Annual Celebration of Life

“Our annual Celebration of Life provides an opportunity to reflect upon and remember those whose lives came to their completion in the loving care of Hospice Renfrew. Each Resident and family that we serve is etched in the memory of our staff and volunteers. It is our hope that this ceremony brings comfort to those left behind knowing that their loved ones continue to be thought of fondly and will never be forgotten.” Julie Keon,  Grief & Bereavement Counsellor

Our annual Celebration of Life Ceremony took place on Saturday, June 24, 2023 in Renfrew to honour and remember loved ones entrusted to our care whose lives reached completion at Hospice Renfrew. This day provides an opportunity for families, staff and volunteers to gather and share in our collective grief. Families are comforted in knowing that their loved ones are fondly remembered and have not been forgotten with the passing of time.

A ceremony, led by Julie Keon (Life-Cycle Celebrant), included words of comfort and care by Father Kerry Brennan and by Rev. David McFarlane. As the names of the deceased where announced, family member/s were invited to take a special dragonfly that carried the name of their loved one and place it on a branch of a lit birch tree. The flower seed imbedded paper dragonflies are as unique as the life of the person whose name they carried. The family members were given their special dragonfly to take home and plant in their flower gardens.

Hospice Volunteer, Nancy Berkhout, provided musical accompaniment on the piano. A light lunch and fellowship followed.

Thank you to all our volunteers who provided refreshments and helped with the organization of this event.