Daily Press Writer
MONTROSE — The holiday season is usually a time for joy and celebration, but for some it brings memories and tears for lost loved ones.
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On Sunday, parents, grandparents, kids and friends gathered at the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose to remember the ones they have lost over the years.
The service, conducted by Barr, had short prayers and music by Ridgway artist Tammy Kenning. Barr and Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Judy Snedeker took time during the service to say the names of those who passed away over the last year.
Candles were also lit to remember ones who have “danced upon the earth ... and those we have held dear in our arms and in our dreams.”
At the end a Christmas tree filled with snowflake ornaments glowed. Volunteers helped crochet 150 ornaments for people to put their loved one’s name on. The money raised is used for Hospice programs.
“It brings comfort to your heart,” said volunteer Barbara Gallagher. “It is hard during this time of year.”
Jim Bollinger and his 10-year-old daughter Letty were there to remember Suzanne Marie Bollinger, who would have been 14 this year.
Bollinger said they have lots of snowflakes and ribbons from the last six years attending the service. They hang them on their tree at home to remember Suzanne.
“It helps us deal with Christmas,” he said. “It’s just so relaxed.”
Bollinger and his daughter also attend the Compassionate Friends’ worldwide candle lighting ceremony every year. This event is to remember children who have died.
This year it takes place Dec. 10 at 6:45 p.m. Altrusa Park on South Hillcrest.
Each person brings a candle and lights it at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring an ornament to hang on “The Heartlight Tree” in memory of a child.
Snedeker said Hospice has many programs and hundreds of volunteers to help people in need.
She said more than 20 volunteers from Hospice were present at the service, many who worked alongside families in their time of need.
Barr said the service is also a time for the staff to see those families and how they are doing.
“It’s an opportunity for them to remember, to be with you and talk to you,” Barr said to the crowd. “We hope to make grief feel like less a burden by offering kindness ... here’s a place to cry, a place to laugh, to gain comfort.”
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