Holding Space for Grief: A Conversation for Funeral Professionals
Join the Virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting in March
WHEELING, IL— Grief touches many parts of our lives, sometimes visibly and sometimes in quiet, unseen ways. It may arise from death, caregiving, changing roles and identities, aging, or letting go of hopes and dreams that no longer fit. For funeral professionals, who hold space for the sorrow of others every day, personal grief often runs beneath the surface.
The March Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting offers an hour to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what grounds you. Join us on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:30pm ET / 6:30pm CT / 4:30pm PT for a restorative gathering centered on the emotional landscape of this work.
This month’s meeting will be facilitated by Lisa Smith, a fourth-generation licensed funeral director and embalmer, certified crematory operator, and celebrant. Lisa brings more than 30 years of experience as a mortuary science educator and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Funeral Professionals Peer Support. Her deep commitment to compassionate service and peer connection creates a welcoming space for meaningful conversation and reflection.
During this session, participants will:
- Share stories and reflections on life, death, and the work of holding space
- Acknowledge unseen losses and the emotional labor of caregiving and service
- Explore simple grounding practices and gentle rituals that support wellbeing, mindfulness, and connection
- Notice what brings them comfort, resilience, and even small moments of joy
Whether your grief is fresh or long-carried, visible or quietly held, you are welcome. This is not a place to “fix” anything—only to feel, reflect, connect, and receive support from peers who understand the unique emotional demands of funeral service.
This gathering is open to anyone who serves their community during its hardest moments—from students and apprentices to directors, embalmers, cemeterians, operators, support staff, and all who serve grieving families.
No registration required. Just mark your calendar, save the Zoom link, and join us for an hour of grounding, connection, and peer support. This virtual funeral professional peer support meeting takes place Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 7:30pm ET / 6:30pm CT / 4:30pm PT via Zoom link at cremationassociation.org/peersupport.
