A tradition started by Irene Krahe continues on November 19th at the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse
From the Homecare & Hospice Foundation
For more than three decades, the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation’s Tree of Life has provided families with a special way to remember those they love. This November, the tradition continues with a Tree of Life Ceremony in Allegany, bringing community members together for an evening of remembrance, reflection and connection.
The ceremony will be held Thursday, November 19, at 5:00 p.m. at the chapel at St Elizabeth Motherhouse, 115 East Main Street, Allegany. The event is free and open to everyone, whether their loved one received services from HomeCare & Hospice.
During the ceremony, the names of loved ones who have passed are read aloud as personalized ornaments are placed on the Tree of Life. For some families, participating has become a treasured tradition passed from one year to the next.
For the family of Irene Krahe, that tradition began 30 years ago.
After the death of her son Matthew Krahe, Irene purchased her first Tree of Life ornament in 1996. She didn’t purchase just one.
“That first year, she bought more than 15 ornaments, one for each of us,” recalled her daughter, Meme K. Yanetsko, Director of Advancement for HomeCare & Hospice. “From that point on, it became something my mother did every year. It was her way of making sure Matthew remained part of our Christmas and part of our family traditions.”
When Irene’s daughter Michele Krahe Peace passed away in 2012, another name was added. Irene continued purchasing ornaments in memory of both of her children, and the tradition grew to include friends and other family members who had passed.
“For my mom, these ornaments were much more than something we hung on the Christmas tree,” Yanetsko said. “They gave her a tangible way to remember the people she loved. Supporting hospice was important to her, but so was having this small tradition that said, year after year, we still remember you.”
That spirit remains at the heart of the Tree of Life today.
“The holidays can be especially difficult when someone important is missing,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. “The Tree of Life gives people a place to come together, say their loved one’s name and remember. You don’t need to have received hospice services, and you don’t need to purchase an ornament to attend. Everyone is welcome.”
This year’s keepsake is a 3.75-inch silver-finish snow globe ornament, which can be personalized in memory or honor of someone special. Ornaments are $20 for local office pickup or $25 shipped directly to the purchaser or recipient.
Tree of Life ornaments are available year-round, allowing families to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or simply a moment when they want to remember someone special. A limited number of ornaments from previous years are also available for personalization. Orders may be placed at bit.ly/TOL2026 or by calling 716-372-2106.
