For the most current bereavement information please contact us Rev. Reese Washington, Jr. at rwashington@williamsburghospice.org or call (757) 206-1177.
Grieving is a process that requires much more time than our culture typically acknowledges or allows. Support during time of bereavement can help bring healing, renewal and hope for the future. Staff at the Hospice House of Williamsburg maintain contact with bereaved families following the death of a loved one to offer comfort, support, referrals and services as needed.
Our bereavement support is open to all in the community regardless of their previous connection to the House. There is no cost to participants in bereavement programs, but donations are encouraged.
Seasonal Bereavement Support Groups
Hospice House of Williamsburg offers seasonal bereavement support groups for any adult in the community who is grieving the death of a loved one. Focused resources on grief and coping are provided at each session, and conversation at each session is centered on the grief experience. The group is an opportunity for those navigating the grief process to feel less alone on the journey. The groups last 8-weeks, four times a year during Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. They meet weekly on Tuesdays for two hours. There is no cost to participants, but registration is necessary as space is limited. Donations are encouraged.
Light-Up-A-Life
Held each December at the Hospice House, this tree-lighting and decorating ceremony is an opportunity for anyone in the community to remember their loved one during the holiday season. Each person remembered is listed in a special program at the tree lighting and names of loved ones remembered are hung with a bow on the Hospice House tree throughout the holiday season. The ceremony includes reflective music, a reflection from our Hospice House Chaplain and a reception. This service is free to attend. Memorial ornaments are available to purchase in advance.
Other Memorial Opportunities
▸ Memorial Brick Pavers
Any bereaved individual is welcome to honor the memory of their loved one(s) through the purchase of engraved brick memorial pavers to add to our beautiful Patio of Memories at Hospice House. The pavers are permanently laid in the Patio, providing family and friends a place to return to remember their loved ones. Please contact our Operations Director, Diane Schwarz, with questions or for additional information: 757-253-1220. For more information on ordering memorial pavers please click HERE.
▸ Offsite Funeral & Memorial Services
Hospice House of Williamsburg offers funeral and memorial service facilitation by our spiritually-trained Hospice House Chaplain. Our funeral and memorial service facilitation includes a one-on-one meeting with the Hospice House Chaplain to outline and plan the service as well as phone and email correspondence to confirm details. The Hospice House Chaplain will preside over the ceremony on the service date and guide family members and other participants through the service. For more information on requesting and organizing an offsite Funeral or Memorial Service click HERE.
Other Ongoing Bereavement Services
▸ One-on-One Consultation
Due to Covid-19 precautions, bereavement sessions are held via Zoom or by phone.
Our Hospice House Chaplain schedules regular consultation sessions with anyone in the community grieving the death of a loved one and to fit their needs with Hospice House services.
▸ Hospice House Online Library
Due to Covid-19 precautions, access to the library is not available at this time.
In June of 2017, we launched an online library funded by the generosity of The Huston Foundation. The Hospice House online library provides quality end-of-life and bereavement resources to a wider, more technologically-connected population, allowing patrons to review and search for book resources and request book check-outs at the click of a mouse. To read more about the library or to check out a book click HERE.
▸ Walking/Social Group
This is an ongoing walking and social support group to meet others in the same situation. Due to Covid-19 precautions, all social activities have been postponed. The walking group continues to meet, with safety guidelines. Fill out the form below to get on our email list.
