HomeCare & Hospice Foundation is preparing for its 29th Annual Tree of Life ornament sales and ceremonies, a heartfelt tradition that brings together families and friends to honor the memories of their loved ones during the holiday season.
Each year, community members gather to participate in a moving tribute where engraved ornaments bearing the names of lost loved ones are lovingly placed on a special tree. The Tree of Life ceremony is a welcoming event for anyone who wishes to remember a loved one, whether they were part of HomeCare & Hospice services or not.
“We look forward to sharing this moment with the communities we serve,” said Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer at HomeCare & Hospice in Allegany. “The holidays can be especially challenging for those grieving a loss, and our hope is that this ceremony will provide comfort, support, and a sense of togetherness. Everyone is welcome, whether they have an ornament or are simply there to remember.”
This year, ceremonies will be held in Allegany at the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, located at 115 E. Main St., on November 14 at 5:30 p.m., and in Batavia at the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., on Wednesday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Meme K. Yanetsko, Director of Advancement, added, “Since 1996, my mother, Irene Krahe faithfully purchased a Tree of Life ornament each year after my brother, Matthew Krahe passed away, honoring his memory with his name lovingly engraved on each one. That first year, she bought over 15 ornaments—one for each of us. As the years went by, her tradition continued. When my sister, Michele Krahe Peace passed in 2012, my mother added an ornament for her as well, finding comfort and connection in this yearly ritual.
Her tradition extended to friends and family, too. Each time someone close to us passed, she would purchase an ornament in their memory and invite loved ones to join us at the ceremony. For my mom, these ornaments were more than beautiful keepsakes. Supporting hospice and its mission was her way of giving back, but they also became a meaningful way for her to honor and grieve her own children—a testament to love, memory, and the power of remembrance.”
To purchase an ornament or for more information, please visit https://2024treeoflife.givesmart.com or contact Sarah Negron at 716-372-2106.
