Hospice SLO County holds remembrance ceremony Nov. 18
Annual ceremony invites community to remember loved ones
– Hospice SLO County will hold its 41st annual Light Up a Life remembrance ceremony on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Mission in San Luis Obispo. The event will be live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person.
A separate “Paws to Remember” ceremony in memory of lost pets will take place on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo. Both ceremonies are free to attend.
Hospice SLO County stated that the holidays can be a difficult and emotional time for those grieving a loss. Light Up a Life offers the community an opportunity to gather and honor loved ones who are no longer living.
“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 donate in memory of a loved one to receive a lantern ornament and have their name read during the ceremonies. Each event includes music, an inspirational message, the reading of names, poetry and candle lighting.
Hospice SLO County has provided services to individuals and families coping with life-limiting illness, end of life or grief since 1977. Donations to Light Up a Life are tax-deductible and support Hospice SLO County’s programs and services.
For information or to participate, visit www.hospiceslo.org or call (805) 544-2266.
