Some people choose to donate their bodies to science after they die because they want others to put them to good use. This is especially true for those who have a rare condition and want to contribute to curing it.

The surviving family of individuals who chose body donation typically experiences a mix of emotions. Some are proud of their departed loved one’s decision, while others feel uneasy and confused. This is usually because they don’t know what would happen to the body of their deceased friend or relative. There are also those who worry about being unable to hold a proper funeral.

So, how are you going to arrange a funeral for a loved one who donated their body to science? To help you, here are some suggestions you can take:

• Hold a Funeral Even Without the Deceased’s Body 
  You can choose to hold a funeral service even without the body of your departed loved one. Instead of cremating or burying the remains of your deceased friend or relative, you can burn or bury a photo of them.
  
  If you choose to hold a wake or visitation, you can still have a casket present at the event. The coffin doesn’t have to be empty. You can fill it up with your departed loved one’s most-treasured belongings, such as their favorite shirt or dress.
  
  
• Hold a Memorial Service Once the Body Is Returned
  Medical schools typically keep the donated body of the deceased for two to three years. They also usually advise the surviving family of the departed on how long they’ll keep the remains. That said, you have the option to hold a memorial service when the institution returns the body to you.
  
  In addition, medical schools normally cremate the donated bodies, so you can request that they return the cremains to you. But you can also ask them to return the remains to you once they’re done working with them so you can bury or cremate them privately.
  
  

Contact Gamez & Sons for quality funeral and cremation services!

There are plenty of other ways to honor a departed loved one who donated their body to science. If you need help arranging a funeral for your deceased friend or relative, Gamez and Sons will be more than happy to assist you. Get in touch with our funeral home now to schedule an appointment with our funeral director