My husband said this past week, “The two best funerals I’ve been to have been in Oneonta*, Alabama.” I went with him to the second one, and I have to agree with him. His Aunt Sally’s funeral was full of love, laughter and celebratory joy — which is exactly the type of person she was. I wrote about her funeral in my newspaper column this week at the TimesDaily, http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20090605/ARTICLES/906055001, and I’ve already had so many people tell me that’s exactly the send-off they want for themselves.
*Pronounced “On-e-on-tah.” I think.
Coffee with Cathy 
I like all your columns, of course, but I really appreciate the effort on this one. We need to be sure to pass a few copies along to my side of the family.
Cathy – that was a really nice article. I’ve been to too many funerals of the ‘other’ kind, where grieving is at the core. I guess it also depends on the deceased, age, type of death etc. I went to a Shiva last year, where Jewish people sit for 3 days, and my visit was a good one. Family and friends laughed and told stories about their loved one. They grieved and laughed, all in one. It was much better than what I am use to. Kudos to thse who see it as a wonderful sendoff.
Kathy — Thank you so much for sharing that. And dear husband, as always I so appreciate your kind words. Couldn’t do it without you.
Sorry to hear of the death of this grand lady. Sympathy to you and your husband. It sounds like a great way to mark one’s passing.
BTW: Believe it or not, I actually know someone from Oneonta, Alabama!!! And there aren’t THAT many people there. Small world.
What a nice send off. I’m sure she would have loved it.
When my dad died we all meet at his favorite pizza place to eat pizza, drink beer, and tell Dave stories after the memorial service. It really helped me to grieve.
Sounds like you all did her proud! I can’t think of a better way to remember a person than with joy and laughter!. 🙂
Thank you all so much for the kind words. They mean a lot, believe me. And, NCmountainwoman — Now, that is a small world! But you would feel right at home in Oneonta — it’s in a beautifully “hilly” part of the state. (I can’t rightfully call them mountains, at least compared to your gorgerous photos!)