Stories
Learn how Lighten has empowered families to plan memorials and celebrations of life that truly honor their loved one’s life, legacy, and identity.
Earth Day Celebration of Life
Chicago, IL
Joe’s family held his celebration of life on Earth Day at
the Chicago Botanic Garden, to honor his love for nature
and his favorite place to ride his bike.
Over 500 guests gathered in person and via livestream
to hear tributes to his life – including his pro bono legal
work, his role raising his grandchildren, and his passion
for sports. Heirs of Joy Gospel Choir, a favorite of Joe’s
and a source of inspiration to him, performed throughout
the celebration.
BBQ Picnic to Honor A Veteran
Louisville, KY
Johnny was a veteran who was deeply devoted to his
faith, family, and country. Johnny’s family came to Lighten
to help plan a casual picnic-stye gathering that Johnny
would have loved. Johnny’s family and friends gathered in
a barn with gingham tablecloths, red, white, and blue
flowers, and BBQ cuisine (Johnny’s favorite). The
ceremony included his minister leading prayer, a
rendering of honors from the U.S. Air Force, and personal
reflections from Johnny’s family, friends, and fellow
service members.
Celebrating the Musician
Chicago, IL
Rathin was a renowned chemical engineer who contributed significantly to advancements in renewable energy; and a music aficionado who co-founded the South Asian Classical Music Society of Chicago. Rathin’s wife came to Lighten to help plan his celebration at Goodman Theatre, where family, friends, and colleagues paid tribute to his life and accomplishments. Rathin’s favorite classical pieces were performed by a string quartet and a bansuri, a wooden flute traditional to India.
The Mountain Tribute
Breckenridge, CO
Chuck Grube’s mantra was “go with the adventure.” His pursuits reflected that, and included a career with the Air Force, as well hobbies that spanned hiking, running, golfing, gardening, cooking, piano, traveling, & mixology. Chuck’s wife chose to hold his celebration in the mountains, where Chuck most loved to spend his time. Guests gathered to witness Chuck’s formal military honors, hear reflections from loved ones, & share refreshments while exchanging memories & listening to Chuck’s favorite music.
The Art Gallery
Washington, D.C.
Michael was a scholar & artist. His proudest
accomplishments included dedicating his career
to creating educational computer programs for
children & being a 3-time Jeopardy winner. In his
free time, he channeled his creativity into oil painting; writing screenplays, novels, & poetry; & playing the violin.
Michael’s wife held his celebration at a local art gallery, where his artwork hung on the walls and guests shared memories of Michael while sipping his favorite wines.
The Jazz Club Memorial
Chicago, IL
This young man was a jazz musician and decorated student saxophonist. Instead of holding his memorial at a funeral home, his mother came to Lighten and planned his memorial at a jazz club. The memorial included a Unitarian Universalist minister leading prayer, fellow bandmates performing musical tributes, and teachers and classmates offering reflections on how he impacted their lives.
The Art Museum Tribute
Chicago, IL
Jay was a devoted mother and skilled artist. Her family came to Lighten because they didn’t feel a traditional funeral would honor her creative spirit. Jay’s family and friends gathered at a museum that featured beautiful works of stained glass from around the world. Her memorial ceremony featured readings from the journal Jay kept during her cancer treatment, as well as reflections from her many friends. Each guest received a keepsake art kit to keep Jay’s memory alive with their own art creations.
The Celtic Wishing Ceremony
Ann was an award-winning author whose literary works focused on helping others find passion, purpose, and inner peace. Ann approached Lighten while she was on hospice to plan her own virtual ceremony. The gathering was infused with Ann’s spiritual pursuits in astrology, numerology, tarot, and ancient spiritual practices. Guests were invited to participate in a Celtic Wishing Ceremony, and each received a digital copy of one of Ann’s books as a keepsake.
Gathering Family & Friends Globally
Egbert’s son came to Lighten to plan a virtual celebration of his father’s life, so that he could include family and friends from around the world. Egbert’s family wanted to honor his Jamaican heritage and his love for music by incorporating Jamaican artists into the ceremony – including songs by Sugar Minott, June Lodge, Carlene Davis, and Phyllis Dillon. During the gathering, guests shared memories, photos, and stories from years past.
The Live Music Venue
Chicago, IL
Donovan’s family didn’t feel the funeral home atmosphere would fit their son’s youthful spirit, so they came to Lighten to plan a celebration at a local live music venue and recording studio. Those who could not attend in person joined via livestream. Donovan’s service included family and friends reflecting on his love for music, his dedication to the Chicago White Sox, and his vibrant personality. His grandfather closed the ceremony by singing a moving rendition of the song “Danny Boy.”
The Immersive Museum Exhibit
Chicago, IL
Through Lighten, Marylyn’s wife Laura planned a celebration at The Chicago History Museum, including an immersive museum exhibit that commemorated Marylyn’s wonderful life. The exhibit featured clothing Marylyn wore, furniture she restored, journals she kept, photos from her life, and much more. The presentation also included a plaque for each item, explaining its significance.
Celebrating a CEO’s Career
Chicago, IL
Robert’s family came to Lighten to plan a celebration of life at The Chicago Club. The gathering included hundreds of family members, friends, and business colleagues from around the country. During Robert’s celebration of life service, his Presbyterian pastor delivered prayer, family and friends honored his impactful career as CEO of Inland Steel, and Bob’s fraternity brothers sang a rendition of the Sigma Chi Sweetheart Song.
The Puppet Show Tribute
George’s children gathered family and friends from around the globe to honor his life virtually. His family shared photos, prayers, and memories in his honor. The featured piece was a memorial puppet show tribute to George’s legacy. The show was performed by George’s daughter, Yumi, who owns a children’s puppet theater in northern California.
Gathering in Church, In-Person & Virtually
Sandra’s sister came to Lighten to plan a celebration of life that allowed local guests to gather in person at their local Congregational Church and interact with out-of-town attendees joining remotely. Sandra was honored with prayer, poetry, photos, song, and personal reflections that remembered her heart of gold, her strong faith, and her cooking.
The Irish Pub Party
Chicago, IL
Kelvin was born in New Zealand and lived a life of adventure, traveling and playing professional soccer. His wife came to Lighten to plan a celebration of life because Kelvin “wanted a party instead of a funeral.” Family and friends gathered in the Irish pub where Kelvin’s recreational soccer team met weekly, while family in New Zealand joined via livestream. Guests shared memories and toasts in tribute to Kelvin before playing the song “Keg on My Coffin” to close the celebration.
The Joyful Funeral/Shiva
Chicago, IL
Scott passed away in 2020 during the pandemic. His wife and sons came to Lighten in 2023 to plan a “funeral/shiva” for the family, friends and colleagues who could not come together immediately after Scott passed. His family’s wishes were to plan a joyful celebration in a warm, welcoming, and casual restaurant, where guests could be “regaled with stories from Scott’s life.” The celebration followed a private unveiling ceremony in the cemetery where Scott was buried.
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