Grief charity gives condolences to grieving family
The head of a grief and mourning charity extended condolences and counselling services after an aircraft containing two Bermudians went missing near the US.
The Gina Spence Programme was speaking after police named Sergio Lottimore and Marilyn Lavonne Bean as the pair presumed dead after Heartbeat 104 lost contact off the coast of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.
Gina Spence-Virgil, the charity’s founder and an advanced grief recovery specialist, reminded the community of the need to support those grieving.
She said: “As a community, we have a responsibility to care for those whose lives have been changed by this tragedy.
“Grieving people deserve to be heard, supported and treated with dignity. Our care must continue long after the headlines fade.”
The charity acknowledged the importance of the deceased to those who know them and the difficulty that comes with accepting their deaths.
A GSP spokeswoman said: “We cannot know the full weight of your pain, but we recognise that grief deserves compassion, patience and respect.
“You deserve time, privacy and compassionate care without pressure to explain your grief, respond publicly or appear strong.”
GSP asked the public to respect the families’ privacy and to avoid speculation and sharing unverified or distressing information.
The group instead asked people to be conscientious of others’ feeling, offer practical help, listen without judgment and let the grieving direct the support they need.
The spokeswoman said: “Grief affects people differently. Family members, friends and coworkers may each carry pain that others cannot see.
“No one should have to prove the depth of their connection to receive care.”
The island’s power provider said it joined the community in mourning Bermudians Marilyn Lavonne Bean and her son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore.
Belco added that it remembers flight crew Captain Philip Gregory Childerhose, First Officer Thomas Henry Farquhar, Sarah Jane Paton, a nurse, and Jolene Beth Weir, a respiratory therapist.
It extended condolences to their families, friends and colleagues.
Belco workers observed a moment of silence in remembrance.
Wayne Caines, the company’s president, said: “The loss of a mother and son is heartbreaking.
“Marilyn and Sergio were part of our Bermuda family, and many of our colleagues are connected to them through family, friendship and our close-knit community.
“To everyone who is grieving, we stand with you and we surround you with love, prayer and support.
“Moments like this remind us to reach out, to hold one another a little closer and to be a source of strength for those who are hurting.
“May the families of all six victims find comfort in the love around them and strength for the difficult days ahead.”
Belco added that it was flying flags at half mast in honour of the six people.
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