Memorial services made to order The Covid 19 crisis has had a profound affect on the Funeral industry including those who are involved in Civil Funeral Services. Just as traditional services and Masses have been altered considerably so too civil services have been unable to carry on allowing for the deceased’s family to say a personal and fitting farewell. Mary Elizabeth Dillon of Civil Funerals Ireland feels the time is coming to offer fitting memorial services to families who were unable to carry out a funeral service they wanted for their loved one due to the Covid 19 restrictions. She believes that a memorial service can have all the elements of a funeral service, music, poetry, tributes and as much input from the family as they choose. But
the beauty of a memorial service is that it can take place at a time and place of the families choosing. This allows the celebrant to work with the family in a more relaxed way, without the pressure of knowing they have only 3 days to plan and have everything in place. Also the venue for the service can be chosen to suit the family, rather than going to a crematorium and having a set time slot, and length of time, a family can choose a venue suitable to themselves, maybe the funeral home or maybe a room in a local hotel. The service can be held in the evening, which may also allow more people to attend, or at the weekend. As ever, Mary Elizabeth will work with each family to make the memorial service personal, unique and completely right for the
deceased and those who have been bereaved. Previous memorial services she has prepared and delivered have been for people who have died abroad and for whom the family were unable to attend the funeral. A memorial service was arranged later, at the time when the grief had moved to a less raw point and the service became part of the closure for those present and part of their healing. Whether to have a memorial service or not is entirely a matter for the family involved, but it is an option which allows people to come together having been kept apart for so long. Mary Elizabeth feels it offers an opportunity to be together in a relaxed yet structured way and to share in grief and joy memories of the person that has been lost.
By Mary Elizabeth Dillon
Civil Funerals Ireland Simple, unique, personal funeral services
• An alternative to the traditional • Celebrating Life • Reflecting the wishes and beliefs of the deceased and their loved ones • Provides an opportunity to pay a fitting tribute • Any suitable venue can be used
Mary Elizabeth Dillon is available between 9am - 11pm 7 days a week Tel ROI: 0402 91273 / Mobile: 087 957 4476 Email: info@civilfuneralsireland.com
Funerals conducted throughout Ireland
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