Tree of Life Ceremony Pays Tribute to Lost Friends and Family
EASTFORD — On Sunday, Dec. 7, people from all over northeastern Connecticut gathered together in 11 different locations to remember lost family and friends for Day Kimball Healthcare’s 36th Annual Hospice Tree of Life Ceremony.
In Eastford, a gathering was held at the Ivy Glenn Memorial. The other towns hosting events were Brooklyn, Canterbury, Danielson, Griswold, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Sterling, Thompson, Woodstock. In years past, the tree lighting event has raised about $35,000 annually to support hospice and palliative care services in the region. Trees at all 11 locations were decorated with colored lights, which according to DKH, symbolize “love and hope,” helping family and friends to remember loved ones who have passed away while in hospice care. Each year, Day Kimball Healthcare offers the purchase of memorial lights on each community's Tree of Life to benefit the work done by Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut to enhance the lives of terminally ill patients and their families.
Eastford’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, which was hosted by the Congregational Church of Eastford (CCE), began with a selection of Christmas carols. Day Kimball Healthcare Foundation Director of Development Kristen E. Willis delivered remarks, thanking people for their support. CCE Pastor Mike Moran delivered the invocation. Hospice representatives Susan Honeychurch and Ashley Ravenelle also addressed the crowd, thanking them for supporting hospice and palliative care in the region. The tree lighting itself was conducted by Justin Loss, in honor of his grandmother, Helene, who died in December 2024.
“Thank you all again for being here tonight to support these efforts and more importantly to take time to reflect on the journey of Hospice and the significance of what has become a community celebration of hope and healing,” Willis said, adding a message from 2025 Tree of Life Chairman Roger Franklin: “As we gather here, and at the other 10 sites throughout northeastern Connecticut this evening, we can attest to the compassionate care a loved one has received. It is for that reason, we are here not only to remember our loved ones who have passed on, but to honor those who continue to provide end-of-life care. As we experience this festive time of year, may we be reminded that those whom we are here to remember and honor have a very special place in our hearts. For it is in this same festive spirit that we hope and pray for all people affected by life threatening diseases. And so, let us remember our loved ones this evening as we illuminate the Hospice Tree of Life. May we be reminded too of the compassionate caring and dedication of the Hospice Team, and may we look forward with hope that someday many dreaded diseases will be no more.”
Adam Minor photos
