This Holiday Season Take Time to Honor and Remember Loved Ones

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Tree of Life

JEFFERSON, Iowa – Those we love are even closer to our hearts and more often in our thoughts during the holiday season. This can create a flood of emotions, particularly for those who have lost someone dear to them.

“We carry memories of our loved ones with us throughout the year, but during the holidays, it can be difficult to navigate feelings of loss,” said Greene County Medical Center Foundation Director, Nancy Houska. “It is a time of joy, of giving and of making memories to last a lifetime. For many, however, the season brings with it only the recollection of time spent with a person who held a very special place in their lives. It is important for all of us to be compassionate and caring, coming together to help each other honor these individuals and the memories they have left behind.”

For this reason, the Foundation hosts a Tree of Life ceremony each year. The beautifully decorated tree stands in the medical center lobby throughout the holidays, holding ornaments that bear the names of loved ones. The tree and those honored are then recognized at this very special event.

The 2024 Tree of Life ceremony will take place at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, December 12 and will include guest speaker, Pastor Nancy Peterson, and a reading of the names from the tree followed by dessert.  

Ornaments can be purchased for $25 now through December 9 at the Gift Garden in the lobby of the medical center, online at gcmchealth.com/foundation/tree-of-life or by contacting Foundation Director, Nancy Houska by phone at 515-386-0108 or by email at nancy.houska@gcmchealth.com.