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For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, the grieving process continues long after the conclusion of the funeral service. Many seek ways to honor the memory of the deceased and ensure their legacy lives on for years to come. Consider these meaningful methods for memorializing your loved one after they have been laid to rest. 

How Can You Honor a Loved One After the Funeral Service?

1. Charitable Donations

Commemorating your loved one with a regular charitable donation creates a lasting legacy. Honor the person's memory by choosing a cause they were passionate about, such as an animal shelter or local nonprofit. If your loved one suffered from a terminal illness, like Alzheimer's or cancer, consider making a donation to a research foundation in their name. Charitable contributions can be made immediately after the funeral service or annually as a continuing memorial.   

2. Tributes

A tribute to your loved one not only honors their memory but also provides a peaceful place for people to visit or mourn. Consider planting a tree or memorial garden for the deceased to create a beautiful reminder of those who have passed. 

If those options are not possible, consider less tangible tributes. Creating a memorial page on social media provides an outlet for friends and family to share memories and express their thoughts. You can also dedicate a memorial tree that will be planted in a national forest, or you could have a star named for your loved one. 

3. Trips

Planning a trip to a destination that was meaningful to the deceased allows you to feel connected to their memory. Whether the trip is a quiet time to mourn and reflect on your loved one's life or an exciting adventure filled with excursions and sightseeing, visiting somewhere special to those you've lost is therapeutic and may provide a way for you to navigate and come to terms with the loss.

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4. Gatherings

A sense of togetherness is very comforting for those in mourning, which is why funeral services are so important for friends and family after a death. Once the funeral has passed, navigating holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries without our loved ones can be difficult. Choose an annual date to gather or celebrate their life as a way to keep their memory alive and lend comfort to participants. Share stories, play games, and listen to music your loved one enjoyed. Ongoing traditions preserve the legacy of those who have passed while creating new, cherished memories for their family and friends. 

 

If you've recently lost someone you love, turn to the compassionate staff at Robert W. Waid Funeral Home in Meadville, PA. Since 1900, their family-owned and -operated business has provided quality funeral arrangements and superb care to grieving families across Crawford County. From funeral arrangement services to preplanning and grief support resources, their dedicated staff members are there for clients 24/7. Visit them online or call (814) 724-1021 to learn more.

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