HOW CAN YOU CAPTURE THIS UNIQUE LIFE?
Consider his or her passions, hobbies, pastimes, likes and dislikes. Be creative as you can together with your family, friends, funeral director and person who will lead the service. Memories are the most precious legacy we have after someone we loved dies.
Create a “Memory Board” or “Memory Table”
Many funeral homes make available tables or boards for families to display memorabilia and photos. If the person who died had a favorite hobby, consider setting up a display that represents this (i.e. fishing tackle; bridge table; golf clubs, musical instrument with sheet music). Physical objects that link family and friends to the person who died can also be displayed (i.e. special articles of clothing; favorite toys for a child; an old soccer jersey or curling sweater; achievement awards etc). You could also set out family photo albums and framed pictures. Memory tables are a good place to gather and share memories of the person who died. A Memory Board and Memory Table can be set up during the visitation, during the funeral ceremony or gathering and also at the reception.
Memory Videos / Slide Presentations
Transfer your home movies, slides or photos to a “Video” or “Power Point Presentation” and have it played at the service. Some funeral homes offer memory videos that incorporate visual images with music. Videos and presentations can be saved to CD and preserved for future generations and provide a sense of history. Ask your funeral director for their assistance. Most funeral homes have the equipment and experience to co-ordinate the details.
Music
Consider music that was meaningful to the person who died or to your family. Most funeral homes, churches or community centres have the capacity to play CDs or tapes. Your funeral director can help you co-ordinate your music selections, check sound systems, and ensure that your music selections are played at the appropriate time during the ceremony. The funeral director can also help you with selecting live music options including soloists, pianist, organist, choirs, quartets etc. You’re as likely to hear Elton John, Frank Sinatra or Celine Dion played at a service as you would some traditional hymns such as Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art.
Here are some contemporary songs that are often played at funerals:
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
- My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
- The Best – Tina Turner
- Angels – Robbie Williams
- You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers
- Candle In The Wind – Elton John
- Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
- Time To Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman
Memory Letters / Memory Baskets
Some friends and family members may want to write a personal letter to the person who died. Children may want to draw pictures. These letters and pictures can then be sealed and placed in the casket. You may also wish to provide a time and place during the visitation or service where people can write down memories on paper and place them in a “memory basket”. Some of these memories can be read during the ceremony or eulogy or tacked on a board for others to read.
Through memories, those who have died live on in us. Be sure to talk to your funeral director about ways of sharing memories at the funeral. These are just a few suggestions. The more creative you can be, the more meaningful the service will be.
