Funerals and memorial services are a popular way in our culture to say good bye to departed loved ones and begin the process of continuing life without them. Some hospitals and hospice facilities also offer community memorial services as well. These services pay respects to multiple deceased individuals at once. While for many of the families attending, a memorial service or funeral has already been held, these community events allow individuals to come together in an additional service that provides community support and reflects on the affect of the passing of many individuals, including those who may not be known to attendees. For some, this creates a feeling of community and comfort.
See Amy Ziettlow, The Sacred Work of Community Memorial Services, Patheos, Oct. 16, 2014.
