Cremation Services in the time of COVID

As large gatherings could spread the COVID-19 People all across the globe have been asked to refrain from gathering together. However, just because we’re isolated doesn’t mean death and cremation services in Morrison, IL have stopped. Is it possible to have cremation or funeral services that honor our lost loved ones when we’re in isolation?  

There are still many ways we can honor our lost loved ones even though we’re apart. For example, virtual vigils. Vigils have long been a way to honor the deceased, so why not have a virtual one? Invite those that knew and loved the deceased to log onto a Zoom meeting, post photos or videos in a social media group, or even just light a candle and listen to a playlist at a given time.  

Cremation also allows a lot of flexibility in when a service can be held as the body is not on an embalmment clock. Unless your religion or faith dictate, there are no rules about when a memorial service needs to be held. If you chose, you can cremate your loved one and hold a memorial later on when this crisis has smoothed out. You can also cook the deceased’s favorite meal. Share one of the deceased’s favorite recipes and ask those interested to cook the meal on a certain date and time. Participants can share photos and talk about their various experiences surrounding the cooking and the meal.  

Or, as technology has made a lot of things easier included staying connected, you can have a virtual ceremony. Thanks to streaming, recording and social media technologies, it’s never been easier to have a virtual funeral or memorial service. Many cremation and funeral providers can assist families with planning and executing a virtual service. While most indoor gatherings are limited in size or even prohibited, outdoor gatherings are still mostly allowed. This makes it easy and ideal to host a scattering ceremony to scatter your lost loved one’s cremated remains. Invite an appropriate amount of people according to your local guidelines and host the event in an outdoor space large enough for social distancing. 

Feel free to get creative. Ask family, friends, coworkers, and others that knew the deceased to send you photos, stories and handwritten notes. Put them all together into a memory that you can keep for yourself or share on social media. Small keepsakes are often a great source of comfort in times of loss. You can send cards, photographs, jewelry, plants or other keepsakes to those in grief to honor the deceased and give them comfort. You can also pay it forward. If the deceased was committed to a certain cause, why not make donations in their name? You can share the chosen charity on social media and ask others to participate in the donations to honor your lost loved one.  

These are just a few ideas of how you can honor a lost loved one in this time of isolation.  

Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here for you if you want more tips on Morrison, IL cremation services. Call today to learn more.