Being unable to attend someone’s funeral service is difficult. You may still want to support your friends and family during a loss, but not know how to do so. Letting your loved ones know you’re there for them will help you come together despite the distance. 

How to Show Support When You Can’t Make it to a Funeral Service

1. Schedule a Visit

If you’re able to, arrange to take time off work and visit the ones affected by the loss at a later date. Plan the trip with them so the drop-in works with their schedules. You can bring photos, belongings, and stories you had of the person to share with them as you would’ve during the service.

2. Make a Donation in Their Honor

If the person who passed away was passionate about a cause or had a chronic health condition, you can make a donation to a relevant charity in their name. Cancer research organizations, wildlife funds, and food programs are common choices. Some organizations send thank-you cards to donors, so the family of your lost loved one may receive a welcome surprise.

3. Send Flowers

Having a flower bouquet or arrangement sent for the services is a standard way of showing support. The family can use the flowers to decorate the venue of the memorial or move them to the burial site. You can also send an arrangement to the family’s home in the days after the funeral to show them you’re thinking about them. 

4. Stay in Contact

The family will need time to grieve, but a sympathy card will help comfort them. In the week after the service, stay in touch via phone calls, video chats, emails, or text messages so they know you’re there if they want to talk.

5. Offer to Help

Handling the loss of a loved one involves multiple steps, such as getting official documents, managing their estate, writing obituaries, and planning the funeral. On top of this, the family may still have housework, child care, and job obligations they’ll need to sort out.

Even if you can’t be present, offering to help out will show your support. You can make calls to the funeral home, order food and have it delivered to them, or pay a home cleaning service to minimize their burden during this difficult time. 

Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford, CT, has been operated by family for over 100 years, offering comprehensive funeral, memorial, burial, and cremation services. Their trained and caring staff is on-call 24/7, and will guide you through every step of the process. Call (203) 375-2200 to begin planning a funeral service.