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.

Special opportunities for rituals and remembrances included the Mother’s Day Memorial on May 9 and the Father’s Day Memorial on June 13. Both events offered safe spaces for those grieving a parent or parent-figure to share memories and find comfort in community. On August 21, Fedorkew, alongside Jennifer Dacre and Kaylee Lovesy, co-facilitated the Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day Memorial, offering a time of reflection for those grieving the loss of a beloved pet or caring for a dying animal. The day included storytelling, expressive arts, and community support.

“Grief touches each of us in different ways, but it is something no one should have to carry alone,” said Fedorkew. “These programs create spaces where people can honour their stories, find comfort, and remember that community can hold us through the hardest seasons.”

Educational opportunities have included advance care planning workshops on July 15 and 17, and September 5 and 8, covering end-of-life care planning, temporary substitute decision makers, representation agreements, and advance directives. On June 19, Planning with Purpose: A Conversation on Death, Dignity and Diverse Traditions was presented in partnership with Tammy Miller of Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, helping participants explore funeral planning, cultural traditions, and essential considerations before and after a death. In September, Planning Ahead: An Introduction to Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements, presented by Aatif Nanji of Simpson Notaries, provided practical guidance on preparing for the future.

New wellness and connection programs were also introduced. Gentle Mat Yoga, led by Emmy Kerr, was offered once weekly outdoors through August, blending movement and mindfulness as a way to nurture body and spirit in grief. Fedorkew also launched Craft and Chat, held the second Friday of every month, creating a welcoming space for participants to connect and process grief through creativity.

Throughout the year Chilliwack Hospice Society hosts a variety of in-person and virtual educational workshops and presentations for the community. Topics may include advance care planning, financial and legal matters, self-care and wellness. Educational workshops are provided for free thanks to the generosity of individual donors and businesses in our community.