Families celebrate Tree of Life

Registered nurse Linda Lewis and a young friend light candles for the "Time of Remembrance," a reading of names by Kathy Leier, R.N., Robert O'Keefe, LCSW, and Mary Peitler, M.A., during New Milford VNA Hospice's annual interfaith remembrance service at St. John's Episcopal Church. Nov. 18, 2012 Photo: Trish Haldin

The New Milford VNA Hospice's annual iInterfaith remembrance service was held Nov. 18 at St. John's Episcopal Church along the Village Green. Photo: Trish Haldin

Roses are brought to the altar for the "Time of Remembrance" during New Milford VNA Hospice's annual interfaith remembrance service, Nov. 18, 2012 at St. John's Episcopal Church. Photo: Trish Haldin

Area residents emerge Nov. 18, 2012 from St. John's Episcopal Church following New Milford VNA Hospice's annual interfaith remembrance service. Photo: Trish Haldin

Sarah Hauser of New Milford VNA Hospice shares a warm smile with a guest at the annual "Tree of Life" ceremony at the Richmond Citizen Center, Nov. 18, 2012 Photo: Trish Haldin

Hospice volunteer Melissa Schipul performs on guitar during New Milford VNA Hospice's "Tree of Life" service at the Richmond Citizen Center. Nov. 18, 2012 Photo: Norm Cummings

Mary Peitler, the coordinator of community education for New Milford VNA Hospice, welcomes Rev. Chris Sakis, the Hospice chaplain, for the opening prayer of the "Tree of Life" service, Nov. 18, 2012 at the Richmond Citizen Center. Photo: Trish Haldin

In her memory Susan Stahley, right, of Washington and her sister, Sandy Connolly of Brookfield, remember their mother, Mary Stahley, during New Milford VNA Hospice's "Tree of Life" service, Nov. 18 at the Richmond Citizen Center in New Milford. The memorial event followed a remembrance service at neighboring St. John's Episcopal Church. For the story and more photos, see Page S7. For more photographs, visit www.newmilfordspectrum.com. Photo: Trish Haldin

A family member holds a rose during New Milford VNA Hospice's "Tree of Life" service, Nov. 18 at the Richmond Citizen Center. Photo: Trish Haldin

Dozens of area residents respond to the New Milford VNA Hospice's "Tree of Life" service, Nov. 18, 2012 at the Richmond Citizen Center. Photo: Trish Haldin

New Milford VNA Hospice's "Tree of Life" service was offered Nov. 18 at the Richmond Citizen Center. Photo: Trish Haldin