Families faced significant challenges in honoring loved ones during the pandemic, with many unable to hold traditional funerals due to restrictions on gatherings.

Research indicates a dramatic increase in “dysfunctional grief” among those who lost loved ones during the pandemic, with two-thirds of surveyed individuals experiencing severe grief compared to 5-10% in normal times.

Grief experts emphasize the importance of funerals in the grieving process, noting that they help individuals accept the reality of death and provide essential emotional support.

Memorial services are being recommended as an alternative for those who could not hold funerals, allowing families to gather and celebrate the lives of their loved ones at a later date.

Various informal memorial options are available, including headstone dedication ceremonies, 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day celebrations, and family dinners, which can help families process grief and honor the deceased.

Online memorials and donations to charities in memory of the deceased are increasingly popular, providing a way for families to commemorate their loved ones and continue their legacy.