Belmont Funeral Home Obituaries Barbados (2024)

FAQs

Who normally reads the obituary at a funeral? ›

This reading may be performed by a family member, a close friend, or a designated individual. The purpose of the obituary reading is to share important details about the deceased person's life, allowing everyone present to reflect on their accomplishments, relationships, and contributions.

An obituary is written to tell the story of your loved one. These will often be in the funeral program. There will even be a part of the funeral where the obituary will be silently read by everyone in attendance at the funeral. It is something you and your family should be patient with when you are writing it.

A eulogy is not the time to settle scores or air personal grievances, no matter how relevant they might seem to the speaker. Mentioning past conflicts, disappointments, or the deceased's shortcomings can create discomfort and is considered disrespectful during a time meant for mourning and reflection.

The eulogy is a deeply personal reflection of someone's life. Family or friends usually give this speech. However, clergy or the funeral celebrant may read it for the family.

Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky. I have run and leaped with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast.

As you are giving your speech, if you begin to feel tears swell up, look up at the audience. This quick action can serve as a distraction for your mind and help hold the tears back. You can also scan the audience to see a friendly face which may also help in making you feel more relaxed and able to hold back the tears.

There are two audiences for an obituary: those who knew the person, and those who didn't. The information in an obituary should make both sets of people feel like they knew the person you're writing about. You might want to include: The person's full and complete name.

Another family member, a lifelong friend or a trusted co-worker might have the perfect combination for the job – a deep knowledge of the person who died and good writing and public speaking abilities. In some cases, the officiant, who may be a priest, minister, or professional celebrant, will give the eulogy.

Usually people include names of a spouse, parents, children (with any spouse's names listed in parenthesis), grandchildren and great grandchildren. You may choose to list grandchildren and great grandchildren individually by name, or simply include the number of each.

Longevity is a blessing but the longer one lives the greater is the sentiment of loneliness of being left behind. Reading obituaries sharpens this awareness of our mortality.