South Central Reporter

Community members in central Illinois have been invited by HSHS Home Care to participate in butterfly release ceremonies at various Hospital Sisters Health System locations. These events aim to provide a moment for families and friends to celebrate and remember deceased loved ones.

The ceremonies are scheduled on multiple dates and locations: May 14 at HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, May 21 at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, June 3 at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, and June 4 at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese. Each event will include the reading of names of those being remembered, followed by a butterfly release.

Valerie Engelbart, Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care, shared the significance of the event: “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.”

Attendees have the option to release a butterfly for their loved one by reserving one for $15. To purchase a butterfly or RSVP, contact Valerie Engelbart by phone at 217-685-0702 or email at [email protected]. Online reservations can be made at giving.hshs.org/sae/donate by selecting the appropriate options for the Butterfly Release.