King’s Grant gathered this season for a milestone moment of remembrance, hosting its 30th annual Lights of Love ceremony, an evening rooted in reflection, gratitude, and community. Sponsored by Norris Funeral Home, the event brought together more than 60 residents, family members, staff, and friends from the surrounding community to honor the lives of 40 King’s Grant residents who passed away in 2025.
As evening settled over the campus, attendees stood together for the lighting of the Lights of Love tree, a tradition that has quietly endured for three decades. Each light represented a life remembered, a story held, and a presence that continues to shape the community long after loss.
This year’s ceremony included a renewed focus on the tree lighting itself, an element thoughtfully coordinated by Cindy Noftsinger, Sunnyside Communities director of development. Noftsinger and her team worked closely with families and staff to ensure the evening felt both reverent and personal, grounding the ceremony in its original purpose of remembrance while welcoming those experiencing loss for the first time.
Following the lighting, each family was presented with a poinsettia, a living symbol of love and memory meant to be taken home. The gesture was simple, but deeply meaningful, offering comfort beyond the ceremony and a tangible reminder that their loved one’s life continues to be honored within the King’s Grant community.
For many in attendance, Lights of Love is more than an annual event. It is a shared pause. A moment to speak names aloud, to grieve collectively, and to recognize that community does not end with loss. Thirty years on, the tradition remains a testament to King’s Grant’s commitment to honoring life, remembering well, and holding space for those who mourn.
