Hospice of Westchester Celebrates Ninth Annual Memorial Butterfly

Westchester County, N.Y. (July 15, 2019) – Hospice of Westchester (HOW), an organization which has provided exceptional end-of-life care to residents of Westchester County for more than 26 years, recently hosted its ninth annual Celebration of Life Memorial Butterfly Release. On Sunday, June 23, family and friends, as well as members of the community, congregated at the Wainwright House in Rye for the remembrance ceremony and butterfly release. This annual event provides HOW families the opportunity to honor the lives of loved ones who have passed away.

Prior to the ceremony, children and their families were invited to participate in Monarch butterfly-related activities, including crafts, stories, and games. Guests were also invited to walk the grounds of the beautiful Wainwright House.

During the ceremony, Mary K. Spengler, MS, chief executive officer of HOW, delivered welcome remarks and was followed by several HOW staff members sharing thoughts and readings related to loss and bereavement. Information about the journey of the Monarch butterfly, which is often viewed as a symbol of loved ones who have passed away, was also shared. At the end of the ceremony, HOW bereavement coordinators read the names of those being honored before releasing the butterflies.

Musicians from the Music Conservatory of Westchester performed musical interludes throughout the program.

“Our Annual Celebration of Life Butterfly Release offers the families of our patients an opportunity to cherish the memories of their loved ones through a simply magnificent tribute,” said Spengler. “Our staff and volunteers have the chance to reconnect with families whom they have developed deep, meaningful relationships with. It is a truly special day that we look forward to every year.”

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About Hospice of Westchester

Hospice of Westchester (HOW) is a private, not-for-profit healthcare agency that provides skilled, compassionate, and comprehensive end-of-life home care to patients diagnosed with any serious or life-limiting illness and gives support to their families and loved ones. Hospice of Westchester is located at 1025 Westchester Avenue, Suite 200, White Plains, NY. For additional information, visit www.hospiceofwestchester.com or call (914) 682-1484. For the latest news and updated, find HOW on Facebook.