Tree Lights Shine

Louise O'Grady has been coming to the event at since began the tradition nine years ago. She comes to remember her son, Dr. Dennis J. O'Grady, a dentist who received Hospice care until he died of liver cancer at the age of 38. 

"It's always the same moon, with a star beside it," Mrs. O'Grady said of the crescent above Nahant Bay last night. "My grand-daughter, Jennifer, always says, 'There's Uncle Dennis up there.'"

And so it was for the dozens of families who streamed across the lawn as a purple sunset settled into quiet midnight blue.

Soothing harp and flute music wafted from speakers beside the portico, where Jill Sullivan, chair of the , and Diane Stringer, CEO of Hospice of the North Shore, addressed the crowd.

 "It was our privilege to have known your loved ones," Stringer told them. "We honor their memories and you who cared for them. We are inspired by you."

In a show of mutual admiration, many had purchased bulbs in memory of their loved ones to help Hospice of the North Shore continue its mission of providing care and comfort to terminally ill patients.

Donors had a choice of blue, green and white bulbs for $25, $50 and $100, according to Elizabeth Macomber, vice president of Philanthropy for the Danvers-based organization.  Over 1,300 people purchased the environmentally-friendly LED bulbs, and 71 people participated in a $250 star-level commemorative option that included a special ornament.

"This means a lot to our family," said Ken Harvey, of Rockland Street in Swampscott. "They took care of my wife in the last year of her life."

Two of Margaret and Ken's sons, Steve and Kenny, were also there to honor their mother's memory, as was her sister, Marianne, and Ken's current wife, Gina.

Hospice of the North Shore employs 270 people and comforts thousands of patients each year from Boston to New Hampshire. Some of its recipients receive care at home, some in nursing homes, and some come to stay at the Kaplan House in Danvers.

Generous contributions helped fund a new wing for Kaplan House this year, Ms. Stringer told the crowd, as well as complementary therapies such as aromatherapy massage, reiki, meditation, pet therapy and music at the bedside, which are not covered by insurance.

"I lost my mother this past May, after she had been at Kaplan House for a week. It was her choice," said Heidi Webb of Salem. Her mother, Barbara Webb-Chronis, had read about it and knew a friend from high school who had died there three years before. "She said, 'if Walter was there, it must be a good place. If I ever need it, I want to go there.'"

People lit each other's candles as they said aloud the names of their dearly departed. A prayer of timeless eternity was said, and Cathy Carberry, volunteer coordinator for Hospice of the North Shore, sang a powerful rendition of 'Let there be Peace on Earth.' Gino Cresta of Swampscott was called upon to light the tree to an audible gasp of delight.

After they blew out their candles, the families walked to for a reception and viewing of the Honor Roll Book, in which the names of their loved ones were recorded in calligraphy, waiting in a line to see and touch the large letters. They were also invited to attend a workshop at the church to help them cope with the holidays by keeping memories of their loved ones alive.