Metro East Sun

HSHS Home Care will hold butterfly release ceremonies at various Hospital Sisters Health System hospitals across central Illinois. These events invite family and friends to celebrate and remember those who have passed away.

The ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

- HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville on May 14 at 4 p.m.

- HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon on May 21 at 5:30 p.m.

- HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland on June 3 at 5:30 p.m.

- HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese on June 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Valerie Engelbart, Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care, stated, “These butterfly release ceremonies provide a special time for families in our communities to honor their loved ones. The butterfly represents the transformation of the spirit as our loved ones transition from this life. As we release butterflies together, we celebrate the lives that have touched our hearts and find comfort in our shared experiences of love and loss.”

The ceremonies will include a reading of the names of those being remembered, followed by the butterfly release.

For those wishing to release a butterfly, reservations can be made with a $15 fee prior to the event. Engelbart can be contacted at 217-685-0702 or [email protected] for reservations or to RSVP. Butterflies may also be reserved online by visiting giving.hshs.org/sae/donate and following specified instructions.