Leaves of life for those passed on

AROUND 30 people turned up to the memory tree dedication at the Westernport Nursing Home in Kooweerup Regional Health Service on 27 January.
Organiser Aileen Thoms said the service went very well. “The service was conducted with Rachael Kollmorgan from Le Pines in Pakenham and Reverend Brenda Burney from the Anglican Church in Kooweerup,” Ms Thoms said.
The service was enjoyed by all, with those attending saying the service and music was really lovely.
An introduction to the concept of the memory tree was done by Douglas Beer, whose wife Lois had been in the Westernport unit.
Leaves were placed on the tree to represent people who had stayed at the Westernport unit but had passed away, and the tree symbolises a reflection of those people.
“It is for people to recognise the people who have been a part of their lives and the community,” Ms Thoms said. “It gives other residents a way of paying tribute to their friends.
“When people come into the nursing home, they will be told about the memory tree and those associated with the Westernport unit can have a leaf attached to the tree.”