The public is invited to come together for a community memorial service that is open to all, to commemorate and celebrate the lives of loved ones who’ve passed. The event will be held Thursday, July 22 at 7 p.m. on the lawn of Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th St, Hamilton.
“Many in our community haven’t been able to mourn the loss of a loved one due to the stress and strife of COVID-19 restrictions, and that’s made their loss difficult and lonely,” explained Michelle Meyer, Licensed Hospice Social Worker at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (MDMH).
“It can be difficult to handle grief and loss when someone hasn’t been able to mourn and celebrate the life of their loved one. So we wanted to offer the community an event where they can come together to honor someone they’ve lost, and see they’re not alone,” said Meyer.
“I would like to welcome the community to join us on our campus to remember the loved ones we lost in 2020 and 2021. I feel it will be a very healing event and a chance for us to come together as a community,” said Dominic Farrenkopf, Director of Community Life at Sapphire Lutheran Homes.
Science has shown that an act of a traditional memorial or ritual is important when going through grief. Gathering together with family and friends to celebrate the life of a loved one is a normal step in the grieving process and can help bring comfort and peace,” said Jennifer Dunn, Director of Hospice at MDMH.
“Pandemic restrictions left many without closure. We appreciate Sapphire Lutheran Homes for joining with us to host this community event to help families remember and begin the healing process,” said Dunn.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sign a guest book and have their loved one’s name read during the service, enjoy an invocation, special readings, music, and refreshments. Those joining are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on during the service if able. There will be minimal chairs available.
Sapphire Lutheran Homes is a Christian oriented, non-profit retirement center, whose mission is to provide compassionate, innovative services and amenities, enabling seniors to maintain and enhance their quality of life. Marcus Daly Hospice embraces the philosophy to affirm life, not hasten or postpone death. Hospice provides education, support and medical care while seeking to preserve and promote quality of life for individuals and families during this last phase of life.
For more information about this event, contact Dominic Farrenkopf at Sapphire Lutheran Homes by calling (406) 363-2800, or MDMH Hospice Director Jennifer Dunn via email, JDunn@mdmh.org or by calling (406) 375-4749.