What Can I Do?

When a death occurs, sometimes we don't always know how to convey how sorry we are.Here are some ways you can help the family during their time of need:

Visit the Decedent's Online Obituary and Tribute Wall

Visit the Decedent's Online Obituary and Tribute Wall

Our online memorial websites are much more than a place to view the deceased's obituary and funeral service information.  Here are some ways you can help the family to create a tribute online that can be viewed and shared for years to come:

  • Share memories and write condolences on their tribute wall.
  • Share and post photos and videos in memory of the loved one.
  • Share the obituary with others on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Visit the online store and purchase flowers, sympathy cards, and gifts for the family.
  • Light a virtual candle or send a virtual gift in honor of the deceased.

Attend the Visitation, Service, or Both

Even if it's only for a few minutes, taking the time out of your busy schedule to personally offer your sympathy to family members and friends will mean the world to them.  Make sure to sign the guestbook, which is normally at the entrance to the visitation or service area.

Provide Food for the Family

Provide Food for the Family

Food is always a comforting way to say you care. Delivering prepared meals or meals that can be prepared quickly later are a great service to a grieving family.

Offer Your Services

Offer to babysit, house-sit, or watch a family member's pet during the visitation or funeral services. Visitation and service dates and times are posted on our website, so you can plan accordingly.

Call or Write to the Family After the Service

Call or Write to the Family After the Service

Once the visitation and funeral services are over it may become very lonely for those who grieve.  Making a phone call or sending an handwritten note or email weeks after the service will let you know that they are still in your thoughts.

Continue to Offer Your Support, Prayers, and Kindness

Offering a grieving family your support, prayers, and kindness is very helpful during what is probably the most difficult time of their lives.  Knowing that they are not alone and have a friend to turn to will help them get through the tough times.

For example:

  • Offer conversation to remember their loved one. Try to focus on positive qualities and memories that can bring both laughter and tears.  Expressing emotions is a natural and necessary part of the grief process.
  • When they are ready, help the grieving person ease back into activities or hobbies.  Invite them to a movie, special event, or a dinner out.
  • Extend an invitation to someone who may otherwise be alone during the holidays or a special day.