HERMISTON, Ore.-Hundreds of people turned out for a community memorial service and butterfly release to benefit Vange John Memorial Hospice at Bennett Botanical Gardens on September 12.
“Anytime we can share the gardens with everyone for something like this it’s great,” said Kris Bennett, owner of Bennett Botanical Gardens. “Hospice is one of the best services around; I’ve had lots of family members who used it.”
The Community Memorial Service was an opportunity to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on, while celebrating how life is transformed.
In addition to the butterfly release, the service featured live entertainment, food, and a silent auction.
Tammy Rosenberger attended the memorial service with her son, Tyson, after losing her husband five months ago.
“We thought it would be a nice way to do something, and this is wonderful,” said Rosenberger, who has lived in the Boardman and Hermiston areas for about 10 years. “It’s more than we could have imagined. We never knew this was here, it’s amazing and beautiful.”
As Gail Cherry, a Vange John Memorial Hospice Chaplain explained, butterflies represent transition, signifying hope for the future, even in the midst of grief.
“We’re here to celebrate people who have gone before, we remember the lives lived, and the impact they had on friends, family, and the community,” said Cherry. “We celebrate the fact we don’t have to grieve alone, and we hope today gives you the hope of more to come.”
Vange John Memorial Hospice Clinical Liaison Carollyn Robinson, RN, is the daughter of Vange John, and was joined at the memorial service by members of her extended family, including her niece and Vange John’s granddaughter, Emily Bitar.
“This is a beautiful event,” said Bitar, from Portland, who attended the service with her mother, Jennifer John. “Everything has been awesome; we’re really excited about the butterfly release.”
For John, the memorial service was a time to remember those who have passed on, as well as celebrate the healthcare legacy of her family.
“It’s really meaningful to be part of the Vange John family,” said John. “Their commitment to healthcare in the region is special, and it’s awesome to be part of that.”
Community Memorial benefits Vange John Memorial Hospice
The silent auction included butterfly-themed gifts and artwork crafted by local artists and Good Shepherd team members, with all proceeds benefitting Vange John Memorial Hospice families through bereavement resources and follow-up care.
Two of the quilts up for auction at the memorial service were made by the Stanfield Community Quilters, a group that regularly makes and donates quilts for charity, including to patients at the Good Shepherd Cancer Center in Hermiston, as well as through the Quilts of Valor program, which provides quilts to those who have served in the military.
“It was a group effort,” explained Rebecca Lafolette, a member of the Stanfield Community Quilters, of one of the quilts they made for the auction. “We picked a butterfly pattern out, then members donated some of their favorite fabric, then we added the sparkles to the butterfly and a flannel backing to the quilt.”
Following the communal butterfly release those who purchased individual butterflies were able to walk through the gardens and release their butterflies in honor of loved ones.
“We’re really pleased with the turnout, it’s nice to see the community mingling,” said Robinson of the service. “I think it was a very big success and, of course, we’re always grateful for all those who helped make it possible, from the music and food to those who made or donated items for the auction.”
More information on Good Shepherd’s Vange John Memorial Hospice is available online.
