Jenny Mertes
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Hi tonz1970 and welcome to the Funeralwise.com Forums. First, I’m sorry for your loss; second, I think you’re requesting help with the wording for your eulogy. Let’s see what you think of this edit:
“No more will I see your face or your eyes light up with glee; I’ll never hear your voice or have you tease me. I’ll be unable to kiss your cheek or tell you how I feel, yet I am so honoured that you helped raise me. Proud and privileged to the end, loving memories to keep.”
I hope this helps you. If there is anything else we can offer in the way of advice, please let us know.That is a great explanation, Stefano – thank you. You’re right about many cemeteries in the U.S. having more space.
You’re welcome, Stefano. We have a question for you: Is theft of items such as votive lamps a problem in cemeteries where you live? It seems that in the U.S., items left at grave sites have been stolen more frequently in recent years.
Also, Stefano, there are for-profit cemeteries in the U.S. that will provide them, but again, it isn’t commonly or customarily done here. “Eternal lights” can be purchased privately of course, and left at a grave site where permitted. Some are made of solar powered cells and others give their light of memories from the more traditional candles.
Stefano, thank you for asking! While we are still researching, the preliminary answer is that it isn’t the custom in American cemeteries. In fact, many American cemeteries prohibit non-floral decorations in order to maintain the dignity and appearance of the cemetery and to make cleanup easier.
Donat,we feel it’s always better to do a little more than is expected – in other words, sending flowers to your father-in-law’s funeral would be a very kind, and perhaps unexpected, gesture. Unless she has specifically stated that no flowers should be sent (for example, “In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to this charity), we would advise sending an arrangement and a note. But first, if you feel comfortable doing so, giving her a call or a brief visit also would be appropriate.
Thank you for joining the conversation at Funeralwise.
Sharon, the welcoming speech at a funeral or memorial service is simply a few opening remarks to welcome those attending and state why you have gathered. You are setting the tone for the remainder of the service, but you are not giving the main eulogy.
For example, you might start out like this: “I would like to welcome you to this celebration of the life of (NAME), who (passed, entered into rest, went to be with his beloved wife Glenda, went to be with his Savior) on (date). (Name) was a dear friend of mine, and I am very honored to be here today as we remember him and reflect on his life.”
If you have a few more words to add before introducing the next speaker or element of the service (if you’ve been asked to do so), that is fine. I would recommend you write out what you plan to say and ask the person who asked you to speak to review it, to be sure your welcome speech will fit in with the service they have planned.
We would love to hear how the experience turns out for you. Thank you for joining the conversation at Funeralwise.com!
-Jenny
jooolzzz, first let me say that I am sorry for your loss. Second, it would be helpful to know whether you held a memorial or funeral service for your sister ten months ago, and whether you are planning a service for the day you bury her ashes.
If you are planning a burial service at which friends will be welcome, yes, you may let the public know in the form of a notice in the paper. If it will be a private service, or no service will be held, you are under no obligation to provide a notice, especially if an obituary was previously published.
I hope this helps you. If you have more questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you for joining the conversation at Funeralwise.com.
Thank you for your question! Although it may have been true in some regions of the U.S., we can find no data to support the tradition among Pentecostals of photographing the deceased in an open casket. In fact, it is more common among the Orthodox churches.
I can tell you from personal and anecdotal experience, however, that this practice of memorial photography (or “memento mori”) that started in the Victorian era is still done today among those of various religious traditions, although rarely. (Funeralwise recommends that mourners who are not family members always ask permission of the next of kin before taking photographs at a funeral, and especially before taking photos of the deceased.)
Thank you for joining the conversation at our Funeralwise.com forums.
First, if you’ve lost someone dear to you, I want to express my sympathy. When you say preprinted labels, I’m unsure whether you mean the address of the person to whom you’re sending the note, or your own return address. While a return address label would barely be noticed by most people (who will probably be shocked and grateful to receive anything personal in the mail), it is still preferable to hand write the address of the recipient for any type of personal thank-you note. A variety of reasons can make hand writing impractical, though (shaky or unreadable writing, for example), so this isn’t a hard and fast rule. The most important thing is to thank the people who have been supportive in your time of loss.
Thank you for joining the conversation at Funeralwise.com.
Mary,
The “Slow, Funeral” signs may be placed at a relative’s home, assuming the funeral home will provide additional signs. The purpose of the signs is to notify those driving by that a death has occurred in the family so that the passers-by can show respect by slowing down and not making excess noise. There may be several close family members – parents, spouse, adult children – whose households would appreciate such consideration. Please check with your funeral home regarding the availability of additional signs and local customs regarding their placement.
If you have experienced a loss, Mary, we offer our condolences. Thank you for writing.
