Funeral advice please . .

melymay · 15 July 2012 at 4:42PM

Afternoon all,

An ex-collegue passed away last night after a determined battle with a round of cancer.

I know that him and his family were devout and am sure they are Mormans.

My question is . .are there any beliefs or traditions I should respect, apart from the usual courtesy to his family coming up to this event and again any specifics that might give them comfort at this time .

Thanks

MM

BettiePage · 15 July 2012 at 4:50PM

I don't think that Mormon funerals are that different from Christian ones (only been to a Mormon church/legal service, not to the Temple). The deceased will have their religious undergarments on is probably the only difference.
Hopefully a practising Mormon or someone with more knowledge will be along soon to clarify.

Evie74_2 · 15 July 2012 at 4:57PM

I don't know about Mormon funerals/traditions at all, but can't imagine that any family would be offended by a sympathy card or letter letting them know that you are thinking of them at what must be a sad and difficult time.

If you are having to make the funeral arrangements - sometimes people put specific wishes in their Wills so it might be worth ringing the deceased's solicitor for advice if their family can't advise you. Otherwise in my experience funeral directors are very kind and helpful and will likely be knowledgeable about any specific traditions that need to be observed (or able to find out if they don't know)

Hope this helps - hopefully someone with more knowledge of the Mormon faith will be along soon!

Evie xx

melymay · 15 July 2012 at 4:59PM

Thanks Bettie,

the reason for asking on this part of the boards is that you all seem to have a knowledge of respect and the way to do 'things' right and usually I would ask my family but this is somewhat removed from my religeous back ground . .

Thanks in advance for your advice . .

My friend was 31 with 4 small children so hope his move to the future is pain free and peacefull . . Peace to you J x

hilstep2000 · 15 July 2012 at 5:22PM

I agree. Mormon funerals are Christian ones. A sympathy card or letter from you saying that you are thinking?praying for them will suffice. If you are invited to go to the funeral, find out if flowers are acceptable, many people want donations instead.
((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))

Fruball · 15 July 2012 at 5:42PM

A quick search brought up these.

http://www.funeralwise.com/customs/mormon

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/mormon/ritesrituals/funerals.shtml

Basically it seems they are similar to a Christian service except that the deceased may be in an open casket.

Mormons believe they will all be reunited with family eventually so it's more of a farewell than a final goodbye,.

Seems that cards, flowers etc is acceptable.

Lovely of you to find out about any special observances in advance

Butterfly_Brain · 15 July 2012 at 5:59PM

31 is so young, how tragic ....my sympathies to you and his poor family.

Rainy-Days · 15 July 2012 at 9:45PM

Frugal - was just about to post the link then scrolled down and spotted yours - beat me to it.

31 years old, what do you say? I lost my brother to cancer when he was 28 years old. Truth is my mum never got over it.