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Tree lighting honors Jennings B. Wilson
manteca hospice

Dylan George was thankful for the weather on Wednesday.

He handles Government Relations and Corporate Affairs for Pacific Gas & Electric, and was in attendance at the 28th annual Tree of Lights hosted by Doctors Hospital of Manteca.

“I’m glad we finally got a dry night out of one of these,” said George of the recent wet weather on the Hospice of San Joaquin event.

Folks from the community as well as the hospice shared in this special moment held in front of the hospital Community Center adjacent to the large evergreen tree on the corner of North Street and Cottage Avenue.

Hospice of San Joaquin has eight Tree of Light Ceremonies throughout San Joaquin County.

But the one at Doctors Hospital in unique.

“We take pride in being the only hospital (for Tree of Lights),” said Preston Clark, who is the Chief Strategy Officer for the local hospital.

Each of the energy-efficient PG&E lights on the tree represented the memory of a loved one.

Dana Taylor, speaking on behalf of her sister Alice Allen, remembered her father Jennings B. Wilson.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s several years ago. Wilson, according to Taylor, was placed in hospice care before his passing earlier this year.

“Dad’s wish was for us to remain in his home (in Manteca) of 61 years,” she said.

The loved ones of Wilson had the honors of turning on the large PG&E switch, sparking up the tree lights.

The event kicked off with Ric Campero and the Stockton Singers and Stockton Choral performing Christmas carols.

Kriste Merin, who sits on the Hospice of San Joaquin Board of Directors, welcome those in attendance.

“This is a celebration of community, remembrance and the celebration of life,” she said.

In addition, Manteca Police Department Chaplain Arabella Whitlock led in the invocation while guest speakers consisted of Clark and George.