Annual Remembrance Celebration Offers Comfort and Connection

Families gathered at the 34^th Annual Remembrance Celebration, hosted by the North Oaks Hospice team on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center on the North Oaks Medical Center campus. The annual event created a meaningful space for reflection, healing and connection, honoring the lives of loved ones who were cared for by North Oaks Hospice.

The program opened with a warm welcome from North Oaks Hospice Director Lisa Goings, followed by an opening prayer from Chaplain Edie Tranchina. Darick Selders, who volunteers to sing at the celebration every year in memory of his mother, then offered a moving performance of Amazing Grace by John Newton. Hospice Nurse Trenice Coleman also served as a vocalist performing Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.

Social Worker Amber Cocchiola shared two heartfelt readings—Merry Christmas from Heaven by John Mooney Jr. and The Butterfly Poem (author unknown) —providing moments of quiet reflection and hope for those in attendance. The Vine Children’s Choir, directed by Martha Bonnett and Megan Richardson, followed with a touching rendition of Silent Night, composed by Franz Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr.

Coleman returned to the podium to read The Story of the Four Candles, while fellow hospice nurses Jane Frederick, Betty Prescia, Patrice Pellittieri and Beth Disorbo held candles symbolizing peace, hope, faith and love. The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer by Chaplain Tranchina and a final musical performance by The Vine Children’s Choir—Consider the Stars, written by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Fionán de Barra.

Following the program, families gathered around a Christmas tree to share fellowship, refreshments and hang ornaments in memory of their loved ones.

Among those in attendance was Judy Staub of Ponchatoula, who came to honor the memory of her husband, Gerard “Louis” Staub. Married for nearly 60 years, Judy and Louis shared a lifetime of devotion, adventure and love. Louis, 80, was cared for by North Oaks Hospice for three months, from Oct. 9, 2024, until his passing on Jan. 16, 2025.

Louis spent 36 years working for Delta Airlines in various departments before retiring at age 56, with his final role in the airline’s VIP lounge. In retirement, the couple embraced travel, belonging to two motorhome clubs and journeying extensively—from the Arctic Circle and the Florida Keys and to Mexico.

For the remembrance tree, Judy selected a special ornament in Louis’ honor. “He had several ornaments that he loved, and I couldn’t part with them,” she shared. “But I found one with his name on it and knew this one would be nice.”

Reflecting on their hospice experience, Judy expressed deep gratitude for the care and compassion they received.

“We felt supported in every way possible,” reflected Judy. “The staff would do anything for the both of us. Nothing was overlooked.”

That sense of reassurance remains one of her most cherished memories.

“Every time the staff walked through that door, I knew I didn’t have to worry. I knew everything was going to be okay,” Judy explained. “I could let go when the hospice team were there. The staff were my angels. That is the best way to put it.”

Lisa Goings echoed that sentiment.

“Caring for Mr. Staub and his family has had a lasting impact on us,” she noted. “Mr. Louis and Mrs. Judy were true examples of love and commitment. They called us their ‘angels’ and always made us feel as if we were part of their family.”

Judy hopes others can better understand the value of hospice care and how beneficial it is to the patient and their family. “You have someone to ask questions. You don’t have to worry about anything,” she asserted.

One aspect of care that stood out most to her was the emotional support. “For me specifically, peace of mind—having the social worker come talk to me,” Judy shared. “I didn’t have to go someplace to talk with someone. I could stay and still be with my husband.”

North Oaks Hospice provides compassionate, in-home care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on physical, emotional and spiritual comfort while supporting families through every step of the journey.

The Remembrance Celebration is one part of North Oaks Hospice’s ongoing bereavement support services. In addition, North Oaks offers free support groups for caregivers and those experiencing grief, all open to the community.

For more information about North Oaks Hospice, support groups or to request a complimentary evaluation with no obligation, call (985) 230-7620.