The National Funeral Directors Association, through its consumer education initiative Remembering A Life, has established International Remembering A Life Week. This new annual observance encourages individuals, families, and communities worldwide to honor loved ones who have died.
The inaugural International Remembering A Life Week will take place April 24–30, 2027, and will be observed annually during the last week of April.
NFDA CEO Christine Pepper announced the initiative during the Opening General Session of the 2026 NFDA International Convention & Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“We have important days dedicated to remembering specific groups of people. What we don’t have is a dedicated time when people are encouraged to honor everyone they’ve loved and lost, regardless of their relationship or how that person died,” Pepper stated during her address. “International Remembering A Life Week will help fill that void.”
Community Involvement and Funeral Home Resources
Funeral homes across the United States and internationally are invited to organize local remembrance activities. Participation is open to all funeral service providers, regardless of NFDA membership.
Firms can host events suited to their staffing and resources, such as candlelight vigils, remembrance walks, community meals, story-sharing gatherings, art workshops, or special programs for children. Funeral homes are also encouraged to collaborate with local hospices, grief support organizations, libraries, schools, and faith communities.
“It creates an incredible opportunity for funeral homes to lead in their communities by planning simple activities family and friends can participate in to remember their loved ones in meaningful ways,” Pepper noted. “Whether you host a candlelight vigil, a journaling workshop, a remembrance walk, a community meal or a larger community-wide event, you’ll have the tools to create meaningful experiences that bring people together.”
To assist participating organizations, NFDA is developing a toolkit that includes event guides, planning resources, customizable social media graphics, digital advertising materials, and news release templates. NFDA will distribute these materials in early 2027.
Individual Participation and Shared Remembrance
International Remembering A Life Week is designed to be inclusive, regardless of when a loss occurred, the relationship to the deceased, or individual cultural and religious traditions. Public participation can range from attending organized events to private acts of reflection, such as lighting a candle, sharing a photograph, preparing a meal, or visiting a meaningful site.
“You’ll help families share stories, preserve memories and keep legacies alive,” Pepper added. “You’ll create opportunities for remembrance, healing and connection. And that’s what funeral service does better than anyone.”
Attendees at the 2026 NFDA International Convention & Expo can learn more by visiting the Remembering A Life booth (Booth 1000) in the Expo Hall.
