Is a funeral service required?
Experts in the grief process universally recognize the value of the ceremony for surviving family and friends. A ceremony is important for many reasons: in some religions, it is the event which marks the transition from life to after-life; in others, it’s one step towards a higher level of existence. Whatever your belief, a ceremony provides others the opportunity to acknowledge and remember achievements of the life of the deceased, to mark their passing in a significant way, and provides comfort, sympathy, and meaning to survivors. A funeral also helps some accept the reality of death, and allows us to share our grief with others. The funeral ceremony can provide the opportunity for friends to show they care about the bereaved, and to offer their support during a difficult time.
