Butterflies are released during a previous Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care Service of Remembrance and Memorial Butterfly Release event.

LAKEWOOD – Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care will host its annual Service of Remembrance and Memorial Butterfly Release on Saturday, June 7.

The hybrid event invites community members to honor loved ones with a butterfly release, either virtually or in person at Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care’s Lakewood office.

“In many cultures, butterflies symbolize the remarkable transformation between worlds,” said Jamie Probst, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care director of family support services. “As butterflies emerge from their chrysalis, they signify both an end and a beginning–a profound representation of the journey of grief. It is through this journey that we discover new ways to cherish and preserve the bonds we shared.”

This year’s event will begin with a brief memorial program livestreamed on our Facebook page at 1 p.m. on June 7 at Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care’s Lakewood Office, followed by the butterfly release. For those who are unable to attend in person, the recorded video will remain available on both the Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care website and Facebook page.

Guests are welcome to pick up their butterflies on the morning of the event, Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Lakewood office at 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood or at the WCA Home, 134 Temple St., Fredonia.

For those unable to attend the release, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care’s staff will release their butterfly on following the livestreamed service. Each butterfly may be purchased in memory of one or more loved ones, and names will be included in a memorial program available online.

“At CHPC, we consider it a privilege to assist caregivers during such a sensitive time,” said Mike Testa, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care CEO. “Through the Service of Remembrance and Butterfly Release, we continue to provide unwavering support while fostering deeper connections with the community we serve.”

Orders for butterflies and memorial program listings will be accepted through Wednesday. A single butterfly can be dedicated to multiple individuals. Names may also be submitted for the memorial listing without purchasing a butterfly. To participate or place an order, visit chpc.care/butterfly.

For more information, contact Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care at 716-338-0033 or visit the agency’s website.