The act of commemorating the life of someone you love is a deeply personal and sacred act. It’s a powerful way to celebrate the memories of love you shared, as well as honor what made your loved one special.

While arranging a memorial or funeral service can feel emotionally draining, it can be a helpful step in the healing process. It offers an opportunity for reflection, shared mourning, and connection.

Yet, it can be very difficult, and it’s important to prioritize caring for yourself emotionally and mentally. The support structures around you are there to be leaned on, so don’t hesitate to do so.

Below are considerations to help guide you through this important, time-honored ritual:

Seek Support
Engage the help of close friends or family members early on. They can assist in planning, coordinating, and ensuring everything goes as smoothly as possible during the service.

Determine the Type of Service
Decide if you wish to have a burial or cremation. You may also consider whether to have a funeral right away or plan for a memorial service that can take place later. These choices may be influenced by religious beliefs, personal preferences, or financial constraints. Whatever you choose, consider adding personal elements such as your loved one’s favorite music, photos, or visuals that reflect the personality and life of your loved one.

Determine the Location of Service
Choose a funeral home, sacred place, or any special space you love that matches your budget and specific wishes. Don’t hesitate to honor your loved one in a manner that feels authentic to who they were and the love you shared. Also, be sure to ask questions and get a clear understanding of all costs involved.

Sharing Service Details
Inform family, friends, and colleagues about the date, time, and location of the service. Utilize phone calls, social media, or printed announcements.

Considering Legacy
You may want to consider additional options like memorial gardens, online tribute pages, or charity donations in the name of your loved one as a lasting way to honor their memory.

Consider Your Finances and Seek Financial Assistance if Necessary
If affording a memorial or funeral presents challenges, there are a number of options to consider pursuing.

Insurance:
First, check if your loved one had any life insurance or prepaid funeral plans. Next, if it is feasible, reach out to local charities, non-profits, or religious institutions that may offer financial assistance. If your loved one did not have a will and did not name a beneficiary on the account, accessing your loved one’s assets may take several months.

Raising Money:
You may also want to consider using crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe that will allow friends and community members to support you and your family by making financial contributions. It’s important to note that fundraising efforts such as GoFundMe may reduce state victim compensation awards. However, the crime victim compensation fund (see below) does not provide immediate financial assistance and has a financial limit per award, so weighing the assistance available to you is important

Ohio Crime Victim Compensation Fund:

Finally, in the state of Ohio, there is the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program – a program designed to offset some of the financial losses you may have suffered due to the loss of your loved one.

With the exception of a few disqualifying conditions, this supplemental program offers up to $7,500 for funeral expenses and an additional $750 for crime scene cleanup. The promise of this program is not merely in the money it offers, but in the acknowledgment that your suffering has been seen, and your need to heal is valued.

While the Crime Victim’s Compensation Fund may be able to offer assistance with funeral expenses, the maximum they will cover (if the claim is approved) will likely not cover all of the expenses entirely. Also, be sure to factor in that any financial assistance will be awarded as a reimbursement, not as an upfront cash payment.

For more detailed information or to apply for Crime Victims Compensation, you can reach out directly to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-582-2877 or visit their website. The Attorney General’s Office serves as an advocate of your rights and a provider of essential information to empower you moving forward.

During your planning, always keep at the front of your mind that this service is a personal expression of your admiration for your loved one. There are no right or wrong ways to do it - only the way that feels meaningful to you.