Cathie Thomas Contributing writer
Everyone is welcome to the ceremony.
The holiday season is a joyous and special time for families and friends to celebrate together, however, when a loved one passes away the holiday season takes on a new meaning.
“At John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home we understand the grief journey that many families go through after losing someone they love,” President Cathie Thomas said. “Perhaps there is no other time of the year when we are more aware of the empty space our dear one has left behind than the holiday season.”
John M. Oakey & Son will be hosting their annual Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony “Bringing Hope and Heart to the Holidays” on Thursday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. It will be held in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel at 305 Roanoke Boulevard in Salem.
Sue Ranson, CEO and co-founder of Good Samaritan Hospice, will be the honored guest and speaker. Sue has worked in hospice care for 25 years and considers it a privilege to walk with people at such a sacred time in their life. She will be sharing thoughts and reflections on life, the grief journey and the holidays.
It will be an evening of music, reflection and fellowship. All are invited to honor the life of their loved ones by lighting a candle in remembrance. We have orchestrated a memorial video tribute which we hope will be of comfort to our families. Following the ceremony, there will be a time of fellowship and refreshments. The staff of John M. Oakey & Son will have a special memento to give to all in attendance in memory of their loved one.
“We want to emphasize that this is a special service for the entire community and not just for the families that we have served,” Cathie said. “All are welcome.”
Holiday traditions are special at John M. Oakey & Son. For 20 years the “Lights of Love” Memorial Tree has been beautifully decorated and placed on the front lawn. The staff would like to invite families to participate in honoring the memory of their loved ones by placing a special “light” of hope and peace to shine through the holiday season.
For more information, please call the funeral home at 389-5441 or send an email to info@johnmoakey.com.