By Callum Ludwig
The annual Mother’s Day Memorial Service at the Lilydale Memorial Park is unrestricted for the first time in three years, with residents from all over the Yarra Ranges welcome to commemorate and grieve on what can be a sad day for many.
Organiser Karen de Blaquiere the service which has run for over 20 years, is open to all, including those who have lost their mothers and mums who have lost their children.
“Everyone is welcome. It is for the community and Le Pine value the opportunity to give this opportunity to the community to participate,” she said.
“The year before last we recorded a service for people to watch but it really isn’t the same. People are really looking forward to being able to participate in person and remember their Mum.”
Numbers at the service were restricted last year, while the 2020 event couldn’t be held due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, dozens are expect to attend the non-denominational service performed by Ian de Blaquiere in The Federation Chapel at Lilydale Memorial Park from 10am on Sunday 8 May. The event is hosted by Le Pine Funerals Lilydale, Croydon and Healesville in conjunction with Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.
Mrs de Blaquiere said people commemorate Mother’s Day in different ways, and the service has been appreciated by attendees for providing a way for them to do so.
“People will come by themselves, or as a family group, and that’s their start to their Mother’s Day, as a tribute to the person that they’re missing, and then they can then continue to celebrate Mother’s Day as they choose,” she said
“Feedback from people has been just amazing, every person who rang or responded via email, is just saying how lovely it is to be able to join together again.”
Those who attend are invited to bring a photo or memento of their loved one to the service which will be placed on a tribute table during the service and can be collected afterwards. There
will also be a photo tribute during the remembrance service, which can be sent into Mrs de Blaquiere’s email to be included.
Mrs de Blaquiere said another recently-adopted tribute is loved by those who attend.
“Recently, because we can’t release balloons anymore, we blow bubbles. It’s lovely for young children there to participate all together in a family group,” she said.
“They are sending their wishes up and people loved that idea.”
Attendees do not have to have a loved one resting at the Memorial Park or have had a funeral through Le Pine to attend.
Light refreshments will be available after the service, so those planning to attend are encouraged to
RSVP. RSVPs, as well as photos of loved ones for the tribute, are to be emailed to karen.deblaquiere@lepinefunerals.com.au
