Bereavement coordinator Rachel Lively, participant Susan Sorcinelli and volunteer Nancy Mclean spoke about the symbolize of butterflies in the grieving process. 

 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A kaleidoscope of butterflies was released over Onota Lake in honor of loved ones who have passed.

Hospice Care in the Berkshires held a remembrance ceremony at the Controy Pavilion on Saturday, ending with the release of six dozen painted ladies. Tears, happy memories, and strength were shared amongst attendees of all ages.

Bereavement coordinator Rachel Lively said the butterfly's metamorphosis from a caterpillar can be compared to the change that a grieving person goes through and the beauty that can come from the pain.

The release is one of the memorial services HospiceCare does for families of folks who have died in the last year but it is also open to the community, she said.

"So anyone really can come and a lot of the folks who are here are families who have lost a loved one on hospice."

Susan Sorcinelli, who had a loved one in hospice this past year, detailed a butterfly's transformation from a caterpillar to a winged beauty while wearing wings of her own.

"Butterflies have long been associated with transformation, beauty, and the cycle of life," she said. "The remarkable life cycle which involves metamorphosis from a humble caterpillar to a stunning butterfly mirrors the journey of life."

The non-profit is an affiliate of Integritus Healthcare and offers compassionate end-of-life care and bereavement services.