Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services

12/21/2025

Just a kind reminder at this busy time of year to take a breath, look up, and be thankful. The days are going to begin getting longer!

12/20/2025

Grievers, please remember that it is okay to decline invitations and take time for yourself. Self care can go by the wayside when the hustle and bustle sets in. Remember to schedule that time to protect your mental and emotional health. ❤️

12/18/2025

Navigating the holidays after a loss can be challenging for many. One subtle way to honor a loved one is to create a memorial space for the person. At this time of year, that could mean incorporating holiday decorations around their photo or creating a wreath featuring ornaments or symbols that represent their personality. This could become a seasonal display, changing decorations throughout the year to honor their memory.

12/17/2025

Holiday Music Concert at Hungry Hill Senior Center
Friday, December 19, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Hungry Hill Senior Center, 773 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA

Enjoy an uplifting afternoon of seasonal music at the Hungry Hill Senior Center. Vocalist Keir White will perform a selection of warm, inspiring holiday songs that celebrate the spirit of the season and offer a sense of optimism and connection. This relaxed program is a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends, enjoy live music, and take a peaceful break during the busy holiday month. Relax and enjoy!
https://springfield.librarycalendar.com/event/holiday-music-concert-hungry-hill-senior-center-24884

12/16/2025

Two things can help you and others through difficult times: Kindness and Grace. Give these things to yourself and others for comfort and tranquility.

12/15/2025

https://www.nowakfuneral.com/obituary/Richard-Aponte

Celebrate the life of Richard Aponte and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

12/13/2025

Holiday movies are a familiar way to gather family together for some entertainment. But hy not *listen* to a classic holiday story on your favorite platform? Most of the audio platforms offer audio versions of classic holiday stories, such as A Christmas Carol and The Gift of the Magi. Search for "holiday stories" or even "holiday podcasts" on your source of choice, and listen with kids and older adults. Maybe do a holiday puzzle while you listen, as well.

12/12/2025

Good Grief offers many simple and excellent ways to help grievers. For this time of year, that includes tips for navigating the holidays, a holiday gratitude journal, and a list of holiday rituals and traditions. See the website for PDF files on these and many other topics related to grieving.
https://good-grief.org/resources/

12/10/2025

In this short article, the author takes another angle on analogies for grief and life. "Grief seasons" may be more appropriate, and life is more like a garden than a journey.

In grief - and life in general - we seem to aspire to the idea of forward momentum. We often talk about "journeys" and "taking steps," but lately I've been asking myself: where exactly are we heading? I guess when you're young, it makes sense. Every year, there's […]

12/08/2025

Spice Club
Monday, December 15, 2025 | 5–6 PM
Central Library – Rice Hall, 220 State St., Springfield, MA
Free | Adults 18+ | Registration optional
Add a little flavor to your cooking and your social calendar with Spice Club at the Central Library. Each month, participants receive a sample from the Southern New England Spice Company, swap recipe ideas with fellow home cooks, and browse cookbooks for new dishes to try. It is a relaxed, friendly way to get inspired in the kitchen and meet others who enjoy food and cooking. Spice samples are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
https://springfield.librarycalendar.com/event/spice-club-20633

12/08/2025

Please join us in supporting the Springfield Boys & Girls Club by attending the 25th Festival of Trees through this weekend! Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services has a “Winter Warmth” themed tree that is 7.5 feet tall and features a fireplace and other special gifts. This festive fundraiser runs through December 14th at the MassMutual Center downtown. Click the link to learn more:

https://sbgc.org/fot-information/

12/07/2025

Next Sunday, December 14, is Worldwide Candle Lighting Day to memorialize children who have died. At 7pm local time, you can light a candle and help create a 24-hour wave of candlelight around the world. It's a light in the darkness for the children we miss.

Learn more about the global memorial event: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/wcl/
Register for the virtual candlelighting program: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/virtual-worldwide-candle-lighting/