Annual Tree of Memories Service Supports Grieving Families

A Brandon funeral home is set to host its 28th annual Tree of Memories candlelight service on December 4, 2023. This event aims to support individuals and families grieving the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. The service will take place at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church at 7 p.m., offering a comforting environment for reflection and remembrance.

Creating Lasting Memories

Brockie Donovan Funeral and Cremation Services is preparing special ornaments that will feature the names of departed loved ones printed in gold lettering, accompanied by a poem. Attendees will have the opportunity to hang these ornaments on a Christmas tree during the candlelight ceremony.

“We come together in the spirit of comfort and companionship,” said Lisa Hammond, special events and after-care co-ordinator at Brockie Donovan. “It helps people feel that they are not alone and are part of a greater community who is grieving alongside them.”

Individuals wishing to receive a free ornament are encouraged to contact the funeral home before Monday to ensure availability for the ceremony. The ornaments are crafted from heavy cardstock, featuring a round, flat design, complete with a green hook and either a gold or green bow.

A Night of Reflection and Community

The service will be officiated by Kim Lewarne, a funeral celebrant, alongside Craig Miller, minister of Knox United Church. Musical performances will be provided by the duo Wildflower Whiskey, composed of Julianna Moore and Rob Lovatt. In previous years, attendance has reached nearly 600 participants, creating a strong sense of community among those who share similar experiences of loss.

“The people attending the service should know that they are among friends who understand the significance of the evening,” Hammond emphasized, noting that every attendee will receive a candle to light during the ceremony. The holiday season can be a particularly challenging time for those remembering loved ones who have passed away. Hammond shared her personal experience of losing her father in 2019 and how it has affected her holiday traditions.

“Not having him over the holiday season is hard. We miss the laughter and the jokes at the dinner table,” she reflected. One of her rituals is to play her father’s favorite Christmas music, keeping his memory alive during family gatherings.

Hammond remarked on the enduring nature of grief, stating, “You carry it with you forever. It’s never going to leave you, but it softens.” She encourages individuals to establish supportive rituals, such as leaving an empty chair at the table with a photo of their loved one, creating a memory box, or lighting a candle in their honor. “There’s no time frame on grief,” she added, emphasizing the importance of doing what feels best for each individual.

Participants will have the option to take their ornaments home after the ceremony or retrieve them later from the funeral home. The Tree of Memories service not only provides a space for remembrance but also fosters a sense of community and support for those navigating the complexities of grief.