The loss of a loved one can leave a void that feels impossible to fill, but a unique program is helping families in Northeast Pennsylvania keep cherished memories alive. Memory bears, crafted from the clothing of those who have passed, offer a tangible connection to lost loved ones, providing comfort and solace during times of grief.
Barbara Rushinski, deeply touched by receiving a bear made from her partner’s pajamas, decided to use her sewing skills to contribute to the initiative. “I look at my bear many times, and I’ll either laugh or something all these years later and say, ‘Yeah, I remember that time,’ or something comes back that reminds me of my Daniel,” Rushinski shared. She hopes these bears will evoke similar fond memories for other families.
Comforting Bereaved Families
Allied Services offers these memory bears to families who have lost someone in hospice care. The program was started by Joyce Wizda over six years ago, aiming to bring a special touch to the grieving process. “It’s just nice to be able to add a little something special to that grief,” Wizda explained.
Annually, volunteers craft approximately 150 bears, with a limit of four per family. The initiative encourages families to send clothing items from their loved ones to be transformed into these memory keepsakes. “After losing their loved one, something like the memory bear is just such a nice tribute,” Wizda remarked.
A Personal Connection
Patrice Powell, who works in palliative care at Allied, received three bears after her father’s passing. “When they brought the bears to me, I remember going to my office and just sitting there looking at them and remembering my dad wearing those shirts,” Powell recounted. The bears serve as a comforting reminder of her father, and she plans to gift them to family members who are also grieving.
Allied volunteer coordinator Laurie Fleming further illustrates the program’s impact, sharing how her father-in-law treasures a bear made from his late wife’s clothing. “It’s just a way to help through that grieving process,” Fleming said.
Join the Effort to Sew Memory Bears
Currently, a small team of about five volunteers crafts these memory bears, each working at their own pace. However, the demand is high, leading to a wait time of up to two months. “That’s our challenge right now, is that we have so many who want it,” Fleming noted.
Allied provides all necessary materials for the volunteers. Rushinski, who takes about two weeks to sew four bears for a family, encourages others with sewing skills to volunteer. “They have that many people wanting these bears,” she emphasized.
For those interested in helping, Wizda assures that volunteering is fulfilling. “It’s a good feeling, a nice, warm feeling inside to bring a little bit of peace to people who are grieving,” she said. Volunteers can contact Laurie Fleming at Lflemi@allied-services.org to join the effort.
