Losing a loved one can be very difficult, especially during the holiday season. Hospice of Emanuel is hoping to help those dealing with loss through a free workshop titled, “Coping with the Holidays.”

“The holidays will come whether or not we are ready for them,” said Sandy Ricardo, support services coordinator at Hospice of Emanuel. “Part of our mission at Hospice of Emanuel is to help the bereaved cope with the loss of a loved one, and the holidays are a time people can often use some extra support.”   

This year, the Coping with the Holidays workshop will feature a memory table and anyone attending this event is invited to bring a picture of their loved one to place on the table. 

Diane Garzelli-Tate will be the speaker at this year’s event. Garzelli-Tate has 18 years of experience as a Loss of Spouse Support Group facilitator, after her husband died when their children were still school aged. Her experience as a widow and a single mom helping her own children through their grief makes Garzelli-Tate a valuable resource, someone who is able to reach others who are grieving, said Hospice of Emanuel.

The free workshop is open to the public and will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Monte Vista Chapel, 1619 E. Monte Vista Ave., in Turlock.

Along with the featured speaker, the event will also include information on strategies that can help people who have lost a loved one get through the emotionally charged holiday season.

Hospice of Emanuel offers free grief support to anyone in our community. This includes one-on-one grief support, as well as support groups for Loss of Spouse, Bereaved Parents, General Loss, Children and Teens. Also Hospice has developed a new support group for people who have lost someone to suicide. Hospice of Emanuel’s bereavement department is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at 664-2550.