Death in Family: My Grandmother Passed Away on Sunday. I Need Your Help

My condolences to you.

I don't have a really specific idea but... I am very sentimental, but I hate clutter. So, one thing I do is put trinkets away for the Christmas tree. We hang old baby shoes as ornaments, pet tags from our beloved pets, things we have collected from vacations, etc. That way at Christmas, we have some special memories with us and not just the same ornaments as everyone else. Maybe you could make some thing like that - like a photo ornament or sachet.

I also am a big fan of plants, although it can be touchy if they die. Maybe you could make a donation to plan something or purchase a bench or something at a park or botanical gardens that all could visit.

When my grandmother died, I made matching books for me and her other grandaughter (my cousin) with some recipes, a few photos, and a couple of stories. I typed them and put them in a scrapbook with a pretty cover.

You could also make a quilt or quilted wallhanging if you can identify some of her favorite clothes, pillows, etc. Assuming doing so wouldn't upset anyone.

Just some ideas.

Is it possible for you to write a little something regarding her character and place a picture of her one the same paper and frame it? Maybe make several copies?? It is tough going through times of loss. I hope everyone gains strength and can be a support to one another during this time. Hope this helps.
Take Care,
Jen

My condolences for your loss!

When my great grandmother passed away back in 1992, we were all given bookmarks with a picture of her and a poem that someone in the family wrote for her services. It is a great keepsake, and is usable (although mine is in a bible that belonged to her and I only pull it out at certain times). I have been to some services where the family was given a button to wear that had a picture of the loved one on it and their date of birth and date of death. I do like the idea of using some of grandma's favorite clothes to make pillows or even handkerchiefs for family members.

Just some ideas.

I think a beautiful picture of her in a nice frame will do, especially if you can find on when she was younger. I love looking at pictures of my grandmother when she was in her 20's.

When my grandfather died, we found a picture of him and my mom and her borhters and sister (they were his stepkids but came to view him as thier father) when they were all younger and my hubby made copies of the picture and gave them to everyone. It was a picture that none of them had. HTH

Allow me to offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family. My sisters and I did the following for our parents and grandparents. Many people send flowers that are displayed at the funeral home. If you have not yet sent your flowers, have the florist tuck a white dove for each child into the arrangement, the doves can then be used on their Christmas tree each year as a way to have your Grandmother there with them. If you've already sent your display, stop by the florist and pick up a few to add to the arrangement yourself. The family usually picks out prayer cards to be given out during the viewings and funeral. One of the 1st things we did during the private family viewing was to grab a few roses from the various arrangements and grab a small stack of the prayer cards. If you have a favorite photo of her take it to walmart and get several copies along with several copies of the obit printed in the paper, also buy laminating sheets from the office supply section. Then once you have all your supplies lay one laminated sheet sticky side up, arrange your prayer card and photo at opposite sides of the sheet, put the obit in the middle with rose petals flanking the top and bottom, carefully cover with another laminating sheet sticky side down, smooth out all the bubbles and viola you have a very nice inexpensive keepsake for all the kids. Depending on the size of the photo (we used wallet size to match the size of the prayer cards) you should be able to cut the laminated sheet in 1/2 so it really only takes one sheet per arrangement.

Hello,

When my mom die, my daughters and I used a couple of her shirts and night gowns and made small pillows, and put little things on it. They were small, just a piece of her so everyone could share, plus here fabric softner was still there for them to smell.

or you could get a special picture of her 5by 7 or smaller and frame for each child.

HI T., I just wanted to extend my condolensces to you and to tell you that you were lucky to have such a sweet grandmother in your life. Many of us never knew a grandparent's love which can be such a beautiful thing. The only suggestion that I have for you is to share your thoughts at the funeral about how blessed you all were to have the "sweetest person you could ever meet" as your grandma. That is a beautiful legacy that she passed to you all... her love. Be blessed.