Social Distancing Funeral Alternatives

One of the saddest parts of the COVID-19 pandemic is the fact that when our loved ones pass, holding a funeral can be dangerous to the attendees’ health. Families across the world have been struggling to deal with their grief without endangering anyone else—normally, we might rely on physical closeness and a ceremony to mark the loss of a friend or family member, but with a highly transmissible virus spreading, Americans have been encouraged to stay at home whenever possible.

Online memorial services in Chicago, IL have proven to be a safe and healthy alternative in the pandemic era. Here are some ideas to grieve your loss during COVID-19:

• Stream the service: Technology may not be a substitute for real-life gatherings, but it still brings people together. Platforms like Zoom and Google Hangouts offer the ability for people to gather, see each other’s faces and share memories. You can share slideshows, memorial programs and even have musically-inclined friends play instruments or sing. Consider including others in the service in other ways, like giving eulogies and leading prayers. Or, you can have a small in-person gathering and stream that for others to watch.
• Have a small service now and a celebration of life later: If your family struggles with technology, or you simply value getting together in person, consider hosting a bigger gathering after a vaccine is developed. This will allow you to mourn the deceased’s passing in a ceremonial way, while still getting people together later on to share in your grief. Many people choose significant days, such as the first death anniversary or the deceased’s birthday.
• Create a website to honor the deceased: Creating a website to honor your loved one is a nice way to allow friends and family around the world to share their memories and thoughts while you can’t meet in person. This could include a virtual slideshow, guestbook, favorite songs, memories of your loved one and more. There are many free website services available that will allow you to host a private remembrance that anyone can access. If you’re worried about privacy, consider password protecting the memorial website to prevent others from collecting personal details about your family.
• Coordinate small, private ceremonies at the same time: Another way to mark the occasion and share in your grief is to set a time where different households all have a small ceremony in honor of your loved one. For example, you could ask that at 12 p.m. CST, everyone gather in their living room and light a candle, say a prayer or even eat your loved one’s favorite meal in their honor. Although you might not be physically connected, you’re all collectively making memories at the same time.
• Create a memorial garden: Finally, creating a small memorial garden in your yard is a nice way to honor the deceased—plant trees, favorite flowers and add a small plaque or painted rock to create a small shrine.

For more virtual funeral service ideas in Chicago, IL, contact Marik-Baken Funeral Services Ltd. today.

Categorised in: Funeral Alternatives

This post was written by Writer