East Prince Funeral Home

05/26/2026

View Robert Albert Geiss's complete obituary, share memories, and explore heartfelt tribute posts from the community.

05/26/2026

View Margaret Rose Squires's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 3 tribute posts from the community.

05/26/2026

View Heber Wesley Rayner's complete obituary, share memories, and explore heartfelt tribute posts from the community.

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

View Peter John's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 1 tribute posts from the community.

05/25/2026

View Gary Emmett Kelly's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 6 tribute posts from the community.

05/25/2026

Grief and Impatience – Waiting for a New Life

When the heart breaks, healing needs to run its natural course. Much as a broken leg requires care plus time to fully restore, the heart needs the same. It is important to realize that time alone does not heal grief.

A sense of urgency is a typical response for those wishing the pain caused by grief to cease as soon as possible. The human condition requires otherwise. The pain must be acknowledged, felt and expressed to assist the body, mind and spirit to heal. Rushing through grief, metaphorically, can be compared to walking on a broken leg which can lead to incomplete healing, not to mention additional pain. There are many ‘false’ quick fixes that centre around replacing the loss; examples being to keep busy or medicate with prescribed drugs or become a workaholic. Sometimes those who grieve escape the pain through self-medicating with alcohol or drugs. These practices only serve to delay the process.

Some deliberate steps that can help with recovering include:
• efforts to experience or feel the pain
• allowing oneself to have the ugly cry, releasing the emotions that accompany grief
• having meaningful conversations with supportive individuals
• establishing a daily routine that provides opportunities to rest and restore personal energy

Remember that grief sometimes needs a holiday too. Find ways that provide balance in life, perhaps by engaging in a positive activity with friends or starting a new hobby. Change thought patterns and invest time to elevate natural happy chemicals. A slow and steady approach to grief forms the basis for a healthy and full recovery.

Bertha Brannen
Grief Recovery Specialist

© East Prince Funeral Home/CFHC Online

05/22/2026

Learn how to write an obituary that honors your loved one with grace and authenticity. This step-by-step guide from Tributes helps you craft a heartfelt tribute that reflects their life, legacy, and impact.

05/19/2026

View Judith Lynn MacLellan's complete obituary, share memories, and explore heartfelt tribute posts from the community.

05/18/2026

Victorian Grave Dolls

During the Victorian era, death could strike at any time, claiming the young and the old. Mourning methods embraced several practices, including a lesser-known tradition of grave dolls.

Following the death of an infant or child, families who could afford the expense commissioned a wax replica of their offspring. The likeness was deliberate, as the doll would actually be dressed in the child’s clothing and have clippings of hair attached to the doll’s head. Instead of viewing a child’s sickly body, the doll would be laid in a miniature coffin during a wake or funeral. The eyes would simply be closed, symbolizing a peaceful sleep and softening the cruelty of death.

Following the funeral, it was customary for the doll to be left on the child’s grave or even kept at home, where it would be displayed in a case or placed in a crib or bed to bring comfort to the family.

While grave dolls are no longer common practice, the tradition of leaving items at a cemetery continues. Families often adorn the grave site of children with photos, flowers, mementoes and toys – including dolls. Before leaving such items, remember to check cemetery policies to prevent the loss or removal of treasured items.

© East Prince Funeral Home/CFHC Online

05/15/2026

View Teena Marie Hitchcock's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 7 tribute posts from the community.