Celebration of Life Ceremonies Honor Those Who Have Passed

By: Christine Hernandez, LCSW, Silverado Hospice Orange County

I realized early in my career at Silverado Hospice that I was part of a special team. Each day it seemed like I would hear of a new way the company goes above and beyond for families. One that really impressed me was an annual Celebration of Life ceremony held in honor of patients who have passed away under hospice care. Today, I get to be a part of planning those ceremonies in Orange County.

This year, our service was held in the coastal city of Corona Del Mar, California. Bereaved family members were invited to the memorial service for prayer, reflective readings and comforting harmonies. Guests were asked to bring pictures and mementos of their deceased loved ones and were invited to share sentiments during the ceremony.

While the focus was to celebrate lives, the gathering also provided the opportunity for our hospice team to extend their gratitude to families for allowing us to join in their loved one’s sacred and final journey. Alongside family members, the hospice team shared moments of happiness, love and kindness in the patient’s final days.

These moments of love and affection are treasured by family members and the Silverado team because, from our perspective, hospice patients forever remain in the hearts of all who loved and cared for them.