The death of a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences. As you travel along the path of grief, you may feel at times as though you’re wandering in a fog of sorts-uncertain as to what lies ahead or which way to turn. With the help of your faith, and of your family and friends, you may find renewed hope and life, and signs along grief’s path that will help you to know that you’re going in the right direction.

At Gillette Memorial Chapel and Walker Funeral Home, we want you to know that you are not alone; that we will continue to support you. We are here to offer a loving hand of friendship and support to you and your family on this journey toward healing.

To learn more about the grief support resources in our community, you may visit our community resources page where we have listed several national, as well as local grief support groups. Many of the sources listed may help provide you with sound information to help you cope with your feelings and emotions at this most difficult time.

To help with the grieving process, our funeral home features a library of books, videos and pamphlets on coping with loss. Our funeral directors can visit with you to help you choose a resource that is appropriate for your needs. You are welcome to stop by or to call the funeral home to request information on the options and resources available for coping with grief. You may also contact one of our funeral directors for a list of professional counseling services in our area.

Holiday Service of Remembrance

During the month of November each year, Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home and our community Hospice organization come together to host an annual Memory Service held at the funeral home, honoring loved ones who have passed away. Each year, nearly 200 people fill the funeral home to participate in the service.

This Memory Service is centered on keeping memories of loved ones alive to help endure the pain that the holidays can bring following a death in the family. Our service is ecumenical, and is led by various ministers from the area churches. The service includes inspirational readings; special music before, during and after the formal service time; congregational songs and the reading of the names of deceased loved ones. Our service concludes with a candle-light service and song in memory of those we have lost. We then continue the afternoon with refreshments and fellowship, which is a wonderful opportunity for bereaved families to share their loved one's stories and gain strength from one another.

Families who have lost loved ones are invited to attend the beautiful service, and are asked to come forward to place their loved one’s angel ornament on the Tree of Remembrance.

As many have stated following the service, there is great sadness in the room but also thankfulness and happiness as each person comes forward with their ornament and go to name their loved ones and say something about them.

"Though grief is a natural and necessary process, it's also an extraordinarily difficult one. We're here to help mourners and those who care for them."
Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., Director, www.centerforloss.com