Ceremony of Remembrance
helps families, friends deal with loss

Music, personal reminiscences and memorial rituals will highlight the annual "Ceremony of Remembrance," presented by Genesee Region Home Care's Hospice of Rochester on Sunday, March 28 at 3 p.m. in the Colgate Rochester Divinity School Auditorium, 1100 South Goodman Street, Rochester.

The non-denominational ceremony is open to anyone who is mourning the death of a loved one - not only to families and friends of patients who received Hospice care.

Each spring, the "Ceremony of Remembrance" pays tribute to the memory of Rochester-area residents who have died and to the enduring strength of their families, friends and caregivers.

The ceremony's most colorful highlight is the ritual observance of weaving hundreds of fresh flowers into a large wreath of remembrance and hope while the names of those who died are read aloud.

For many who grieve, remembrance activities are an essential part of dealing with loss, says Theo Munson, manager of bereavement services for Hospice of Rochester.

Mourning sometimes makes people feel isolated, so attending a memorial event with others reconnects them to the larger community and demonstrates that they don't have to be alone in their grief, she adds.

This event is open to the community with no admission charge, and free parking is available. RSVP's are requested to make sure there are enough refreshments at the reception following the ceremony, 585-214-1574.

For information, call Munson at 585-214-1414.