Batavia, NY — The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation of Batavia welcomed community members on Thursday, November 20, 2025, for its 30th Annual Tree of Life Ceremony, held at the Richmond Memorial Library. Families, caregivers, and supporters gathered for an evening of heartfelt reflection honoring hospice patients and other loved ones who have passed throughout the agency’s service area.
This year’s ceremony introduced two meaningful additions:
• Letters to Heaven – a new tribute inviting attendees to write or draw messages to loved ones and place them in a special collection box.
• Candle Lighting Moment – a shared, peaceful pause where the room glowed with candles lifted in memory.
Guests also enjoyed beautiful holiday music performed by Sue Hengelsberg on the hammered dulcimer, adding comfort and warmth to the evening.
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony came from caregiver Paul Simonsen, who shared his family’s experience with hospice following the passing of his mother-in-law, Ellen Jackson.
Simonsen spoke of the uncertainty his family felt at the beginning of Ellen’s end-of-life journey, and of the tremendous relief and compassion they found in the hospice team.
“In came hospice, and they were the biggest blessing in our lives,” he shared. “They cared for my mother-in-law with dignity and genuine compassion — and they cared for us as a family, too. We could not have done it without their help.”
Simonsen expressed deep gratitude to the nurses, aides, social worker, spiritual care provider, and volunteer who supported their family. “Hospice and each caregiver were God’s angels on this earth,” he said.
HomeCare & Hospice CEO Melissa Sullivan reflected on the meaning of the tradition: “The Tree of Life ceremony reminds us that grief is shared, love is enduring, and remembrance is a powerful form of connection,” Sullivan said. “We are honored to walk beside families during some of life’s most tender moments, and gatherings like this one help keep memories shining brightly.”
The Tree of Life event remains one of the most cherished traditions for HomeCare & Hospice, offering comfort and community as families honor those they miss — with or without purchasing an ornament.
Ornaments may be ordered year-round, not only for the Tree of Life ceremony. To purchase an ornament or for more information, please visit homecare-hospice.org/events/ or contact Sarah Negron at 716-372-2106.