serving others. She spent countless hours helping seniors with grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, and other everyday needs that allowed them to live with dignity and independence.

Following Barbara's passing, a beneficiary of her estate chose to honor her compassionate spirit by supporting the causes she cared about most. Through this extraordinary act of generosity, a home was purchased and transformed into what is now known as LaVigne Home for Compassionate Care.

Today, Barbara's legacy lives on through the comfort, dignity, and compassionate end-of-life care provided to guests and their families at LaVigne Home, ensuring that those facing life's final journey are surrounded by support, respect, and kindness.