Funeral arrangements

[jducoeur]

[Forward-dating this entry so that it will show up at the top until the funeral.]

I'm still working out the details over the next several days, but the broad plan is shaping up (I just got the call that I needed), and I believe folks can start planning around it.

So: assuming nothing snafus, Jane's funeral will be held at Houghton Chapel at Wellesley College, next Sunday (January 30th) at 1pm. We have the chapel reserved until 3, so groups that wish to do ceremonies (eg, Eastern Star) will have time to do so.

That's a bit further out from her death than I might have preferred, but it seems like the best date -- many friends will already be in the area for Birka, so it'll be easier for people to pay their respects. (And I can just hear her telling me that it's better to take a couple of extra days to get it right, rather than do something hasty and slapdash.)

The past day has largely been about chasing down the right people to call at Wellesley to make this happen: Houghton was special to her (it's where we got married), and it's big enough to hold as many people as care to come. I had a moment of panic yesterday, when I realized that the funeral home would really only hold 110 people, and that probably wasn't anywhere near enough. Houghton, by contrast, can hold 400 just in the central section (and more in the wings), so I can say with confidence that anyone who would like to come should do so.

I'll put out finer-grained details over the next week (directions and such), but folks should begin to plan on this basis. Please pass the word to anyone who should know.

The interment will proably be the following Monday morning; that's likely to be a smaller affair, but close friends and family who wish to be there will be welcome. And I'm tentatively planning for a memorial service -- a proper celebration of her life, once enough time has passed for the shock of her death to wear off a little -- in the spring.

Comments

[goldsquare.livejournal.com]

We'll be there.

[liamstliam.livejournal.com]

Please let me know if you need anything. I can come help with setup if you would like.

[chaiya.livejournal.com]

The 30th is also the day that Arisia has its debrief meeting scheduled for staff, currently for 2 pm. I am going to see if we can move the Arisia schedule to later in the day (this is mostly not up to me, but I know it impacts several others on staff besides me). If the funeral schedule also moves to earlier in the day, I will be keeping an eye out for that and make sure Arisia staff knows that, too.

You have my thoughts with you, and hugs from many.

[anastasiav.livejournal.com]

If there is anything I can help with -- program design, routine calls, anything at all -- don't hesitate to ask.

We love you.

[yew-hall.livejournal.com]

Hi Justin -
If you can think of anything I can do for you to help, please let me know.
Li and I would be glad to offer a place to stay, if 1 or 2 folks from away need crash space so they can attend. (Send us the cat-loving musicians who smoke...)
Hugs,
Ygraine

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

*hugs* We'll be there. Let me know if there's anything we can do....

[editrx.livejournal.com]

We'll be there.

[kathryn-aka-kat.livejournal.com]

I can't make it this weekend (long ago signed up for a class that has the very first meeting that afternoon, feh) but my best wishes are sent. And if you hold a memorial service come spring... may I suggest the weekend of Carolingia's 40th? That would also be a time when others may be in town.