A Remembrance Ceremony will be held on May 16 for the families and friends of those who have died of suicide.

The ceremony will be held at the St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham, and includes a reading of names, poetry, words from an expert in grief and loss, and a time for sharing by participants.

“We recognize the loved ones we lost,” said Victoria O’Donnell, one of the ceremony’s organizers. “We take the stigma out of suicide…My son completed suicide five years ago. I will not define his life by that one moment of helplessness. “

O’Donnell said that her granddaughter who was 2 when her father died and is now 6 goes to the Remembrance Ceremony every year. “She knows he lives in her heart,” said O’Donnell.

The event, which starts at noon, is organized by survivors of suicide with assistance from staff of the Family and Children’s Services of the Capital Region. Participants will be given a remembrance booklet and video.  For more information, call 462-6531.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer