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What to do if you can't make the funeral

April 2, 2022

This time last year seems a distant memory.  We were in Level One with no community cases and very few restrictions compared to the rest of the world.


This autumn is very different and there is widespread anxiety and uncertainty out there.  most days we hear of someone else we know who is either positive or isolating because of being a household contact.


All this means that many people cannot make it to the funeral and often this is a last minute change.  So, What to do?  The worst-case scenario is the funeral day is postponed until everyone is well.  Keep an eye on the ODT and our website for any last-minute changes.


If the funeral is going ahead and you can't make it, watching it via livestream is the second best option.  If you are not sure on how to do this, give us a call and we will talk you through the steps.


What happens if you are giving the eulogy or a tribute?  That is really tough because you are an integral part of the family and ceremony.  The best option is to pre-record it and send it to us by file transfer through our website.  We have step-by-step instructions on how to do this.  Let us know you are sending it and please don't leave it to the last minute because it will have to be loaded and tested on our system.


Alternatively, you could email a written tribute to be read out at the service.  If you don't have computer access, give us a call and we can write it down for you.


Some families are choosing to have a simple direct cremation or burial now with the view of having a memorial service down the track when everyone can be together again.


What has changed in relation to funerals since my last column? From Tuesday 5th April, there will be no mandated requirement to use a vaccine pass, and all indoor gatherings will be limited to 200 people.  Some families may prefer that vaccine passes are required so let us know if that is your preference.

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2024 Pet Memorial

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I still remember the heartache of putting our beautiful girl, Keira, to sleep after 15 years with us. We had a deep bond. She travelled with us overseas and to different cities. Her demise was very sudden and came as such a shock. Pets provide unconditional love, happiness, and joy. When that is taken away, there is a void left in their place. They are a loved member of the family. Some may not understand the depth of your grief, but for you, it is real. At Gillions, we have all lost pets. The grieving process cannot be forced or hurried; for some, it can be measured in years. Reaching out to others who have lost pets can help ease the grieving process. Since 2019, we have held an annual pet memorial—a funeral for your pet. We include the elements of a traditional funeral: a musician, celebrant, a slideshow of all the loved pets, a memorial tree, and light refreshments afterwards. Our next pet memorial will be held on Sunday, October 6th, at 2 pm in the Gillions Chapel. Please send your photos to pets@gillions.co.nz by September 30th. If you are unable to attend in person, we will live-stream the service.  "Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way." - Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
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