Chilliwack Hospice Society invites community members to join in a time of remembrance and reflection at its annual Memorial Celebration on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives (45820 Spadina Ave.). The event begins at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Held on the third Tuesday of November, the date coincides with National Grief and Bereavement Day, recognized by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and organizations like Chilliwack Hospice Society. The awareness day aims to increase Canadians’ grief literacy and encourage open conversations about grief, loss and support.

The Memorial Celebration offers an opportunity for individuals and families to honour their loved ones, find comfort in community and experience the quiet strength of shared understanding. The event is open to anyone who is grieving — whether the death occurred recently or many years ago.

“Our Memorial Celebration provides a safe and meaningful space for people to come together, honour their loved ones and feel supported by others who understand what they’re going through,” said Sue Knott, Executive Director of Chilliwack Hospice Society. “Moments like this remind us that grief is a shared human experience, and no one needs to face it alone.”

This year’s program features guest speaker Cristal Biela, and a musical performance by singer-songwriter Jennifer Victor. Guests are encouraged to bring a framed photo of their loved one to display during the evening. Light refreshments will be served.

Guest speaker – Cristal Biela, M.A., RCC
Biela is a wife and mother of four adult children who lives on an off-grid homestead. She works as a community health specialist with Fraser Health in Chilliwack, focusing on enhancing resilience and reducing the impact of adverse childhood experiences for children, youth and families. She will share reflections on her personal and professional experiences with grief and how she has found comfort by intentionally weaving moments of joy into her days.

Musical guest – Jennifer Victor
Victor is a Chilliwack-based singer-songwriter who launched her YouTube channel in 2016 and has since reached more than nine million streams on Spotify. She collaborates with musicians worldwide and is passionate about mental-health awareness, using music as a source of comfort and connection.

Guests are asked to RSVP by calling (604) 795-4660. Street parking and elevator access are available. There is no smoking on the premises.

All Chilliwack Hospice Society programs and services are offered free of cost thanks to the generosity of local donors and businesses.

For more information about memorial events at Chilliwack Hospice Society, please contact Deanna Fedorkew, Community Education Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or deanna@chilliwackhospice.org.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with death and dying through support, education, and programs that provide wellness and healthy grieving.

Recognizing this significant day gives us an opportunity to share and normalize talking about grief, and to highlight resources that are available to those coping with loss. Grief is the natural and normal response to loss, however grief is often misunderstood. It has no timeline, and it shows up differently for each person. Grief isn’t limited to the loss of a person; we can all experience grief following the loss of a pet, a relationship, or our health and mobility.

Although an individual experience, grieving does not need to be done alone. In their Grief and Bereavement Day campaign, the Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association offers several suggestions for ways in which we can support someone who is navigating grief and loss. These include letting them know you’re thinking of them; not assuming what they want or need; acknowledging their loss; and offering practical assistance such as picking up groceries or helping with chores around the house if permitted.

“When connecting with a grieving person, remember you cannot fix their grief,” says Jennifer Dacre, Palliative and Bereavement Services Manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society. “You can, however, walk alongside them on their grief journey with empathy and compassion. Sometimes words aren’t required, but a listening ear is most appreciated.”

Chilliwack Hospice Society offers one-to-one grief support, free of charge, to adults, youth, and children in Chilliwack and the surrounding communities. Additionally, we facilitate many grief support groups throughout the year, including our First Step Grief Support Group and others dedicated to pet loss, sibling loss, traumatic loss, and grieving families.

Tomorrow night, Wednesday, November 22, starting at 6:00pm, Chilliwack Hospice Society will host our Annual Memorial Celebration at Vineyard Community Centre, located at 45892 Wellington Avenue. A time of reflection and support in the company of others whose loved one has died, the Annual Memorial Celebration is for everyone who is grieving. This year’s program will focus on creative expressions of grief. Guests are asked to please bring a framed photo of their loved one with them. Light refreshments will be served.

Beginning December 8, look for Celebrate a Life trees at Minter Country Garden and Thrifty Boutique. Celebrate A Life is an opportunity to write a message that’s on your heart onto a personalized butterfly in memory of a loved one on our trees of celebration. Hanging a butterfly on the tree has become a cherished ritual during the holiday season for many bereaved people in our community.

To learn more about the grief support programs and services available at Chilliwack Hospice Society, or to donate in honour of National Grief and Bereavement Day, please call (604) 795-4660 or visit www.chilliwackhospice.org