Community Gathers for Memorial Butterfly Release
June 09, 2025
Community members of all ages joined HSHS Home Care on Thursday night for a memorial butterfly release, as they sought healing from grief from the loss of family members and friends.
The annual ceremony held at HSHS St. John’s Pavilion Garden uses butterflies as a restorative tool since the winged insects are universally viewed as a symbol of transformation, developing from a caterpillar into a beautiful, fluttering butterfly.
“This gives families an opportunity to reflect on the loved ones they have lost,” said Amy Frederking, HSHS System Director, Post Acute Care, Home Health and Infusion.
Some attendees shed tears as they listened to Valerie Engelbart, Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care, reflect on the similarities of the life cycle of a butterfly and an individual’s journey through the grieving process.
“You may see the symbolism in the release, letting go of the past and embracing a future in which your special person is remembered and honored,” Engelbart said.
As members of the crowd nearing 100 attendees opened the tiny, triangular-shaped boxes, butterflies often perched on their hands before taking flight. Some participants saved their butterflies for a private release later in their own backyards.
The ceremony marked its fifth appearance in Springfield, with the stop in the capital city completing HSHS Home Care’s journey to all nine HSHS hospitals in Illinois. The tour began May 14 in Greenville, continuing to Effingham, Decatur, O’Fallon, Litchfield, Shelbyville, Highland and Breese before ending in Springfield.
The annual ceremony held at HSHS St. John’s Pavilion Garden uses butterflies as a restorative tool since the winged insects are universally viewed as a symbol of transformation, developing from a caterpillar into a beautiful, fluttering butterfly.
“This gives families an opportunity to reflect on the loved ones they have lost,” said Amy Frederking, HSHS System Director, Post Acute Care, Home Health and Infusion.
Some attendees shed tears as they listened to Valerie Engelbart, Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care, reflect on the similarities of the life cycle of a butterfly and an individual’s journey through the grieving process.
“You may see the symbolism in the release, letting go of the past and embracing a future in which your special person is remembered and honored,” Engelbart said.
As members of the crowd nearing 100 attendees opened the tiny, triangular-shaped boxes, butterflies often perched on their hands before taking flight. Some participants saved their butterflies for a private release later in their own backyards.
The ceremony marked its fifth appearance in Springfield, with the stop in the capital city completing HSHS Home Care’s journey to all nine HSHS hospitals in Illinois. The tour began May 14 in Greenville, continuing to Effingham, Decatur, O’Fallon, Litchfield, Shelbyville, Highland and Breese before ending in Springfield.
Media Contact
Mary Massingale
System Manager, Communications & Public Relations