White Plains, NY - Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester (HPCW) recently hosted its second annual Celebration of Life Memorial Butterfly Release at Rye Nature Center.

More than 250 families, friends, and community members gathered for two memorial services, in which Monarch and Painted Lady butterflies were released. Executive Director, Mary K. Spengler, MS, welcomed guests at the start of the program. HPCW staff offered spiritual readings relating to loss and bereavement as well as information about the journey of the Monarch butterfly. Musicians Eleanor Dennis and David Devine provided musical interludes, lending to a soothing atmosphere. Throughout the event, children were invited to participate in crafts and activities relating to the Monarch butterfly.

Immediately following the program, families and friends were invited outside, where the names of those remembered were read aloud. Guests then released the butterflies in memory of their deceased loved ones. Guests marveled at the beauty of the butterflies as they landed among the crowd.

“We wanted to provide our families with a meaningful opportunity to remember and acknowledge their loved ones with a beautiful tribute,” said Mary K. Spengler, MS, Executive Director, HPCW.

"Many of our butterfly release participants renewed connections with staff who served their loved ones or provided bereavement services," said Bruce Page, M.A.T., M.Div., Bereavement Coordinator, HCPW.  “HPCW offers loss-specific support groups and workshops on bereavement throughout the year.”
The event was made possible due to the generosity of The Edward M. Simas Fund.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester is located at 311 North Street, Suite 204, White Plains, NY 10605. For additional information, visit www.hospiceofwestchester.com or call 914.682.1484.

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