November 3, 2025

UC Davis Hospice Program hosts annual Night of Remembrance

By Nick Houser

The UC Davis Hospice Program recently hosted its annual Night of Remembrance, a heartfelt event dedicated to honoring and celebrating the lives of patients cared for over the past year. Held on Oct. 16, the evening brought together a community of support, reflection, and gratitude.

A Gathering of Support

This year’s event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of 25 hospice staff members and five volunteers. Their commitment ensured that the evening was both meaningful and comforting for everyone involved.

More than 120 bereaved family members came together to honor their loved ones and find solace among others who share similar experiences. The sense of community and shared remembrance was palpable, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to come together. As one family member shared, the staff did “a beautiful job with this event. I am happy that I decided to come.”

Music, Memories, and Meaning

Guests arrived to the sounds of harpist Laura Caravello, who set the tone for the evening. Hospice chaplain Meg McClasky provided opening remarks and words of comfort, followed by a musical performance from the Sacramento Threshold Choir. Social worker MyChelle Buchanan read We Remember Them by Sylvan Kamens and Jack Reimer.

The “Sharing of the Names” presentation acknowledged all 562 patients served by hospice over the past year.

McClasky said many families brought pictures of their loved ones to create a display.

“The display became a sweet place for us to see what our patients looked like before they became so sick,” she said. “That display also became a gathering spot for families and staff to gather and share stories which was very meaningful, as the program focused on holding our memories.”

The event also highlighted the generosity of the hospice community. Many who could not attend in person sent donations to support the program’s invaluable work. In person, one grateful family donated $5,000 to the hospice program.

The Continuum of Care

Many patients honored at the Night of Remembrance have been cared for by the continuum of Home Care Services programs—Home Health, Home-Based Palliative Care, and Hospice. The program serves patients in the hospital, personal homes, and facilities such as assisted living, board and care, and skilled nursing, ensuring that compassionate care is available wherever it is needed.

“When our patients pass, families also lose contact with our staff, with whom they have become very attached,” McClasky said. “The Night of Remembrance gives families an opportunity to see the staff who cared for their loved ones and staff an opportunity to see families.”