Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are,
the things you never want to lose. 
— From the television show The Wonder Years

There are numerous ways to collect memories and stories of your loved one – during the service and in the days and years that follow.  As time goes on, these are precious treasures that help keep our loved ones alive in our minds and hearts.  This section has been designed to help you find ways to gather the memories and keep them in a tangible manner.

We believe the best way to begin is to start gathering them soon – write them in a journal, little collected slips of paper stashed in a box or jar, in photo albums, etc.  What ever is easiest for you. Many times, our memories are rather faded immediately following the passing.  But they will return and it is important to gather them.

During the funeral or other service:

• Personal Request for Stories:  Pre-print on beautiful stationary your request for “Memories or Stories About ........”  Either provide pens and a container at the service, or provide a self addressed envelope to your home so they can be returned.  Remember to request photos be sent also.

• Signature Wall – Cover a wall or section with paper and provide pens and markers for your guests to sign and leave a note or message. Ask them to bring photos to add also.

• Signature Picture – Frame a photo of your loved with a large matte within the frame. Provide pens for guests to sign their names and leave a note or message.

• Hobby Signature Item – Provide a favorite item of your loved one – soccer ball for soccer players, for example – and allow guests to sign it.

• Quilt – Provide squares of fabric and special fabric pens to your guests.  Request they sign their names and draw pictures that are significant to your loved one. Have them sewn into a quilt.

• At the Final Resting Site – Provide a strong, waterproof container with writing paper and pens for guests to sign and leave personalized notes.

• Memory JAR – utilize our Memory JAR to collect memories from your guests on postcards or small printed papers.  Go to Gifts & More for ordering information.

• Create a video tribute with photos set to music to share with your guests.  Make copies to distribute afterwards if requested.

Collecting other remembrances....

• Save flowers from the funeral for potpourri or press into a memory book
• Save cross, heart or other flower arrangements from funeral and decorate for the yard
• Make a memory quilt from favorite clothing, athletic patches, or uniforms
• Create a scrapbook with funeral programs, obituary, other cards
• Personalize tiles with paint, sayings, or handprints for the yard or gravesite
• Have family members decorate Christmas ornaments. Have a special tree for your loved one each holiday with these ornaments of remembrance
• Request that guests sign small, smooth river rocks and place around the gravesite. Can also be cemented into a form for a garden stepping stone
• Create a Memory Box of all your loved ones prized possessions, hobbies, etc.

We invite you to share your ideas about the creative events you have seen or conducted in funeral ceremonies on the Share Your Thoughts button.