Hope and Healing after Loss
Saturday, November 21, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Donna Dellacamera and Nancy Janiszewski
In this day retreat, we will explore the challenging, unpredictable process of grief and mourning. Together, we will consider safe ways to express grief and how sitting with difficult feelings can foster self-knowledge and healing. We will also reflect on grief over time and how to balance remembering the person who has died with living a full and meaningful life. Participants will have time to reflect on and honor their losses in a supportive, compassionate setting. This program is also suitable for those wishing to better understand grief and support others.
Offering: $75, includes lunch
Presenter Profiles
Donna Dellacamera
Donna Dellacamera is a Spiritual Director/Companion and earned her certification in Grief and Death Studies from The Center for Loss and Life Transition. As a bereaved parent, she has a deep desire to offer compassionate support to others, honoring each person’s unique grief journey. She has co-facilitated grief caring circles with Nancy Janiszewski at Spiritual Life Center, Genesis Spiritual Center and Holy Family. She was a team partner for the 2024-2026 spiritual direction formation program and is currently a group presenter/facilitator at SLC in Hartford. She is a member of the Center for Action and Contemplation, Living School community (2019 cohort). A retired Registered Nurse, she is also a volunteer instructor with Farmington Valley Health District.
Nancy Janiszewski
Nancy Janiszewski is an experienced Spiritual Director/Companion and supervisor and works as the Spiritual Companioning Coordinator at the Spiritual Life Center in Hartford. She also has experience as a team partner with the 2-year spiritual direction formation program. Nancy initiated a Walking with Grief 8-week series and worked in collaboration with Donna Dellacamera and others to design the program. She feels that offering a safe space to share one’s grief while exploring its different aspects allows for growth and more clarity surrounding the grief process. Nancy enjoys grandparenting, gardening, travel, yoga, photography, and deep exploration of the spiritual journey.