Thoughtful Tributes to Memorialize a Loved One

By Camille Johnson

Paying tribute to a deceased loved one is a beautiful way of celebrating their life and starting the healing process. Today, many families are opting for modern additions to traditional burials, using social media and the internet to memorialize their loved ones in a way that allows people from all over the world to pay their respects. Riverside Cemetery shares some insights.

Share the News of Their Passing at the Right Time

Social media is still relatively new, so there's little out there in the way of etiquette guidance. Navigating the unwritten rules of talking about death isn't easy. Before you share the news of a loved one's passing online, make sure any close friends or relatives have been informed.

Give yourself time to process the news. Forewarn others who are close to the deceased that you'll be posting online so they're ready for any outpouring of grief or incoming questions from others.

Consider the Channel When You Share

Each social media channel has its own tone and purpose. While you may want to post pictures celebrating a person's life on Instagram and a more detailed tribute on Facebook before turning the account into a memorial page, other platforms are more formal.

LinkedIn, for example, has a procedure for closing or memorializing accounts. When you feel ready to do so, craft an announcement for each platform that takes into account the audience and how they knew the deceased.

Provide a Way for Others to Get Involved

When people lose someone they care for, they often find it helpful to have a way to channel their grief. Consider providing a link or an email address to allow friends and more distant relatives to share images or send thoughts that can be preserved in an online memorial.

If the deceased was active in an online game or community, give that community the chance to be involved. It's becoming increasingly common for players to hold in-game memorials as a tribute to friends who have passed.

Take Care of the Practical Parts

Dealing with the legal and financial aspects of losing a loved one is an unfortunate necessity. The probate process can be complex and time-consuming. If the deceased owned a home, it's possible the executor of the estate will be asked to sell it. Having skilled experts on your side can make life easier for you.

Consider recruiting the help of a real estate agent who understands probate and the way the system affects both sellers and buyers. A good real estate agent can take a lot of the stress out of the probate process, freeing you to focus on processing your grief and paying your respects to the one you have lost.

Cherish Your Memories in Your Own Way

There's no right or wrong way to handle grief. Make sure those closest to the family know what's happened, then start the process of informing those who are on social platforms and building a digital tribute. When you're ready, seek advice about practical and legal issues such as probate.