This article originally appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of The Independent magazine. OGR members can read full issues of the magazine online in our Digital Magazine Archive.
Over the years, one of the most meaningful things I've learned as a funeral director is this: people don't just remember us for the services we provide inside our walls, but also for how we show up for them in the everyday moments after loss. Hosting community events has not only given our funeral home a stronger connection with our neighbors, but it has also allowed us to serve in ways that go far beyond a chapel or graveside.
We all know that families need support long after the funeral. By creating regular opportunities for healing, remembrance, and togetherness, we've been able to meet that need while also building trust and showing that our care doesn't stop once the service ends. Here are four events that have made a lasting impact on both our funeral home and our community:
Holiday Remembrance Service
This is the gold standard of funeral home events, and in my opinion, something every funeral director should be offering. The holidays can be incredibly difficult for grieving families. By hosting a remembrance service, we give people a chance to pause, reflect, and honor their loved ones in a supportive environment. The feedback we hear year after year confirms how powerful it is. Families often tell us it becomes part of their annual tradition, and that our service helps them navigate what is otherwise one of the hardest seasons of the year. I have had one particular family who has attended every year since 2015!
Valentine's Day Lunch for Widows and Widowers
Valentine's Day is a day that can feel isolating for anyone who has lost their partner. Our lunch for widows and widowers has become one of the most special events we host. It's simple, just a meal together, but it makes people feel seen and cared for at a time when the rest of the world is celebrating couples. This one really sets us apart in the community because it shows we don't just acknowledge grief, we actively create ways to support people through it.
Veterans Day Lunch
Each Veterans Day, we host a free barbecue lunch for all veterans. It's a small way to say thank you, but it's also a visible reminder that we honor and respect those who have served. It's become a tradition that our community looks forward to, and it has created a space for veterans to connect with each other, swap stories, and feel appreciated. We are consistently bringing together over 200 Veterans for this event!
Grief Painting Class
Four times a year, we host what we call out "Healing Grief Through Art" painting classes. These sessions give people the chance to sit together, paint, and share in a relaxing setting. There's something powerful about creativity as a form of healing. Even those who come in saying, "I'm not an artist," leave with a sense of connection and peace. It's another reminder that grief support doesn't always have to look formal. It can be as simple as painting a side by side.
Each of these events has taught me that the little things make the biggest difference. Hosting community-focused gatherings has set our funeral home apart from the competition, built long-lasting trust, and positioned us as a true leader in our community. But more than that, they've given people comfort, belonging, and hope during some of the hardest times of their lives.
If you're looking for a way to deepen your impact and strengthen the bond you have with your community, start with just one of these events. You'll quickly see the ripple effect - not just in the families you serve, but in the way your entire community comes to view your funeral home.