My late mom's funeral service went very smoothly. Some of us got to the funeral home about 45 minutes early. We brought pictures and a usb stick loaded with family photos which were set up in the viewing room where the open coffin lay. My nephew wanted to rehearse his piano piece in the chapel, and we had brought some timbits (bit-sized doughnuts from Tim Hortons) to go with the coffee provided in the reception room.
It wasn't long before the guests started arriving. Close family and friends were in attendance, in fact it was a pleasure to see many of my best friends arrive. It wasn't long before the chapel which seated at least 100 people was full.
The chaplain gave a very personal eulogy, despite the fact that he never knew my mom. He had come by my sister's house one evening to learn more about my mom and our family. It would be a non-denominational ceremony although we are Catholic. My cousin read a scripture, followed by my young nephew. Next my daughter gave a lovely speech which had humourous bits about the family. Then my niece gave a touching speech about her fondest memories of her grandma. Before closing one of my nephews played a wonderful classical piece on the electronic piano which garnered applause. He is really talented.
After the service our family hosted a luncheon at a restaurant for some guests. Funerals are not cheap, much like some weddings. In retrospect it was a beautiful way to say goodbye to mom, with all her children in attendance. I have 3 younger sisters and a brother who is the youngest of us. My mom had 11 grandchildren. We had not all been together in some ten years.
19 comments:
I'm glad you were able to have a get together of family and friends for your Mom's funeral service. It's good when people come together and meet. Hugs, Valerie
Such a sad time for you and your family. Thinking of you.
Sadly we do tend to see family on occasions like this only. I'm glad it went smoothly.
It sounds like everything went very well, Christine. I'm glad that you were together with friends and family. It's very comforting.
It's ironic how funerals bring families together.
You're right about that
That sounds like a wonderful Celebration of Life.
Yes, a lovely way to celebrate a life! Take care!
It all sounds so lovely and comforting for the family to gather and talk. It is a shame that about the only time families do gather is for weddings and funerals. Big hugs to you Christine. I am so sorry for your loss~
Im sorrry by your loss dear Christine.
All sounds comforting and I know is difficult times . Hugs!
What lovely flowers and how touching that the whole family came together to say goodbye. It sounds like it was a beautiful service. You and your family are in my thoughts.
It is puzzling why it takes a funeral to bring a family together, but it does seem to work. I'm glad you were all able to be together and enjoy remembering your mother. It sounds as though it was a good way to celebrate her life.
Wow, you have a big family. Thanks for sharing this post with us.
What gorgeous wreaths, Christine. Your mom's funeral sounds a lot like ours in Hawaii. That's why people give monetary gifts to the family called "koden" which help to pay for the funeral and dinner. I'm so glad everything went well. Your chaplain sounds like a wonderful spiritual leader.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad the funeral went well though. It is such an emotional time. Hugs to you.
So very sorry to hear about your loss. Those flower arrangements are beautiful!
Glad to read that everything went well, and I am pleased that you were able to have a get together of family and friends for your Mom's funeral service.
The flowers look very nice.
All the best Jan
It looks beautiful - those flowers! What a nice way to honor your mom and hosted a luncheon - which must have been so nice! My brother just wanted us all to go to a bar and raise a glass of beer when he died - which for the most part we did. a very weird way to send someone off, lol.
First I want to express my sincere condolences. I think it is not easy at all to say good bye to your mom. But I believe somehow she is aware of how nicely and festively you celebrated her leave so that she can leave this world unburdened. The floral decoration looks beautiful. I like it as well how you have described the chaplains sensitive eulogy. It's wonderful that you have had so many relatives around you in these sorrowful circumstances.
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