Memorial Bricks at William Childs Hospice House Pave Way for Comfort, Community and Healing

ceremony honor those who received compassionate care and enduring love of the families

Families gather in the Butterfly Garden at Health First’s William Childs Hospice House, honoring loved ones—and creating a lasting tribute to lives cherished and remembered.

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Under a beautiful November sky, more than 200 family members and friends gathered on a recent Saturday morning in front of the Butterfly Garden, nestled on the grounds of the William Childs Hospice House.

Attendees joined the Health First Foundation’s annual Brick Paver Dedication Ceremony, a heartfelt tradition held each November during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

Held at the Palm Bay Hospice facility, this annual event honors loved ones through the dedication of newly installed commemorative bricks, which line the walkways surrounding the Hospice home.

One such brick was in honor of Arthur “Lou” Larmay, 94, who passed in July while in Hospice care. During his final weeks, Lou was commended by Hospice with a ceremony honoring his military service – and his days as a jazz musician. Gathering in the garden after his passing was just what his mourning loved ones needed.

“The ceremony helped provide me, my family, and our friends the chance to celebrate the life of my dad, Lou ‘Scatman’ Larmay, while providing us with some closure,” shared Michele Birdwell. “Hospice helped my dad and our family during the darkest days – and brought us back into the light.”

Families were invited to view the new bricks, visit with Health First staff and volunteers, and spend time reflecting in the peaceful garden spaces.

The program concluded with a blessing by Hospice of Health First Chaplain Victor Ramos, followed by the reading of the names engraved on this year’s memorial bricks. Afterward, loved ones walked the garden paths to find the bricks, each marked with a single white rose, creating a powerful and deeply moving tribute.

The annual ceremony continues to honor those who received compassionate care and the enduring love of the families who keep their memories alive.

To learn more about the programs offered, visit hf.org/hospice. For more information on the Health First Foundation, which supports Hospice and other needs across Health First’s hospitals, services and patient care programs, visit hf.org/foundation.

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