EASTON, Pa. — Over a four-course meal, the mothers shared memories of their sons and daughters.
In the sharing, the women — all of whom have lost a child — found solace, even if it was for a few hours.
On Sunday, May 4, about 40 mothers gathered at Third and Ferry Fish Market for a dinner to honor Bereaved Mother's Day.
The day, observed on the first Sunday of May, is to honor the mothers who have lost a child or pregnancy, and also to recognize women who, because of infertility or other health reasons, can't be mothers.
Terri Hoops smiled with pride as she pointed to a photo of her daughter, Briana.
"She was extremely smart and always referred to as a sponge; she just wanted to learn more and more," Hoops said.
Briana's photo was placed next to those of other children on a memorial table illuminated with candles.
Briana, a 21-year-old Easton Area High School graduate studying to become a veterinarian technician, died in 2021.
"People would tell us she was a shining star," her mother said. "She lit up a room and had a great sense of humor, even when she had no filter. She just wanted to make people laugh."
Bonding over loss
The event was organized by Kathy Ann Noonan, who came up with the idea eight years ago after her son, Christopher, passed in 2015.
In years past, Noonan and her husband, Scott, would hold the dinner for a small group of moms in Palmer Township.
As Christopher's death approaches 10 years, Noonan said she finds that helping others with their grief is reciprocal.
"I need these mothers just as much as they need me to do this for them," she said.
"I don't do this for pats on the back. I want to help these mothers because I understand the pain and sadness they go through."
"I hear a lot of conversations going on, and it's good that they all have each other for shared support."Third and Ferry Manager Sarah Unterman
For this year's celebration, Noonan teamed up with a local Facebook content creator, Danielle Blomquist, of Easton Food, to raise money for the event.
It was Bloomquist who suggested Noonan hold the event at Third and Ferry, and the eatery was more than happy to waive the room rental fee.
Menu items included salad, salmon panchetta and other seafood and pasta dishes.
"Despite the sad occasion, I feel as if the mothers are connecting well," Third and Ferry Manager Sarah Unterman said.
"I hear a lot of conversations going on, and it's good that they all have each other for shared support."
After dinner, Noonan passed out a bouquet of yellow and red roses, with chocolate, dessert and a purple squishy "pocket hug" toy.
The embroidered toy was created as a means to convey love and care, even when physical presence is not possible.
"Christopher loved to give me hugs. He gave the best ones," Noonan said of the inspiration to give them out.
Forging friendships
Some of the mothers have been coming to Noonan's Mother's Day bereavements for several years, and many of them have become friends.
For their "fallen angels," the women also meet up once a year to celebrate the birthdays of their children.
One of those mothers, Michele Churetta of Palmer Township, lost her son, Devon, in 2021.
He was 29.
"Devon was an awesome person, a great father and a son and he's deeply missed," Churetta said.
"Not everybody can understand or even care, what we're feeling, and it means a lot that I can talk about my son in a space where I feel comfortable."Michele Churetta of Palmer Township
According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, support groups can provide emotional relief and social support, particularly in the early stages of grief.
The study, involving 46 participants who attended a bereavement group after losing a loved one, found that participants reported getting valuable social support through the connections formed within the group during their grieving process.
They also said they found social connection and understanding.
"I'm with people who understand what I'm going through, and that's important," Churetta said.
"Not everybody can understand or even care what we're feeling, and it means a lot that I can talk about my son in a space where I feel comfortable."
