2025 (Jan-Mar) OCR In Loving Memory

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In Loving Memory

TRIBUTES TO OUR LOVED ONES

How to prepare a eulogy

Giving the eulogy at a funeral is an honor as well as an intimidating responsibility. Particularly if you are not accustomed to publicspeaking, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Well, take a breath and relax. With a little forethought, you can prepare and deliver a stirring eulogy. It is important to invest the time necessary to prepare in advance. Do not wait to “wing it” during the funeral. That is a recipe for disaster. You may freeze up, ramble on, and miss out on the opportunity to pay proper tribute to your loved one. If you plan ahead and organize what you intend to say, it will minimize those dangers. When the time comes, you may choose to digress a bit from your prepared statements, but you will at least have a framework to guide you.

Writing the eulogy

To help with your preparation, make sure you carry a notepad, smartphone or tablet with you for note-taking purposes. Whenever you hear a family member or friend make a relevant observation about the deceased, quickly jot it down. This way, you can keep track of quotations, humorous stories, and factual information. Later, when you sit down to organize your thoughts onto paper, you can use your notes as a reservoir of ideas. If you are have difficulty recalling information or getting input from others, don’t be afraid to ask outright. Spark conversations by asking questions such as:

• What is your favorite memory of your time with them?

• If you could sum up their life in one word, what word would that be?

• What kinds of hobbies did they have?

• What nicknames were they known by?

When you have gathered enough information, it is time to put it all

together. While there is no right or wrong way to prepare a eulogy, the following blueprint can help you get started if you are unsure.

To begin, describe your own relationship with the deceased. Explain how you are personally affected by the loss. Remember that many of the people listening to you will understand fully and may share many of the same emotions. Next, work in some personal details pertaining to the deceased, and include three or four anecdotes. Tell stories that included you, or that were shared with you by others. Heartwarming accounts of generosity are powerful when delivered in a eulogy. Stories that demonstrate the person’s character will resonate with the people who miss them. Humorous anecdotes provide much-needed comic relief from the tension of a funeral service. However, be sure to keep the humor respectful and appropriate. If the loved one was a person of faith, you can make note of that, too.

Talk about life lessons you learned from them as well as the qualities that

made your loved one special. Whenever possible, tie these lessons or qualities into your anecdotes. Beware, however, of the danger of turning the eulogy into a story about yourself. Keep the focus on the person you are honoring.

Near the end of the eulogy, consider addressing the deceased directly. For example, you can turn toward the casket and say, “Mom, I love you and I’m going to miss you. You taught me well, I couldn’t have asked for a better mother, and you will always be close to my heart.”

You may choose to end on that note, or you may opt to share a final poem or read a verse from a favorite hymn in closing.

Delivering the eulogy

You should prepare a complete manuscript of what you plan to say. Though the process may be difficult, it will force you to focus an dorganize your thoughts in a coherent fashion. Using this manuscript, you can practice delivering the eulogy a few times to see how it flows and to edit for length. In most cases, a eulogy of five to ten minutes (two to four

typed pages) is appropriate. If you expect that you will stray from the manuscript during delivery, aim for shorter. If you tend to speak faster when nervous, prepare a longer eulogy.

Whether you take the complete manuscript to the podium or condense the eulogy onto cue cards is your decision. If you are nervous about speaking publicly, bring the entire manuscript up to the podium with you. Just having it handy can relieve your anxiety about getting lost during the eulogy. If you are a confident public speaker, condense the eulogy to bullet points on cue cards. This will help you deliver a more natural, conversational tribute to your loved one.

If you invest the time and energy in preparing the eulogy, you can approach your responsibility with confidence. Step up to the podium, take a deep breath to calm your nerves and get your bearings, and tell everyone about this wonderful person you are honoring.

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Andrew Adams 1929-2025

Placentia, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Carolyn Becker 1935-2025

Monterey, CA

Joan Bolas 1927-2024

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Barbara Ann Anderson (nee Herring) 1951-2025

Huntington Beach, CA

Florence Marie Berry 1926-2025

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

James A. Armstrong 1957-202

Laguna Nigel, CA

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Charles Bachman 1930-2025

Garden Grove, CA

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

William Phineas Banning 1957-2024 Tucson, AZ

San Juan Capistrano, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Ronald Bevins 1933-2024

Punta Gorda, FL In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Judith Ellen (Bouma) Bruechert 1939-2025

Brea, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Jack Croul 1924-2025

Newport Beach, CA

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Lucien “Lou” Bone 1937-2025 Carlsbad, CA

Seal Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Carl Walter Boznanski 1936-2025

Yorba Linda, CA

JoAnn Marie Jackson Buchanan 1955-2025 Orange, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Chief Wayne Michael Byerley 1966-2024

Huntington Beach, CA

James F. Croul 1932-2025 Sun Valley, ID In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Michael Francis Currier 1949-2024 Orange, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

James Hardtner Blake, Sr. 1930-2024 Fullerton, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Christy Brancky 1955-2025 Huntington Beach, CA

Vicki Blau 1944-2025

Laguna Niguel, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

H. Michael Brenner 1940-2024

Leonard Caraccio 2024 North Tustin, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Willard Tournat Danker 1933-2025 Sheridan, WY In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Corona Del Mar, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Jacquelyn Sue Carter 1946-2025 Lake Forest, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Shirley Demedenko (Hoffman) 1935-2025 Huntington Beach, CA

Billie Jean Dettloff 1940-2024

Huntington Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Bradley Neil DeWitt 1944-2025

Karen (Ganfield) Everson 1942-2025

Mission Viejo, CA

Huntington Beach, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Jeff Dondanville 1951-2024

San Clemente, CA

Betty Doron 1922-2024

Michael E. Ferguson 1969-2025 Irvine, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Robert Nathan “Bob” Freeman 1963-2024

Tustin, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Mary Fryer 1936-2025

Alex Gasporra 1940-2025

Brea, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Eldon Grabemeyer 1948-2025

Irvine, CA

Newport Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Richard (Rusty) Genzel 1955-2024

Ronald J. Ferrari 2025 Fullerton, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Betty Ruth (Barrett) Gajdos 1923-2024

Aliso Viejo, CA

Yorba Linda, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Thomas Albert Gray 1928-2025

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Jeanne Louise Gerbi 1945-2024

Arroyo Grande, CA

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Charles Fletcher 1952-2024

Elizabeth R. Dulebohn 1934-2025

Laguna Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Paul Garcia

1946-2025 Costa

CA

Billy Gibbons 1984-2024

North Tustin, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Jay Freeman 1956-2024 Vancouver, WA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Las Vegas, NV In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Fullerton, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Ellen Marie Gutierrez 1931-2024

Costa Mesa, CA

Carol Wagner Hallenbeck 1927-2025

Costa Mesa, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

“Ann” Gardner 1931-2025 Reseda, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Thomas George Gleim 1939-2025

Costa Mesa, CA

Kate Hardy 1935-2024

Fountain Valley, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Jr.
Mesa,
Anastasia

Caring for an ailing parent with confidence

Reversing the roles of caregiver and dependent is complicated and emotional. Adult children can become caregivers of their parents inthe blink of an eye, and it can lead to doubt and anxiety for all.

As unfortunate as it may be in the moment, taking over the care of ailing parents is simply a part of life. It is the natural progression that most have to face.

Here are some tips to help you deal with progressing from someone’s child to their caregiver:

1. Accept what is happening. As difficult as it may seem, it is important to know the facts of the illness or condition that needs to behandled. If it is an illness that will eventually

lead to death (whether immediate or long-term), making arrangements for a written will, funeral, and legal determinations is crucial. Completing these steps will reduce future stress and worry.

2. Have open communication with your parent. Explain that you will be handling the situation and stepping up into the caregiver role, so that there is no question or uncertainty. It is important to take over this responsibility while also aff ording your parent dignity, respect and any autonomy they can still have over their own care.

3. Prepare yourself. It will be a rough road to travel. Surround yourself with a reliable support system, plenty of positive energy, and tissues. Know that you will shed tears; you will fall; you will get back up; and you will do what needs done for your parent.

4. Approach your parent with love. Be gentle, loving and understanding, but be strong and courageous. When you are in the last moments with your parent, show them how much you love them. Let that message overshadow the message of fear. Assure your parent that they have had a wonderful life, and their pain will soon end.

5. Reach out to others. There are a number of helpful organizations whose mission

is to help caregivers. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Investigate your local social services organizations and speak to representatives about your situation. Take the help theyoffer. The stronger you are, the better you will take care of your parent during this difficult time.

You have a window of opportunity to make lasting memories and to develop your parent’s hardships into a unique loving and bonding

experience. Your parent brought you into the world, nurtured and enabled you to become the adult that you are today. This can be yourturn to nurture them in return.

Caring for your ailing parent may seem unnatural and stressful, but being prepared and approaching the situation with a full toolbox can help turn it into a natural, even beautiful, experience.

- TRIBUTE TECHNOLOGY

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

James Harmaning 1949-2025

Laguna Woods, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Vicki Heston-Lott 2025

Rock Hill, SC

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Mary Hartson 1927-2024

Costa Mesa, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Robert Greenberry Hill, Jr. 1941-2025

James R. Hoopes 1964-2025

Santa Ana, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Robert L. Hummell 1932-2025

Santa Ana, CA

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Susan Judd 1933-2024

Laguna Niguel, CA

Yorba Linda, CA

Janet Lee Hoskins 1945-2025 Anaheim, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Walter (Wally) Bruce Huntoon 1943-2025

Costa Mesa, CA

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Bruce Juell 1934-2024

San Juan Capistrano, CA

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In

George W. Hartzheim 1929-2025

Bozeman, MT

Anita Rae Hof 1942-2025

Robert D. Hedrick 1957-2024

Mission Viejo, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Trudy Hudson 1943-2024

Yorba Linda, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Thomas Lynn Jenkins 1939-2025

Mission Viejo, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Virginia Kalb 1936-2025

Huntington Beach, CA

Carmichael, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Kurt Helm 1952-2024 Falcon, CO

Glenn Holt 1941-2024 Orange, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Taja E. Hughes 1938-2025

Newport Beach, CA

Wendy Ann Johnson 1932-2025

Mary Anne Holtom 1945-2025

Newport Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Oneida D. Hughes 1924-2025

Corona Del Mar, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

James J. Karsatos 1963-2025

San Diego, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Chino Hills, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Marilyn (Merf) Lee Jones 1930-2025

Brea, CA

Fred Katakura 1939-2024

Costa Mesa, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Anne Westbrook Key 1932-2025

Fullerton, CA

John Robert Lavin 1951-2024

Vivian Rose Kiley 1929-2024

Garden Grove, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Rick Loomis 1948-2025

Newport Beach, CA

Scott Alfred Martin 1946-2025

Long Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Pete Leon 1936-2025 Orange, CA

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Marlyn Lovell 1936-2024 Garden Grove, CA

Mission Viejo, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

John Mazurek 1942-2025

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Paul Martin 1927-2024

Costa Mesa, CA

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In

Reverend Daniel Dong-Han Kim 1934-2025

Buena Park, CA

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Stephen Leonard 1947-2024 Palm Desert, CA

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Sheila Rabara Machkoff 1975-2025 Tustin, CA

Joyce S. Masumoto 1945-2025

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Setsuko Kohara 1930-2025 Garden Grove, CA

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Sister Anna Louise Leveille, CSJ 1921-2025 Orange, CA

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Stephanie MacNeille 1938-2024 Brunswick, ME

Irene Kohlenberger 1927-2025

Fullerton, CA

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

1929-2025 Darby, MT

Yorba Linda, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Mary Aileen Matheis 1926-2025 Irvine, CA

Leslie “Tom” Matthey 1934-2025

Laughlin, NV In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Mary Jane McCallum 1929-2025 Orange County, CA

Mary Anne McCauley 1949-2025 Pensacola, FL In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Judy McCormack 1947-2025 Valley View, TX

Laguna Niguel, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Shirley Ross McCracken 1937-2025 Anaheim, CA

Gloria Lins 2025 Newbury Park, CA
Cecelia Mandala

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Donald Hugh McKibbin 1929-2025

Newport Beach, CA

Juanita Moe 1941-2025

James R. Mellor 1930-2025

Rancho Santa Fe, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Eileen Murphy Anderson Mosbrucker 1926-2025 Newport Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Harold Nerhus 1936-2025 Placentia, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Robert Peck 1936-2025 Temecula, CA

Laguna Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Robert A. Montgomery 1936-2024 Huntington Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Gloria Mounger 1949-2025 Anaheim, CA

Ruth Ann Covington Williams Nydam 1943-2025 Redlands, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In

Barbara Anne Mesa 1936-2025 San Clemente, CA

Lucille Uribe Vargas Meyer 1923-2025

Edward Montoya 1944-2025 Tustin, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Mark A. Murphy 1957-2024 Orange, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Dennis O’Connor Sr. 1937-2025 Happy Valley, OR

Laguna Woods, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Marilyn Mikulics 1932-2025

James Willard Moore 2025 Newport Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Fred Nobuyoshi Nagahori 1937-2024 Westminster, CA

Herbert W. Parks 1929-2024

San Clemente, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Jane Lydella Lamb Moralice 1940-2024 Costa Mesa, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Lake Forest, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Kathleen Petersen 1939-2025 San Juan Capistrano, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Judy Anne Pine 1954-2025 Orange, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Kenneth Alan Polinsky 1943-2025 Irvine, CA

Robert F. Nease 1931-2025 Orange, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Tim Daniel Parrino 1951-2025 Fullerton, CA

Kenneth (Ken) J. Potts 1945-2025 La Habra, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Donald Burr Prideaux 1931-2025

San Clemente, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Marjorie Louise Ringwalt 1933-2024

Corona del Mar, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Robert Proud 1934-2024

Corona, CA

Jennifer Sue Rivera 1988-2025

Robert Taylor Schaefer 1937-2024

Anaheim, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

John Simon 1939-2025

Newport Beach, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Helen M. Stotereau 1934-2025

Mission Viejo, CA

Anaheim, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Alfred Joseph Schammel 1931-2025 Fullerton, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Steven Nolan Skrine 1956-2025

Mission Viejo, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

John Lawrence Stuart 1944-2025

Corona Del Mar, CA

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In

Robert William Quest Sr. 1941-2025

San Clemente, CA

Frank Robinson 1934-2025

Dennis Lynn Randall, MD 1941-2024

Laguna Niguel, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Kathrine Helen Scherrer 1952-2025

Midway City, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Kurt Smith 1966-2025

Huntington Beach, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Kenneth Eugene Tait 1930-2025

Villa Park, CA

Laguna Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

David Andrew Reed 1933-2025

Newport Beach, CA

Masaye Kawai Russey 1934-2025 Crofton, MD In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Alan Denis Sabsevitz 1941-2025

Mission Viejo, CA

Elaine Ann (Myers) Schiavo 1930-2025 Orange, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

William Spurrier 1924-2025

Seal Beach, CA

Jacqueline Tanner 1941-2025

Ellis Michael Schwied 1959-2025 Orange County, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Masha Culic Stambuk 1938-2025

San Clemente, CA

Laguna Woods, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

John Gerald Thress 1930-2024

Capistrano Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Willy Tosonowsky

1943-2024

La Mirada, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Roger Van Beek

1942-2024

Laguna Woods, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Jacquelynn “Jacquie” Warren 1941-2025

Santa Ana, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Robert Tounzen 1943-2025

Orange, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Richard Van Keirsbelk 1945-2025

Anaheim, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Ada Wartenberg 1925-2025 Long Beach, CA

Richard Henry Williams 1934-2025

Seal Beach, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

June Yoder

1929-2025

San Clemente, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving

Memory

Frances Ybarra Trujillo 1931-2025

Anaheim, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Andrew Christian Veje 1933-2024

Glen Ivy, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Charles West 1923-2025

Fullerton, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Nancy Moss Tullos 1951-2025

San Juan Capistrano, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Israel B. Villanueva 1933-2025

Placentia, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

William James White 1944-2025

Temecula, CA

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Gloria Ulrich 1932-2024

Queen Creek, AZ

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Niles Walter 1925-2024

Huntington Beach, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Virginia White 1930-2025 Hanford, CA

In Loving Memory

Frank Winans 2025 San Juan Capistrano, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Robert “Bob Simpson Ainley 1930-2024

Yorba Linda, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Susan Woods 1949-2024

Yorba Linda, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Cheryl L. Wright 1947-2024

Brentwood, TN

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Francis Wunderlich 1927-2025

Placentia, CA

May the constant love of caring friends soften your sadness.

May cherished memories bring you moments of comfort.

May lasting peace surround your grieving heart.

Darrel

Alison Aldrich 1955-2024

Placentia, CA

Barbara Ann Anderson nee 1951-2025

Huntington Beach, CA

In

Memory

Andrew Victor Arczynski 1948-2024

Brea, CA

Franny Rutth Blum 1935-2025

Murrieta, CA

Walter Drake 1923-2025

Altadena, CA

Loving Memory

In Loving Memory

1927-2024

Dana Point, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Garden Grove, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Fountain Valley, CA

Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Montebello, CA

It is never easy for someone who has lost a member of the family, even when it comes at the end of a long life or a prolonged illness. The loss is always deeply felt and followed by a period of grief. Considering this, how can you help support a friend who has suffered such a loss? Here are seven simple suggestions.

1. Be there for your friend

Expressing your support by being physically present with your friend is perhaps the single most appreciated action you can take. Because of the sensitive nature of the situation, many friends fail at this most basic task. Be sure to devote some time to spend with your friend in the days and weeks following the loss.

2. Don’t talk; listen

Your friend is likely experiencing a number of thoughts regarding the deceased, and you can be their sounding board. It is appropriatefor you to offer the occasional comment in order to share personal recollections, express sympathy, and provide encouragement, but most of the time you should just listen to what they have to say, and empathize with the feelings they share.

Allow your friend to work through volatile emotions, freely express grief without fear of

judgment, and tell you how the deceased had an impact on his or her life.

3. Provide childcare

If your friend has children, volunteer to take care of them for an afternoon or evening. Particularly if your friend has to make funeral arrangements to handle, your offer can allow them to focus on those responsibilities without the hassle of arranging for a babysitter.

4. Drop off a meal

Prepare a home cooked meal and deliver it to your friend. There are enough things demanding their attention—preparing meals doesn’t have to be one of them. However, don’t pressure your friend to invite you to stay to share the meal. Rather than intruding on family time, simply drop the meal off and leave.

5. Show up for visitation and for the funeral

A day or two prior to many funerals, there are times designated for visitation. Often called a wake, this is an opportunity for people togather to view the body and to express their condolences to the family. Show up for at least a few minutes during one of these times,and then do your best to attend the funeral itself. If you are unable to attend the funeral in person, at least check in periodically over the phone or online.

6. Offer to help out with the reception

If your friend is responsible for organizing a reception following the funeral, volunteer your services.

Tustin, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

How to support a friend who has lost a loved One

There are a variety of ways you can help out. For instance, you can offer your home as a possible location. You could also help with preparations if the reception is to be held at another location. If sandwiches or sweets are desired, you could offer to prepare some. During the reception, you could assist as a host. Afterward, stick around to help clean up.

7. Check in

Grief doesn’t simply end after the funeral. In fact, after the funeral is when the journey through grief truly begins. Check in with your friend regularly after the death. Remember the anniversary of the loss and ask your friend how you can support them on this day. Offer your company, assistance and support through the months and years to come.

Allow your friend to relax and show honest emotions. Losing a loved one can be an intensely stressful and exhausting experience. Your friend should not have to put on a brave face or attend to your needs. Give them the space and freedom they need to process the loss, even if it extends well beyond the date of the funeral.

By being sensitive to your friend’s mental and emotional state—and by taking some responsibilities upon yourself—you can help remove some of the weight from their shoulders. Your support in these ways will go a long way toward helping your friend through this time of loss.

Francisca “Sica” Feedersen
Rudy Kominek 1937-2024
William Arthur Lewis 1939-2024
Cleve Allen Pell 1938-2025
Barbara Buehler Sayres 1927-2024

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