CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Funeral directors around the Chicago area are preparing for a busy summer. They said they are getting calls from families who want to plan memorial services for people who died last year.
Due to social distancing rules and pandemic restrictions on large gatherings, most funerals in 2020 were nothing more than a burial service with a handful of people. With all pandemic restrictions falling off the books in Illinois starting June 11, families want to prepare for a celebration of a person's life with all of their relatives and friends in attendance.
Leonard Zielinski, President of the Cook County Funeral Directors Association, said most funerals will be able to handle the surge in requests; but he added some might be overwhelmed.
"There may be, in some of our communities where the virus was hardest felt. But I think for the most part the funeral service community is going to be able to accomodate all of these families," Zielinski said.
Funeral homes were able to work around pandemic restrictions by setting up a video stream, so mourners could participate in the service remotely. Zielinski said the video feeds will remain a part of the mix, but he believes people need to grieve in person.
"Having them come to attend funeral services and be part of the larger community. To grieve the loss of that loved one," Zielinski said.
