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 HOSPICE MEMORIAL TREE  

Our tree is lit each holiday season in honor and remembrance of loved ones who have died or are suffering from a life-limited illness.  This event provides the community with an opportunity to pay tribute to loved ones and provides funding to ensure the continuation of the vital services VNA Health at Home provides to patients.  I am pleased to announce that nearly $10,000 was raised to support the VNA Health at Home Hospice Program.  Our Hospice Program provides compassionate care aimed at fostering comfort, dignity and quality of life to our patients. In particular, I would like to thank our generous sponsors Waterbury Hospital, Prospect Printing, Thomaston Savings Bank, Carmody & Torrance and our supporters: Elizabeth Baia, Dr. & Mrs. OJ Bizzozero Jr, R. Reid Bogie, Mr. & Mrs. David Borduas, Connecticut Communications Corporation, Copes Rubbish Removal, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony DelNegro, Sue Ercoli, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Fitzgerald, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Garrison, Letizia, Ambrose & Falls PC, Helen Lukowski, Louis F. Marano, Francis Mulreed, Eloise Osuch & Malcolm MacDonald, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Rousseau, Colleen Scott, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Volkringer, Watertown Lions Club.  Additionally, we are appreciative of BobbieJo Jones, for donating candles in memory of Marguerite & Romeo Ricciardi, bagpiper Diane Schmaltz and singer Jessica LeClerc, the dedicated volunteers and readers who helped to make our event so special and the Town of Watertown Parks & Recreation Department for their continued support of this program. The lights on our Hospice Tree will shine brightly throughout this holiday season while commemorating the lives of the 225 individuals whom we pay tribute.  It is our hope that this moving ceremony brings solace and peace to those grieving a loss.

When a hospice patient dies, members of the hospice team offer personal and group support services.  Bereavement services are provided for families and loved ones who have experienced a loss and to the community at large.  Experienced bereavement counselors provide group support for up to 13 months following the death of a loved one.

Our bereavement service extends beyond our Hospice Program and the families we serve through it.  Bereavement events are offered to the community at no charge.  Annual memorial services are held in the winter and spring for our bereaved families and for members of the community who have suffered a loss. 

Bereavement Support Groups are held throughout the year. Participants include anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one and who meets eligibility as determined by the facilitator. Participants have the opportunity to share their stories of loss, articulate and understand the grieving process and develop a new life plan.

Our Springtime Butterfly Release Honor and Remembrance Celebration provides participants with another way to deal with grief.  Participants receive their individually boxed butterflies at the event to personally release. Click here to view photos of our June, 2010 Butterfly Release.

Our 2010 Bereavement Support Group was held from September 23rd through October 28th, at Howard Whittemore Library in Naugatuck.