Costa Mesa Hospice Nurse, Community Heroine, Receives O’Connor Mortuary Heart & Soul Award

Costa Mesa, CA, July 14, 2011 --(PR.com)-- For Costa Mesa resident Julia Abubo, “selflessness” and “compassion” are not merely words to live by, they are her life. A hospice nurse by trade, Julia spends her days bringing comfort and assurance to individuals in their greatest time of need. Julia has also been lauded as a community heroine for rescuing her neighbor from a burning building. For her courage, benevolence and unyielding service, Abubo is the July 2011 recipient of the O’Connor Mortuary Heart & Soul Award.

Created by O’Connor Mortuary, the Heart & Soul Awards program is designed to recognize Orange County citizens for their passion for life and their dedication to making a difference, whether they possess a lifetime of endeavors or for a one-time inspirational achievement. One Orange County citizen is presented the award each month.

“Julia’s life is a testament to the power of compassion,” said Neil O’Connor, President and CEO of O’Connor Mortuary. “Her daily contributions impact the lives of her patients, families and community and touch so many people in a positive way. She truly embodies the spirit of the Heart & Soul Award.”

Abubo works full-time with hospice patients at Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care in Orange, Calif., where she delivers creative solutions that improve their quality of life and provides much-needed comfort for their families. According to Dr. Emilee Young, the center’s clinical director, Abubo ensures patients enjoy holidays celebrated with festive decorations and treats, and once donated her personal laptop to a client who lacked a portable computer.

“Despite the complex challenges and losses inherent in treating people with terminal illnesses, Julia exhibits resiliency and strives to improve the quality of life for everyone she encounters,” said Young.

Abubo’s resolve to continuously serve others reached new heights when in June 2010 she noticed smoke billowing from her elderly neighbor’s home. Without regard for her own personal safety, she valiantly rushed into the home amid the flames and brought the neighbor to safety. Heralded as a community heroine, Abubo simply says, “I knew I had to help her because it was the right thing to do,” a mantra that has guided her personal life and career.

From the daily outpouring of compassion to terminally ill patients to the courageous act of saving her neighbor from devastation, Abubo approaches her accomplishments with the utmost modesty, saying the lessons she’s learned from her patients have added priceless value to her own life, always reminding her to appreciate what she has and to be a tireless advocate of human kindness.

As a winner of the Heart & Soul Award, O’Connor Mortuary will present Abubo with an official plaque and a donation will be made in her name to Women Helping Women.

About The Heart & Soul Awards

Created by O’Connor Mortuary in February 2010, the Heart & Soul Award honors Orange County individuals each month for their exemplary and inspiring roles within the community. In celebrating the human spirit, the award recognizes OC residents for pouring their heart and soul into making a difference, whether for a life filled with dedicated endeavors or for a one-time inspirational achievement. One recipient is honored each month with an award plaque, a one-time donation to a local nonprofit organization in his/her name and recognition at a quarterly award reception. To nominate an outstanding Orange County citizen, email Patricia Kolstad at patricia@oconnormortuary.com.

About O’Connor Mortuary

O’Connor Mortuary is the oldest family owned and operated mortuary in California. With offices in Laguna Hills, San Juan Capistrano and Irvine, Calif., it is the leading “stand alone” mortuary in Orange County. Founded in 1898 by Patrick J. O’Connor, and succeeded by his son Joseph and grandson Joseph Jr., the company today is managed by fourth generation CEO, Neil P. O’Connor and his two brother-in-laws, Joseph Fitzgerald, CFO and Charles Ricciardi, COO; as well as Jeff Turner, CAO. O’Connor Mortuary is recognized throughout Southern California for its longstanding tradition of caring, personalized service, honesty and integrity. The multi-generational company is active in numerous local charitable organizations and was honored by the California Historical Society for more than 100 years of continuous care and service to Southern California families. In addition, the company was honored in 2005 by the Family Owned Business Council for longevity and has received the Leatherby Award for Ethics in America.

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