Remembering a Loved One: 7 Ways to Mark a Death Anniversary

A death anniversary brings back memories of the loss and causes a surge of emotions. Of course, not everyone deems it significant to honor the anniversary of their loved one’s death. But for many of those who seek out cremation services in Phoenix, AZ, there are different ways to honor this day:

1. Create a Memorial or Shrine

A memorial or shrine for the loved one is a sober way to remember them. It can be a physical space dedicated to their memory, such as a memorial garden or a shelf in your home. You can decorate it with pictures, candles, and flowers. You can also add personal items like their favorite book or a piece of jewelry that they wore. It’s a simple and elegant way to keep their memory alive, especially as you get farther away from the rawness of the loss.

2. Donate to a Charity

Another way to honor the memory of your loved one is by donating to a charity or cause they cared about. For example, if your loved one was passionate about animals, you could contribute to an animal rescue organization in their name. This is a perfect opportunity to give back to their community and continue their legacy. It’s also a reminder of what they stood for and a means to show how much they inspired you.

3. Volunteer

Suppose your loved one routinely volunteered or did charity work. In that case, you could honor their death anniversary by volunteering in their place. You can choose a cause they were passionate about or a charity they worked with. Like a charity donation, it’s an impactful way to keep their memory alive.

4. Plan a Memorial Service

A memorial service is a way to remember your loved one with family and friends. It can be a formal event or an informal gathering depending on your preference. You can plan a service that reflects your loved one’s personality and interests. For example, you could have a musical tribute during the service if they were a musician or loved music.

5. Write a Letter

Writing a letter to your loved one can be therapeutic on a day like this as it allows you to express your feelings and memories without a performance or ceremony. You can share your thoughts and emotions, tell them how much you miss them, and write about their impact on your life and others.

6. Cook Their Favorite Meal

Want a simple way to acknowledge the day? How about you cook their favorite meal? You can invite family and friends to share the meal with you, and you can tell stories and memories about your loved one.

7. Visit their Favorite Place

If your loved one had a favorite place, such as a park, beach, or museum, you could visit that place on the anniversary of their death. You can reflect on your memories and the times you spent together in that place. When you visit, go with flowers or any appropriate memento for the location.

None of this will necessarily make it easier to go through a day like this. Still, it can help you focus on celebrating their memory instead of mourning them. If none of this work for you, it’s okay to find your own path. There’s no right or wrong way to honor a death anniversary.

We provide funeral and cremation services in Phoenix, AZ. Contact us if you need a funeral home to help you arrange a memorial service or celebration of life.