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The Internet has reshaped almost every aspect of our lives, including the way we share information, grieve, and memorialize our loved ones. With families becoming more geographically dispersed and more than 50% choosing cremation over traditional burials, new online options have emerged that reshape how we commemorate the lives of our loved ones. Online memorial sites can bring us to together, even over great distances, to plan celebrations of those we’ve lost and build lasting online memorials.
Whether you’ve recently lost a loved one or you’re planning ahead for an ill family member, you may be wondering how to sift through all the options out there for an online memorial. We’ve rounded up several options below based on what features you need.
WHICH TYPE OF ONLINE MEMORIAL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR LOVED ONE?
It really depends on what you’re looking to accomplish with the online memorial, but there are several broad categories to consider first. The newest site is a hybrid of an online memorial, event planning, and crowdfunding all in one, and offers resources to make the memorial as unique as your loved one.
GatheringUs (free) is a comprehensive funeral and memorial online platform that brings communities together after the death of a loved one. Family and friends can post a free, permanent online obituary, organize and share information about funeral services (including tracking RSVPs and sorting out logistics), and crowdfund for funeral expenses or charitable causes. Communities can also share photos, videos, and stories, and send their condolences. Because the memorial remains online even after the crowdfunding ends, it serves as both a lasting tribute and a way to keep friends and family in contact to exchange memories, offer support, and plan future celebrations of life.