by Karina Hunter

Manitouwadge Community Cemetery the location of Sunday's 14th Annual Community Memorial Service.

The 14^th Annual Community Memorial Service was held Sunday afternoon at the Manitouwadge Cemetery.  In spite of heavy cloud cover, the rain held off while Reverend Doreen Sproule led an ecumenical service in honour of friends and family who had been residents of Manitouwadge or had been laid to rest at our cemetery.  Those in attendance gathered together to hear readings from scripture, prayers and poems in remembrance and respect for those whose loss they grieved together.  

Some of those gathered Sunday to remember loved ones and friends lost.

Reverend Sproule welcomed everyone for coming, reminding mourners to be grateful for the memories that lived on with them and find comfort in one another by sharing those memories. The long list of names of those members of
our community who have passed throughout the years but are still fondly remembered and loved; a moment of silence followed.  

There were several other readings before many of those in attendance re-grouped at the Golden Age Club where memoriam candles were lit as the group shared one last prayer for the afternoon, naming in turn, those for whom they mourned. The ceremony complete, refreshments and deserts were shared.

Thank you to Marlene Turner and Janet Turner, who began this memorial years ago as an extension of their grief support group, offering people an opportunity to remember and recognize the loss of their loved ones. Because of their hard work people once again were able to gather, finding peace and comfort in their shared experiences.