Every year, Angela Hospice hosts the Walk of Remembrance—a dedicated day where families and friends come together to reflect, honor, and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. Whether walking alone or as part of a team, participants find solace and community at this meaningful event.
For Louise Hopping, 2024 marked her first year participating in the Walk of Remembrance. She joined the walk after losing her mother in August 2023. Surrounded by a circle of close friends, Louise formed a team affectionately named “La Solana Sisters,”a tribute to her cherished mother, Marilyn, and a show of support from those who stood by her through a difficult time.
Louise shared that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer and was hospitalized following a fall. During that hospital stay, a social worker recommended her mother pursue hospice care. “We were surprised, we didn’t expect to need hospice care so soon,” Louise explained.
As the primary caregiver, Louise was grateful for the timing; a teacher on summer break, she was able to be there for her mom, and her 90-year-old dad. Her mother received Home Hospice Care from Angela Hospice for close to a year.
“It was the best decision we ever made,” Louise said. “Early hospice made things easier for mom and less stressful for us. My mom wanted to spend her final days at home, and hospice allowed us to make that wish come true.”
Reflecting on her first Walk of Remembrance, Louise shared, “I very much enjoyed it. The walk down ‘Memory Lane’ was so cool to see. It was a special way to honor and remember mom.” La Solana Sisters received a custom-made poster after collectively raising donations, funds that directly support Angela Hospice’s caring programs.
At the end of the trail, walkers are invited to participate in a rock painting activity—a touching way to create a keepsake. It was especially meaningful for Louise, whose mother’s nickname was “Rocky.” One of Louise’s teammates, an artist, created a beautiful piece of rock art and gifted it to her father, who was not able to attend.
“He keeps it on the TV stand at home,” she said. “It’s a beautiful memento in honor of mom.”
For Louise, and many others, the Walk of Remembrance is not just an event—it’s a healing experience.
“It was a very relaxing day to take time out to remember Mom. We loved the atmosphere and soft music in the background. It was comforting to be amongst others who are experiencing the same thing [grief],” Louise said.
You are invited to take part in the Walk of Remembrance by forming a team, walking with friends and family, and creating your ownmoments of remembrance.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 • 10 A.M. • ANGELA HOSPICE GROUNDS
For more information on participating in the Walk of Remembrance, please contact Helen Balmforth at 734.464.3478 or visit angelahospice.org/walk
