The holiday season marked a time of remembrance for some local families who have lost a loved one during the past year.
An annual “Candles of Remembrance” gathering was recently held by Merrimack Valley Hospice in Haverhill. More than 200 members of patient families and others in the wider community gathered “for words of encouragement and memorial tribute,” and lit candles to honor loved ones, the agency said. Songs of the season were also presented to guests, by Merrimack Valley Hospice’s own Threshold Choir and a harpist.
“This is an event that brought comfort and peace to many who may have been struggling with the challenges of a winter holiday season without a loved one,” said Lois Marra, bereavement coordinator. “Being able to come together, as individuals who have been touched by the common thread, Merrimack Valley Hospice welcomed the community to gather in a special way to honor memories and also to participate in a tradition that helps them move forward.”
Merrimack Valley Hospice is a not-for-profit agency dedicated to serving the medical, spiritual and supportive needs of terminally ill patients and their families. The agency is affiliated with Home Health VNA and HomeCare Inc.