The Joy of Remembrance
Lanterns of Light: The Joy of Remembrance honors not only the memory of loved ones, but also the joy, love, and stories they have left behind. Together, we will celebrate their legacies, bring comfort to grieving hearts, and offer space for reflection and connection.

Lanterns of Light: The Joy of Remembrance is a heartfelt community gathering that celebrates the lives, love, and cherished memories of those we’ve lost. This fall, our cherished community tradition returns – now with even more opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate the lives of those we love. From decorating your own lantern, to strolling the Path of Remembrance, to watching the glowing launch at sunset – this event offers space for reflection, comfort, and joyful remembrance.
New! – Pre-Event Lantern Decoration at Brown’s Orchards – Saturday, September 20, 2025 – 10 AM – 2 PM
Pick up a pre-purchased lantern OR purchase a lantern on-site at Brown’s using a credit card.
Supplies will be available if you would like to decorate your lantern there OR take it with you to decorate at home. Bring your completed lantern with you to the event on October 12th OR return the completed lantern to Pappus House by October 8th.
Main Event – Sunday, October 12, 2025 – Beginning at 5 PM at Cousler Park (1060 Church Rd., York)
Enjoy the natural beauty of the park, the warmth of community, and the quiet joy of remembering together. The Path of Remembrance offers time and space for each person to honor their loved one in the way that feels the most meaningful to them – whether through quiet reflection, conversation with others, or simply taking in the sights and sounds along the way.
A special welcome tent will be open for families and friends of Pappus House residents who have passed since our 2024 event.
Event Schedule
- 5:00 -5:45 PM Lantern Decoration
- 5:30 – 6:15 PM Path of Remembrance stroll & quiet reflection
- 6:15 – 6:40 PM Program and Launch Ceremony
- Sunset Lantern Launch
Come walk, remember, and celebrate with us.
Your presence helps light the way for healing, connection, and community.
Sponsorships are available and appreciated. Please contact info@pappushouse.org for more information.
Garden Party
Every Spring, Pappus House hosts a unique fundraising event, bringing together friends, food, and flowers — in support of our mission. Each year’s party is held at a different outdoor garden venue.
THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, auction-donors, attendees, and volunteers who made the 2025 Garden Party at Two Harts Barn a fun and successful event for Pappus House!
Give Local York is York County’s day of giving held annual on the first Friday in May. This event is a great way for all of our local nonprofits to raise awareness, connect with new donors, and generate needed funds for our missions.
THANK YOU for helping us to exceed our 2025 goal – raising more than $83,000 to support our mission!
To support Pappus House, you can mail a check to 66 Big Mount Road, Thomasville, PA 17364 any time during the month of April. Please note GLY on the check. If you wish to give online, please use the link below. You can view the page at any time; however, the donation link will only be live during GLY on Thursday and Friday.
Your gift during GLY not only provides loving care to our residents, but it also increases awareness of our mission and inspires others to match your generosity. Each donation will help us receive “stretch-pool” funds and will move us to the top of the Give Local York Leaderboard, bringing greater exposure to our organization.
Speaker Events
We welcome the opportunity to speak with groups about Pappus House and our mission, as well as hospice, in general.
Hospice and end-of-life care are often topics avoided in conversation. Our presentations aim to bring awareness to hospice in general, as well as the services offered at Pappus House, including the benefits of a peaceful, dignified home setting during a loved one’s final journey. Our goal is to ensure that our neighbors know that Pappus House is a local option for families, as an alternative to institutional care.
Our speakers will provide information about:
- What hospice is
- How and where to receive hospice services
- Our Pappus House mission
- Special events
- Volunteer opportunities
Some of our speakers are family members of past residents and can share their personal experience and the impact Pappus House had on their family.
Schedule a speaker for your group to learn more about this special place and how someone you love might benefit.
