Though grief brought them together, it was love that held every attendee of UHN's Service of Remembrance close. It was felt in every held hand, each embrace shared and in every tear shed by strangers united by the experience of loss.
Throughout October, UHN hosted three Services of Remembrance — heartfelt annual ceremonies that honour the lives of UHN patients, employees and volunteers who died during the previous year. The gathering offers loved ones, hospital staff and community members a shared moment to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives lost.
"All of us have a connection with the ones being remembered, either as their families, their partners, their friends, their colleagues, or as staff who knew them through caring for them," says Marnie Escaf, Vice-President, Clinical at UHN.
"Each service of remembrance gives families and loved ones the opportunity to come back to UHN and have some closure, since the last time they may have been at UHN was when their loved one died."
For more than 15 years, UHN's Department of Spiritual Care has hosted the services at UHN's Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Attendees are invited during the services to speak their loved ones name aloud and place a flower into a vase — a simple, yet powerful gesture that heightens the emotion that fills the room.
"It's deeply moving to witness how loved ones are honoured in this way," says Karl Hardy, Spiritual Care Practitioner at UHN.
"The growing bouquet of flowers represents loved ones who have passed away. Coming together in this way reminds us of our shared human experience and honours both the deceased and the bereaved. These services help both families and staff feel supported and witnessed in their grief."
Reflective readings and a symbolic candle lighting ceremony are also a part of the service's program.
Remembering the legacy of a beloved husband, grandfather and researcher
Among those remembering loved ones during the service at Toronto Western on Oct. 27, 2025, were Janis Winocur, who spent her career as a dietitian at UHN, and Georgia Gardner.
Together, they came to honour their beloved husband and grandfather, Dr. Gordon Winocur, who died in July 2024.
Dr. Winocur worked with UHN throughout his career as a pioneering cognitive neuroscientist whose groundbreaking research helped establish "chemobrain" as a recognized medical condition.
"He was very interested in research, had many ideas and was very helpful as a patient representative on a UHN committee that improved patient experiences," says Janis.
For Janis and Georgia, attending the Service of Remembrance was a meaningful way to honour Dr. Winocur's legacy.
"We miss him. He was a remarkable grandpa and a very loving and devoted family man," says Georgia.
"We want to honour him in all the ways that we can. One thing that was really important to him in his career was helping patients live better lives, and that's really embodied in the work that he did with UHN."
Janis, who was married to Dr. Winocur for nearly six decades, also believes the service provided solace and connection.
"We don't just move on when we lose somebody important," says Janice.
"We remember what they brought to our lives and try and use that to honour them however we can. It's important to us to come and say his name."
Alexandra Rozier Flynn honours the memory of her mother Marie-Paule
During her remarks at the Toronto Western service, Escaf's message to everyone in attendance was clear: "All feelings are welcome here. We are here to support you".
For Alexandra Rozier Flynn that sentiment resonated deeply.
"The team is here after [the service] and they're willing to talk to people and just let the emotions come out," says Alexandra. "It felt very genuine".
Alexandra was in attendance to honour her mother, Marie-Paule, who died from liver cancer.
Born in France, Marie-Paule loved arts, dancing and cooking — although, when recalling her mother's first attempt at cooking rabbit, Alexandra humorously admits, "it wasn't very good."
"Over time she ended up being a really great cook and the French flair always came out in her," she says.
Alexandra recalls attending countless appointments at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre with her mother, who kept a positive attitude during treatment. Attending the Service of Remembrance brought back memories of her mother's optimism, while also providing a sense of comfort.
"I think it's a good thing to continue these services," says Alexandra. "It's a place for people to come back and reflect on the one they've lost. There is a community out here that can help."
As the Department of Spiritual Care prepares for services in 2026, they remain focused on building this community while offering a space for calm, connection and healing — where everyone feels both supported and embraced.
