Acknowledges that a life has been lived

Allows mourners to remember and honor
their loved one in a special way

Serves as a central gathering place for
family and friends to give emotional and
physical support to one another

Provides closure for the bereaved

Initiates the grieving process

Confirms the reality and finality of the death

Encourages mourners to face the pain of their
loss and express their thoughts and feelings

Helps survivors to better cope with their grief and enables them to
move forward with their lives.