The dedicated folks who help light up the lives of local hospice patients lit up a Christmas tree in remembrance of those they’ve known and served during a special memorial service last Sunday at the Church of the Loving Shepherd in West Chester.

“On behalf of the entire staff and board of directors, I would like to thank you for allowing us to care for your loved one and be part of your family,” Chester County Hospital’s Neighborhood Health Executive Director Andrea Devoti said.

“It means a great deal to all of the staff for us to take care of our neighbors in the community and for you to entrust us with that care.”

The Evening Branch of the Women’s Auxiliary to Chester County Hospital hosted the Remembering Our Angels Tree Lighting and fundraiser for Neighborhood Hospice.

“It is a privilege and honor to take care of your loved ones,” Director of Hospice Service Heidi Owens added.

“I have been doing this for a little over 20 years, and every day I learn something new from each one of you and your family members. All the donations received go back into caring for our patients. For example, the donations buy yarn for our knitters who make blankets that some of your family members may have used to warm themselves while in our care, the cookies and extra snacks our patients find so comforting, and meals for family members who may not be able to afford a dinner away from home. We also use the money to pay for the certification of our pet therapy dogs.”

The tree lighting also featured the hanging of personalized die-cut cardstock angel ornaments, donated by supporters and dedicated to specific loved ones. Each ornament was illustrated with the beautiful holiday artwork of nationally recognized Chester County artist and resident Dennis Minch.

Set to music provided by the Bishop Shanahan Woodwind Ensemble under the direction of the Mr. Chuck Keating, the event elicited an atmosphere of fond Christmas memories.

“As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts turn to traditions handed down from generation to generation, instilling in us a sense of comfort and security and keeping us close in spirit to those we love,” Evening Auxiliary President Ginger Gray wrote in the invitation.

And the 101-year tradition of providing quality, compassionate care to residents of Chester County and surrounding communities was at the center of it all.

“I spend at least half my time in the new Neighborhood Health patient unit. It is a place of caring, loving and learning,” hospice chaplain the Rev. Craig Bean said. “I feel honored to be a part of Neighborhood Hospice.”