Quinlan Hospice Memorial service

To the Editor: On Monday, Sept. 18, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center held its annual Memorial Service at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton. As we joined members of our community who gathered to pay tribute to their loved ones, we reflected on our joyous memories, as well as on the grief we feel in mourning their loss. We thank the First Presbyterian Church for their continued hospitality, and area clergy for their participation and inspiration. The service opened with the beautiful sound of Steve Iannacone’s guitar. Reverend Joy Ghiringhelli, senior chaplain at the hospice, gave a word of welcome and offered prayer and a responsive reading. Reverend Kathleen E. Jamhoury delivered a reading from Henry Nouwen. Ann Briggs, hospice pastoral assistant and hospice Chaplain Mario Spadaro, read passages from Scripture, followed by the reading of each commemorated name, by Director of Development Barbara Monahan and Nurse Community Liaison Beth Sylvester. It is always a joy to have our founder, Julia Quinlan, offer a poem of remembrance, and to have Director of Bereavement Diana Sebzda deliver the responsive “We Remember Them”, and Bereavement Counselor Lorri Opitz lead family members in lighting candles in memory of their loved ones. The reflection was delivered by Reverend Randolph Parks, senior chaplain at Newton Memorial Hospital, addressing issues and emotions of grief and healing, and we’re deeply thankful for his participation. Following a second song, sung by hospice Social Worker Laura Entwistle, a benediction was offered and all were invited to share a time of fellowship with delicious desserts provided by Illiff- Rugiero Funeral Home. Our thanks also to Smith-McCracken Funeral Home for providing the beautiful floral arrangement. We also thank F. John Ramsey and Ferguson Funeral Homes for their continued support. Finally, a word of thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers who participated. God bless you as you continue to serve our community. Chaplain E. Joy Ghiringhelli Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice