Chapel Hill Hosts First Memorial Walk

Each year, The Chapel Hill Community holds a memorial service to honor the lives of residents who passed away. In 2021, the community held an open Memorial Walk in place of its usual traditional service where families could walk at their own pace and remember their loved ones.

“I wanted to offer something meaningful for our community to grieve,” said Rev. Erin Proie, chaplain at The Chapel Hill Community, who spearheaded the event.

For three days and nights, the walk was lined with personal luminaries around the Kroft Commons cottages. In between luminaries were scriptures written on signs guiding each walker through the path.

“The turnout was touching. Every time I checked on the path, someone was walking the circle,” said Proie.

Proie thought the change was a success. “It turned out to be a very meaningful experience that allowed for a more personal touch than the virtual service we offered in 2020.” The feedback from the community was humbling, Proie remarked. “One resident said it was one of the most beautiful things we have offered.”

In addition to the walk, the community also delivered the luminaries from the walk as a special keepsake to the spouses living within the independent living community and others were available for pickup.