Celebration Of Life Information
Many families today want a service that truly celebrates the life of their loved one. We introduce them to the concept of a celebration of life and provide guidance and support in creating a service that is as unique as the individual being honored.
We genuinely value the opportunity to work alongside families in planning a celebration of life. While creating an event that both honors and celebrates the spirit of a complex, well-lived life can feel challenging, it is also one of the most meaningful and rewarding ways to remember someone you love.
Sarah York opens her beautifully written book, Remembering Well, with a deeply personal story about how her family chose to honor her mother. “My mother died in April 1983… She didn’t want a funeral. ‘Get together and have a party,’ she had said whenever the topic came up.” Yet York explains that her family ultimately chose a different path. “We needed the ritual. We needed to say good-bye, but we also needed a ritual that would honor her spirit and be faithful to her values and beliefs.”
By acknowledging her family’s experience—that what they needed was not simply a party, but a meaningful ritual—York offers an important reminder. The celebrations of life we help families create should be shaped not only by the desire to honor a life lived, but also by the emotional and spiritual needs of those left behind.
While celebrations of life are not bound by tradition-and can be shaped in almost any way you choose-it’s important to remember that the gathering should support the emotional needs of those who attend. Consider who will be present and what they may need from the experience. From there, weave in the unique personality and lifestyle of your loved one. Adding elements such as live music or refreshments can help create the foundation for a truly meaningful and memorable celebration of life.
Sources:
Remembering Well: Rituals for Celebrating Life & Mourning Death, Sara York
