Funerals are for the living . . .
The funeral process serves the emotional needs of those who grieve. Like other ceremonies graduation, wedding, baptism, bar mitzvah a funeral recognizes an important event. The funeral declares that a death has occurred, commemorates the life that has been lived, and offers family and friends the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one. Denial is a natural part of the grieving process. Viewing the deceased helps fulfill the psychological need for closure after a loss.