In The Midst of Covid-19 Life and Death Go On

We are all most certainly in uncharted waters with this pandemic issue sweeping neighborhoods, our province, the country and the world. All of us are affected in some direct way; those of us who have experienced the death of a loved one during this time even more so.

How do we say good-bye at a time like this?

It is important for you to know that funeral and cremation services are deemed essential services so you will be able to get in touch with a funeral provider who will take care of your end of life needs. How you do that has changed significantly with social distancing and gathering practices. Here are a few recommendations;

• Remember to make your first call to the Memorial Society of BC
• Call ahead and make an appointment first. You will be permitted to bring along one other person for support.
• You can make your arrangements over the telephone and your funeral director would be happy to do so.
• Cremations and burials can take place keeping in mind the need to avoid gatherings and maintaining social distancing.
• You along with your family and funeral director can create plans for the future that might include a celebration of life, a family ceremony, a church ceremony once the pandemic has passed.

This health crisis is indeed a challenge and it does interrupt the more normal flow of death, funeral, cremation and ceremony. However your funeral director being mindful of all this will support you through this rather disjointed end of life ceremony in order that your good-bye works as best it can given the circumstances.

Patience and creativity will be the order of the day during the pandemic.