How can we include loved ones who live far away in the funeral process?

If the next of kin lives far away and cannot come into the funeral home to make arrangements, there are several ways that the funeral director can coordinate with them. Arrangements can be made over the phone, through fax, over email and documents can be signed through an online program called DocuSign. The funeral home can also coordinate with a funeral care provider of the next of kin's choice to have their loved one transferred into their care.

For a loved one who cannot attend a funeral in person, there are many ways to still include them. A funeral service can be streamed online or recorded to allow for virtual attendance. If there will be an open mic portion of the funeral, online attendees can submit stories ahead of time to be read by the officiant. They can also share stories on the tribute wall of an obituary page through the funeral home's website. Individuals who live far away can help create a tribute video, write an obituary, select poems or readings and send flowers.