How to Support Family or Friends of the Deceased

How to Support Family or Friends of the Deceased

After attending the funeral, it is equally important to follow-up with the family to show your support. Even after the funeral, the grieving process doesn’t end for quite some time. It is always best to demonstrate your continuous support and compassion for the family by checking in on them from time to time. If you haven’t done so, another great option is to send the family a sympathy gift with a meaningful note or card. Though it may be difficult or uncomfortable, there are many ways you can provide comfort and support.

Send a Memorial Gift

Flowers, trees and other memorial gifts are a great and meaningful way to share sympathies with a family that has experienced the loss of a loved one. Traditionally, flowers are given to help show support for the family and pay tribute to the deceased’s life, whether they are able to attend the service or not. As part of the funeral itself, flowers add life, beauty and aesthetic to an otherwise somber experience. 



Take the Time To Listen

Make yourself available to the grieving family and give them the opportunity to talk about their feelings and memories. The grieving process can at times be extremely isolating. Friends and family members sometimes choose to keep their distance because they don’t know what to say or do. Be the friend who takes the time to reach out and listen, even if it’s uncomfortable.



Help Out With The Logistics

Grieving the loss of a loved one can feel extremely overwhelming. Offering to help with the logistics of the funeral service or celebration of life will help to lighten the load. It’s also better to be specific when offering to help rather than a vague “let me know what I can do” offering.


Help With Daily Tasks and Household Chores

The family grieving will be dealing with a lot. It’s a great idea to check in and see if there is help needed around the house: taking out the trash, helping out with children, dog-walking, mowing the lawn or cleaning. It’s easy to fall behind on these things during the grieving process. Having that extra helping hand around the house will be extremely appreciated.



Send a Dedication or Donation

Making a dedication or donation will reflect the life of the deceased person and your relationship with them. The options for this are endless! If the individual had any passions or interests, seek a non-profit that may be working in those areas and make a contribution in their memory. If the deceased person passed away due to an illness, you can donate to a local organization that researches and supports individuals battling that illness. Most places will send an acknowledgment to the family that a donation was made in memory! 


These truly lovely sympathy gestures are a great way to help families through the difficult times of grief and loss. During such a sensitive time, it’s important to not go overboard with your gestures or wait around expecting a thank you. All of these gestures should be offered with the closeness of your relationship to the grieving family in mind. As previously mentioned, there is no template with set guidelines for a funeral service. Always trust your instincts and do not be afraid to reach out for clarification from available resources involved with the service.

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