Remembrance Service Thursday For Employees

Duke's Bereavement Services  will host its bi-annual employee remembrance service this week.

Duke community members are invited to "Remembering and Honoring Our Grief at Work ," which will be held from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Duke University Hospital Atrium Cafeteria courtyard, outside the cafeteria. 

During the event, Mac McNair, a chaplain resident with Pastoral Services , will read the names of 12 Duke employees who died between mid-April and the end of October. The ceremony will also feature readings, poetry, music and a short prayer.

"This is something small we try to host every April and October to recognize and remember," said Joanna Parker , coordinator of Bereavement Services. "Faculty, staff and students can also use this time to remember any friends, family or patients they've worked with."

Parker said she'll set up a "memory table," where during the ceremony visitors can place photos or mementos of coworkers and loved ones who died this year. Any items will need to be taken with the owner at the end of the event.

In case of inclement weather, Parker said the ceremony will be moved into the lobby of Duke University Hospital.

Visit the Bereavement Services website for more information and counseling and support offered at Duke.