About Us

Aria is the term for a soloist in an opera, a person who sings alone but is accompanied by an orchestra. As our journey through life comes to a close we are surrounded by our own personal orchestra, people who care for us and love us. 

Wendy Swager, Founder of Aria Hospice Comfort Care LLC (formerly known as Soreo Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care Services LLC) experienced the tragic loss of her mom at the tender age of 11. Wendy was one of 6 children ranging in age from 3 to 14 and though the pain of watching her mom’s health decline as she lost her battle to breast cancer was awful, she witnessed the love of her community as they wrapped their arms around her family during that challenging time. Neighbors volunteered to cook, clean and do laundry and their pastor, neighbor and physician stopped in daily to check in on everyone.

Years later, Wendy realized her family were receiving informal hospice services.

“It is almost criminal to see someone pass without this support. This is a free service that every American has earned the right to use and no one should pass without this emotional, physical and spiritual support.”

-- Wendy Swager

  • Wendy Swager

    B.A., Dip. Sci., Hons. Founder and Governance Board

    With 40 years’ experience providing services to support the elderly and people with disabilities in both Australia and the USA; Wendy is the past President of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), the largest provider association in the USA. Wendy has also been appointed twice by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey to be a council member of the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (AzSILC). She passionately believes that no person with a life-limiting illness should pass without receiving hospice service and that passion is why she founded Aria Hospice Comfort Care; Hospice is your right and your privilege! Wendy loves God, her husband, family, 2 dogs and the University of Arizona Wildcats.

  • Sandra Pappas

    RN, LPEC, Executive Director

    Sandra has more than 20 years of experience in nursing and healthcare development in the Tucson area. Born and raised in Tucson, she wants to be able to give back to our community and those who call it home. Sandra truly believes that end-of-life care is as important as care during other parts of our lives and enjoys helping patients enjoy their lives and spend it with those they love most. Sandra enjoys gardening, being with her family, and traveling.

  • Raymond Wallace

    MBA, CPA, CGMA and Licensed P&C Insurance Producer, CFO and Governance Board

    Leader with a 21-year record of performance in multiple accounting, financial and non-financial disciplines including banking, risk management, insurance, IT, mergers and acquisitions. 9 years’ experience as a CFO for companies who offer in-home supports and hospice services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Ray enjoys spending time with his family, camping & fishing, visiting a different national park every year, cheering on the University of Arizona Wildcats and refereeing soccer games.