Attending a wake?

Is it "ok" to attend a wake these day? I mean with covid restrictions in place? This is for someone I worked with many years ago - not a close friend. But I have very fond memories of him and would normally not think twice about attending. But when I was looking up the information, the website for the funeral parlor had a "warning" page about limiting the number of people who can enter at one time. So, I am sure there are many many more people that are much closer to him(he was only in his 50's) and I don't want to take away from "their" time, but I would like to pay my respects. Any thoughts on the right thing to do?

ETA: There is only one session for the wake - tomorrow from 4-8

Message edited 11/11/2020 2:27:45 AM.

Attending a wake?

If you feel you want to go, you should, but basically just walk in, give your respects and walk out.

When my cousin passed away this past July (not from covid), the funeral home said there was a 25-person limit. But we were easily 50+ at any one time. The family stayed and sat down. But many people (friends of his daughters, co-workers, etc) just talked briefly with the wife and/or daughters and then walked out.

If it's too inconvenient to go just for 5 minutes, then maybe you could send a card to the family.

Re: Attending a wake?

I have been to three wakes in the past month. They limit the number of people but keep them moving so you just walk in, pay your respects, and walk out. It was totally fine so if you want to go you should go.

Attending a wake?

The “right thing to do” is in the eye of the beholder. U’ll get different POVs depending how that person feels about this whole situation. Ultimately is ur decision, based on how close the person was to u, how u feel being present in a room among other people, etc. If u were to ask me what I’d do, I’d attempt to go if I have fond memories of that person. I can only imagine how comforting it’d be for the family to see friends of the person that passed away be present during this sad time.

Re: Attending a wake?

IMO it's the same as going to the grocery store.
They will probably limit the amount of people in at once.
Wear your mask.
Pay your respects.
Stay 6 feet apart from others.
I don't see a difference between that and going for groceries.

Attending a wake?

Our friends father passed right when wakes were allowed again so DH and I went.

Everyone is masked and you are in and out rather quickly. It's your call what to do.

I do have to say though it's a bit awkward wearing a mask and trying to figure out who people are there...

Attending a wake?

IMO wakes are for the living. If you don’t really know the family at all, I think sending a card would be just as nice as attending.
If you actually know them, then I would probably go.

Attending a wake?

I went to one 2 weeks ago. Seemed pretty normal although I did notice they were not holding multiple for different families at a time as I've seen in the past. Everyone was required to wear a mask inside.

Attending a wake?

I went a couple of weeks ago, I went during the day, signed the book, said condolences and left

Attending a wake?

That's a decision only you can make. For me personally, no I wouldn't attend a long ago co-workers wake. But if you have to go, I would just say don't stay too long, let family/friends have a chance.

Re: Attending a wake?

You can definitely go, especially if you feel you'll regret not going and saying goodbye.

My father passed in August, no Covid related, and so many of his childhood friends and old co-workers came. It was wonderful that it was so well attended at such a difficult time. The funeral home did limit the number of people in the room, and the church was only allowed 50% capacity, but most didn't come to the funeral, just the wake. We extended the time of the wake (4 hours) to accommodate having everyone come and it worked out very well.

Re: Attending a wake?

I had to attend a wake recently of a young person. It was PACKED. They were not at all controlling the amount of people in the room. However, there was hand santizer like every 6 feet and everyone had on masks. I waiting on the line, paid my respects and headed home and took a shower.