Memorial Contributions: Remembering the Elderly Deceased and Supporting the Bereaved

Abstract

While there is considerable evidence that many older persons decline in interpersonal and physical functioning following spousal or sibling losses, little is known about customary forms of support to facilitate the management of bereavement. This study explores the importance of the widely used ritual of “In Memoriam” contributions as a remembrance of deceased elderly persons and support for bereaved family and friends. Answers to two research questions were sought. First, what types of memorial contributions were requested by the bereaved on behalf of deceased elderly South Carolinians during an eight-month period, as published in statewide newspaper obituaries? Second, how do religious, social agency, health care, and educational leaders and administrators perceive the importance of memorial contributions as they impact upon the bereaved following funerals of elderly persons? The findings indicated that in 2, 198 obituaries, 68.2 percent of the families designated contributions to religious institutions and 22.1 percent to health associations/foundations. Rankings by study respondents and additional written comments indicated that memorials were most helpful to the extent that they offered comfort and support to bereaved family, reconfirmed friendship ties, and helped to continue funding for religious and other community programs valued by the deceased. The findings suggest that memorials help in the grief work of many families and provide some tangible repayment for expressions of concern and generosity extended to the deceased and bereaved.