Tree of Life

2008
Tree of Life
Memorial Service

Hospice of Dubuque was honored to host the Tree of Life Memorial Service on Thursday, May 22. Hundreds gathered in Washington Park to honor and remember their loved ones, both living and deceased. The evening included the music of the Music Men Chorus and Hospice of Dubuque’s Music Therapist, Meganne Masko. Lavonne Noel and her daughter, Laura, shared their story on the loss of family members and comforting words on the stages of grief. The Tree of Life display, featuring 1,385 lights representing a name for each donation received, was lit at the end of the service.

The Journey art exhibit was also showcased.

To view the memorial list please click here TOL Memorial List.  

Hospice of Dubuque thanks the members of the community for their continued commitment and generosity to Hospice of Dubuque.

Behr’s Funeral Home is a proud sponsor of the advertising for this year’s
Tree of Life Memorial Service.

How the Tree Came to Be . . .

In 1993, to celebrate ten years of hospice care to the community, the Hospice of Dubuque Board of Directors initiated a bereavement service for the entire tri-state area.  Hospice of Dubuque chose to hold this Tree of Life event annually to coincide with the Memorial Day holiday.
 
The first years of the event were held at Clarke College, where an artificial evergreen served as the Tree of Life.  As this event grew, the City of Dubuque granted approval for Hospice of Dubuque to plant a tree and place a monument in Washington Park for the community to enjoy on a more permanent basis.
 
The original Katsura tree was planted in 1996.  This tree, with its shiny heart-shaped leaves that change colors with the seasons, represents the many changes patients and families experience during life.   Unfortunately, the original tree became stressed and needed to be replaced.  In the fall of 2006, a new Katsura tree was planted.  Because the new tree is too small to adorn with lights, metal art pieces have been created to hold the lights. The steel trunks of the trees symbolize permanence of spirit with ability to bend and be changed. The branches reach outward appearing to reach out to life. Movement of the branches represents individuality and how we are all moved by the forces around us, but maintain integrity as part of a greater whole. And finally, these trees, like the Katsura, change in appearance with the elements and with time.

Thank you for honoring and remembering those you love through the Tree of Life.