A Celebration of Life
Shirley Kachurchak (nee Sam), of
Akron, held a “celebration of life” party Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the
Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service Justin T. Rogers Care Center. And quite the
celebration it was, despite the heavy snowfall, as nearly 100 people attended
the party which stretched over three hours.
Read the West Side Leader's article on this event.
The snow set a tranquil scene for family, friends and neighbors who gathered to
celebrate how Shirley touched each of their lives. The family had warned
attendees in advance to leave their tears at the door – “we only allowed
smiles,” Shirley’s husband of 53 years, Joe, said. It wasn’t a surprise to those
who know Shirley to hear that she was throwing this untraditional party; she is
known as a trendsetter and her parties have been infamous among family and
friends. p>
Shirley’s mind was already spinning with plans when she was still at the hospital
and about to enroll in hospice and heard that the Care Center had a “party
room.” By the time she arrived at the Care Center, the staff all knew about the
party. The whole celebration was planned within 12 hours of her arrival and
executed within 72 hours.
“That was probably the best thing, that mom planned the whole thing – the guest
list, the food, what she wore… just like she would any other party,” daughter
Dana Kachurchak Mustin said. Dana; her sister, Lisa Kachurchak; and brother,
Eric Kachurchak, had strict instructions from their mom to have a party for her,
not any sad event.
Dana and Lisa also loved that their mom’s party was such an inspiration to
everyone who attended. They heard many people say that they hope to have the
opportunity to plan their own celebration of life party.
The family all laughed when Joe recalled that “she didn’t forget her trademark”
for the party – she was barefoot, just like every other party she threw.
Joe and Shirley also have 2 grandchildren.
Celebration of life parties and other events such as birthday and anniversary
parties, small concerts and even pajama parties are common occurrences at the
Care Center. “Many people associate hospice with death, but really it is about
life… it is about remembering the good times and celebrating the time that is
left with family and friends. We were so happy to be a part of the Kachurchak
family’s celebration,” said Debby Berkey, Vice President of Hospice and
Palliative Care of VNS.