The death of a sister hits us hard. It is the loss of a sibling who shared a unique history with us, or a sister-in-law who has become chosen family--and possibly the mother of our nieces or nephews. When death takes a sister, it also takes away an integral part of our formative past. Paying tribute to your sister can be both a way to connect and move through some of your grief. A tribute can be as simple as writing a poem, dedicating a quote, or hosting a remembrance ceremony. Paying tribute to your sister after she has died is a way to keep her legacy alive. Encourage your family and friends to join in remembering your sister and what she meant to the world. A meaningful tribute is a gift to your sister and your family.
Tribute Ideas for Your Sister’s Funeral
It's a common tradition to pay tribute to a loved one at memorial and funeral services. Whether through a eulogy, poem or reading, spoken words are a meaningful way to celebrate a life and mourn a death. Other tributes such as memory tables
Give a Eulogy
If you are able to speak publicly during her funeral or memorial service, a heartfelt eulogy for your sister will be a powerful way to tell her story and express the connection that you shared.
Share a Poem
If sharing your own words is too much, there are many beautiful poems about sisters (e.g., To My Sister…by Allison Chambers Coxsey) that you can share at a funeral service, in a printed program, or on a memorial card.
Create a memory table
With all of the history you share, you may be the perfect person to create a “memory table” that exhibits items and photos from different chapters or passions in your sister’s life.
Curate an online memorial
There are a growing number of online memorial sites where you can create a webpage in honor of a loved one. These memorials range from simple to elaborate, and many support uploading photos, videos, documents--whatever digital items you have that can tell the story of your sister’s life.
Light a flame
It’s traditional to light a candle in a place of worship, or at home as you quietly contemplate.If it’s s reflecting on their loss
Make a photo or video collage
Dig up some childhood photos or footage and tell a visual story of your sister’s life. Those who met her as an adult will appreciate this window into her early years.
Hold a service in her favorite spot
Funerals and memorial services don’t always need to be indoors. What places did your sister love? Maybe there was a particular hilltop she loved watching the sunset from, or a park where she walked her dog every day.
Choose music to remember
Curating a playlist is a wonderful way to connect with memories of your sister through song.
Write a poem for her
Many poets have expressed their feelings about every facet of the human experience. Just because it’s already been done, that doesn’t mean you don’t bring something new to the table. Writing, in general, can be very cathartic and poetry is a unique vessel to help share your grief.
Tribute Ideas to Remember Your Sister’s Birthday
During a painful anniversary, it’s easy to focus on loss. Remembering what a vibrant, joyous life your sister had is also important. Celebrate her by focusing on her positive traits, great memories, and the love you shared.
Frame a photo
Print some of your favorite photos of your sister and find a spot in your home to hang them. You could create a special corner in your house dedicated to photos hung on the wall or in a frame. You can retreat here whenever you are feeling down or want to see your sisters smiling face.
Read a Poem that Reminds You of Her
Poems can express the full range of human emotions, even if you feel locked in with your grief.
Memorial Jewelry
There’s been a real renaissance in the idea of memorial jewellery.create sparkling glass beads and even diamonds from a loved one’s ashes, while an engraved locket containing a photo is a beautiful way to hold someone close to your heart.
Throw a party
Parties are a great opportunity to celebrate and focus on the positives. You might prefer a quiet gathering of family members or an exuberant celebration. You can decorate for a birthday, make a cake, and go all out.
Volunteer in her memory
One of the most important pieces of someone’s legacy is how they cared for others. What charities did your sister love? Some people volunteer at animal shelters or soup kitchens. Others take advantage of more unusual opportunities to give back. Spending her birthday volunteering is a great way to carry on her legacy.
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Take a trip
A trip could be visiting her grave if you live far away. It could also be taking a day trip to one of her favorite places. Journeying away from your home and neighborhood can help you get out of your head.
Host a family reunion
What better way to deal with a difficult day than with your family all around you? Hosting a family reunion gives everyone an excuse to remember your sister. You may end up visiting relatives you haven’t seen since the funeral.
Get a tattoo
Many people get tattoos for loved ones who have already passed away. If you have a tattoo in mind that would memorialize your sister, consider getting it done on her birthday.
Make a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Post
Social media posts are popular places to post ‘happy birthday’ wishes. to Say ‘Happy Birthday in Heaven, Sister’
Tribute Ideas to Remember the Anniversary of Her Death
The first anniversary of her death does not mark the end of grief, but it does mark a transition in the mourning process. The anniversary of her death will likely bring up big and complex emotions. Sharing with others may be a powerful way to ease the grief bottled within.
Hold a special remembrance ceremony
If you do not have a religious or cultural template for marking the death’s anniversary with a special ceremony, consider creating a meaningful rite of your own.
This could be a quiet ritual just for you (here are some songs about death that might be appropriate), a small gathering of close friends and family, or a celebration of life event.
Visit her final resting place
Bringing flowers or something else to embellish a gravestone or columbarium niche is a traditional way to mark the anniversary of a death. The time spent close to her remains can be comforting, can help conversation flow, and can help you reflect on the meaning of the anniversary.
Pay it forward
Try adding some special acts of kindness or generosity to the day—especially ones that would have been meaningful to your mom. Pay for the order behind you at the drive-through, write a sweet note with your tip at the diner, put flowers on the doorsteps of strangers... whatever brings you joy and celebrates the spirit of your mother.
Live her best day
Cook her favorite meal. Play her favorite song. Find her most beloved flowers. Invite her friends to gather. Do something she loved to do. Celebrate all the things that brought her joy and all the joy she brought to you.
Bring in your support system
At the time of your loss, you leaned on your community to support you in facing the death of your mom. Call on them now to help guide you through this milestone in your process of mourning—they will be grateful to know their support is helpful to you.
Create an outdoor memorial
Creating a permanent memorial is a great idea. You can do it by planting something. Trees, flowers, or bushes are all lovely options. You can plant it at your home, at the cemetery, or any other meaningful place.
Write a letter, poem or blog
‘Post’ your letter or poem in a hidden outdoors spot, or online on a grief blog, or community forum. Or keep it somewhere safe and make a personal ritual of writing and re-reading letters and poems every angelversary.
Release butterflies
For many people, butterflies are a beautiful symbol of hope and renewal. On someone’s death anniversary, a butterfly release can be a wonderful tribute. You can buy native butterflies bred specially for release on occasions such as a memorial, birthday or angelversary from a number of specialists via mail order.
Create a shrine
You may have already created a small shrine, or quiet place dedicated to your loved one, in your home. If not, it could be a special one year death anniversary idea. The shrine could include photographs, letters, mementos and candles. Some families take comfort in leaving a candle alight for 24 hours during the anniversary.
Do something in nature
“Someone with a spiritual outlook may well choose a more meditative space in which to reflect,” says Celebrant Anita Watson-James. “I've seen painted or carved pebbles or pieces of slate placed around a memorial pond or stream, while angels are often hung on trees or take pride of place somewhere.”
Sister love, simply stated
Paying tribute to your sister doesn't have to be an elaborate event. It's an opportunity for you to remember your sister and celebrate your love for her. Though she may seem far away, she is a part of you. Your sister is alive in your heart and mind. Pay tribute and smile because you are a piece of her living legacy.
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