Words for a funeral

[Hellion]

I need to say some words at a 'paupers' funeral of an old lady whose family abandoned her at the end. I knew her for 6 years but don't know her religeous beliefs, can anyone recommend something suitable, I'd be very grateful as I do not want to let her down.

[kags]

There is a wonderful quote by Samuel Butler, that I want at my funeral (hopefully well into the future), it is not religious, in fact the Humanist Society use it, but somehow it seems to me to have a bit of spirituality about it - "I fall asleep in the full & certain hope that my slumber shall not be broken, and that though I be all-forgetting, yet shall I not be all-forgotten, but continue that life in the thoughts and deeds of those I loved". Even though her family abandoned her, I am sure she would want to be remembered by them, after all I think that's all we all want. Maybe a piece of music she was fond of could be played? Whatever you do, you won't be letting her down because you care enough to worry about this. Good luck.

[andy hughes]

Absolutely kags, just the right response. Hellion, you are taking the time and trouble to think about doing the right thing for your friend, you could never let her down, because you are the one who is there for her at this special time. Speak from the heart, remember her as you knew her, and she will be sent on her way with the love and comfort of your friendship. You are a very special person - I hope I have a friend like you to look out for me when my times comes.

[kriskwery]

Hellion - having just gone into Answerbank to pose a question about words for a dying dog (ie. feeling pretty miserable), those answers to your question brought tears to my eyes. As a volunteer visitor to the elderly, I've been to a few such funerals and never ceased to be amazed how the clans gather once a will is in the offing. Just cherish your friendship, even though she's gone ... I'm sure she'll have valued yours.

[tartanwiz]

Say that she has gone to the stars now, but her memory and influence live on in everybody who knew her.

[Hellion]

Thanks Kags I think the Samuel Butler is just right. Kriskwery, I have every sympathy for how you feel about your dog, I lost my much loved cat 2 years ago who, although a different species, was a much loved friend. Only other people who share their lives with an animal can truly understand that it is as devastating as losing a person. Thanks to everyone else for their kinds words

[Hellion]

Thanks kags I think the Samuel Butler is just the thing. Thanks to everone else for their kind words and kriskwery, I have have every sympathy with you, I lost a much loved cat 2 years ago and, although a different species, she was a much loved special friend who I still miss even though I have other cats. Only other people who share their lives with an animal can fully appreciate that losing one is as devastating as losing any other family member.

[Hellion]

Sorry I typed this out twice, I have a new pop up blocker and it blocked my first answer and I thought it had vanished into the ether!

[cobweb]

i have just joined today so i guess its a bit late to offer any words. I just wanted to say that the fact i hope the funeral went well and the fact that you cared enough in the absence of her family must have made a huge difference to her passing.