Brighten the Holiday Season With Memories

Join us to remember loved ones who have passed away at Glacial Ridge Hospice’s Tree of Life ceremony on Wednesday, November 19, at 6:30 pm at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.

The Tree of Life has roots in the community, reaching back almost 30 years. The event offers a time and place to honor and remember loved ones, evolving from two Glacial Ridge Hospice ceremonies. One of the ceremonies was the Remembrance Tree—a large, lighted Christmas tree in front of Glacial Ridge Hospital. Those remembered with a $5 donation to Hospice were represented with the lights, and their names were posted on a wooden Christmas tree cutout in the hospital lobby. That tree eventually became known as the “Tree of Lights.”

Another Hospice ceremony, the annual candlelighting memorial service, was traditionally held each spring. The two ceremonies were combined over 20 years ago, and the new ceremony was named “Tree of Life,” reflecting the healing nature of remembering the many influences loved ones had in their families’ lives and the world around them.

The Tree of Life ceremony features musical performances by local talent and a message from a representative of Glacial Ridge Hospice. During the candle-lighting ceremony, the names of loved ones are read and family members are invited to step forward to light candles in their honor.

This is open to the public and is for anyone who has lost a loved one. Donations are accepted to help Glacial Ridge Hospice continue to help families in Pope County and the surrounding areas.

To Donate

Thank you for considering Glacial Ridge Hospice in your giving. To donate in honor or in memory of a loved one, please contact Glacial Ridge Hospice at 320.634.2221, or you may send a check to Glacial Ridge Hospice, 10 Fourth Ave SE, Glenwood, MN 56334.