Join Hospice SLO County to remember loved ones this November
Event established as a way for community members to remember, honor loved ones who have died
– Hospice SLO County is inviting the community to honor loved ones during its 40th annual Light Up a Life remembrance ceremonies at several locations throughout San Luis Obispo County in November.
The ceremonies will take place at 6 p.m. on Nov. 12 in Templeton, Nov. 13 in Morro Bay, Nov. 19 in San Luis Obispo, and Nov. 20 in Arroyo Grande. Additionally, a “Paws to Remember” ceremony, held in memory of lost pets, will be hosted at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 14. All events are free to attend.
Light Up a Life was established by Hospice SLO County in 1984 as a way for community members to come together during the holidays to remember and honor loved ones who have died. The ceremonies are designed to offer support for those who may be experiencing grief during a time often marked by family gatherings.
“We see so many images of happy families gathering with their loved ones during the holidays. But what if a loved one has died?” said Shannon McOuat, executive director of Hospice SLO County. “Incorporating loved ones who are no longer living into holiday traditions was the basis for Light Up a Life, introduced by Hospice SLO County to the community in 1984. These remembrance ceremonies offer a time to pause, remember, and honor those we love and miss.”
Community members may also participate by making a donation in memory of a loved one, which includes a lantern ornament and having their loved one’s name read at a Light Up a Life ceremony of their choice. Each ceremony will feature music, an inspirational message, the reading of names, poetry, and a candle lighting. The Nov. 19 ceremony will be live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person, with the recording available for viewing on Hospice SLO County’s website.
Hospice SLO County, a nonprofit organization, has provided support to individuals and families in San Luis Obispo County dealing with grief, life-limiting illness, and end-of-life challenges since 1977. All donations to Light Up a Life are tax-deductible and help fund Hospice SLO County’s services, which are provided at no cost to those in need.
For more information or to participate, visit hospiceslo.org or call (805) 544-2266.
