Share their name. Honor their memory. Gather together in community.
Tell stories. Listen to music. Light a candle.
These are the ancient ways we have always found comfort and meaning in grief.

The 2023 Angels Among Us event, held in Santa Barbara and Buellton, was a time for us to come together with our community to find comfort and remember loved ones. VNA Health President and CEO, Kieran Shah, and Hospice Chaplains Martha Saavedra and Chris Maggitti welcomed everyone and shared reflections in English and Spanish. Natalie Haskins in Buellton, and Davitt Felder in Santa Barbara provided inspiring music for the Candle Lighting Ceremony and Loved Ones Tribute led by VNA Health Bereavement Counselors Mark McGann, Dairine Pearson and Mara Petrick. The Missing Man Ceremony was once again led by Lt. Commander Roger Deck, US Navy. Final comments were shared in English by Senior Director of Hospice, Sena Woodall RN, and in Spanish by Hospice Chaplains Martha Saavedra.

For nearly two decades, the Hospice and Bereavement Teams of VNA Health have provided families in our community a time of reflection and support through this inspirational service. We deeply thank our Hospice volunteers and Angels Among Us Committee who generously donate their time and talents to bring forth this offering of healing and comfort.

Click HERE to see photos of the Santa Barbara Angels Among Us event.

Watch the 2023 Candlelight Virtual Tribute

Bereavement During the Holiday Season

The need for bereavement care and support is greatest throughout the holiday season, as memories and traditions can bring up grief and loss.  As we are nearing three years of living through the COVID pandemic, the power of gathering together, even remotely, is profound for our community.

We share the names of those who have died and who live in our memory. We light candles in their honor. We acknowledge the humanness of our unique relationships — the possible hurts as well as the joys — and the range of emotions (sorrow, gratitude, anger, regret, anxiety, disbelief and many others) that may be present.

We weep — and we smile — knowing our beloved friends and family who have died are with us still, in our hearts. We refresh our souls with heartfelt stories and music. Most of all, we know we are not alone, and we feel the strength and solidarity of our beloved community.

The VNA Health Bereavement team has been acutely aware of the collective grief, pain and stress the pandemic has caused. We have felt the worry, fear and uncertainty in ourselves as well as in the many people we serve. But we are still a community, and we are all in this together.

We invite you to participate in these additional opportunities to help you during these difficult times. Click here for more information about our Winter 2023 Programs.

Bereavement Resources

Loss of any kind is never easy, but it may help knowing where you can turn during this difficult time.

Our Bereavement Care team will continue to support you with telehealth grief counseling, advice, and other resources, free of charge and open to the community. Please know that we are here for you and that we understand the need to grieve and feel less alone. From our hearts to yours, we send strength and peace.

To view online resources for grief and loss please click here.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with a bereavement counselor, email bereavement@vna.health or call our general bereavement number 805.308.9602.

ESPAÑOL

Una consejera bilingüe está disponible para proveer consejeria del duelo sin costo en español. Llame a Mara Petrick, LCSW al (805) 690-6296 o envíe un correo electrónico a mara.petrick@vna.health.