Thoughts on funerals?

[worldsworststepfordwife]

I should go to a funeral in 2 weeks, they’ve just died today sadly, and I can’t begin to get my head around it. The person was elderly so most of the attendees would be, I’d be travelling 100+ miles to attend and certainly won’t be the only one

Everything about a funeral is the exact opposite to how things are meant to be, especially in a couple of weeks time

Sorry to hear this, I’m in a similar situation. This relative died in early March but the funeral’s not until next week. None of this even crossed anyone’s mind as a potential issue until now, but things have been escalating so rapidly I’m wondering whether it would be better to not go. Of course, it could be argued that it’s essential travel but the prospect of enabling the spread amongst so many older people is a horrible one. Difficult decision.

My aunt sadly passed away recently; funeral was meant to be soon but we heard today that had been cancelled. Such sad times

Hopefully it will be cancelled and perhaps a memorial service later in the year.

I was wondering the same, someone who died recently, no funeral date yet but I expect in about 3 weeks. I was possibly going to take my kids and go by train, but now wondering what to do. Maybe go to the funeral but not the 'do' afterwards? But if yours is 100+ miles away, I don't know.

I am sorry, but I really do think any gatherings for funerals is not advisable - and will likely be banned when things get really bad.

Memorial services when this crisis is over should be the way to go. It won't matter a whit to your loved one.

Hi everyone, I'm very sorry for your losses. I was literally at a funeral during yesterday's press conference when Boris said we should avoid non essential social contact.

Frankly the event worried me, although it was a lovely thing to do and the man who had died was so beloved, my family went along. Lots of old people turned up to pay their respects. There was a 3 hour wake for 120 people, a buffet, EVERYONE hugged and kissed. It's like the old people hadn't seen the news! Family had travelled hundreds of miles, some had flown in. The service was packed full of people. I tried so hard to stay clean and just hoping now.

None of that was against advice yesterday but, very sadly, I think it's exactly the kind of contact we should avoid.

I am staying away from people until I'm sure I'm symptom free. Its a big price to pay. I can almost guarantee most of the older folk at that funeral aren't taking the right precautions and are putting themselves in harm's way.

But, I do think small funerals now, then in summer a memorial for the wider friends, neighbours and family.

Many older people will feel that they want to pay respects, it's so sad and difficult. But it is NOT essential.

I think you’re right, Hathorx. I’ve yet to have a conversation with my mother about this, but I can’t see her giving up her social life until it becomes a matter of being openly frowned upon to be out and about at venues. Not sure how the rest of the extended family will feel either, but I’m leaning towards not going.

I think by the time another two weeks have passed, it will probably be cancelled anyway.
sorry.

I am staying away from people until I'm sure I'm symptom free. Its a big price to pay. I can almost guarantee most of the older folk at that funeral aren't taking the right precautions and are putting themselves in harm's way

They're also potentially putting other people in harms way.