Remembering Jaklin Viguen: A Life Well-Lived

Before the Funeral: Initial Outreach
When you first hear of a loved one's passing, your immediate instinct might be to reach out, but it's important to do so with care and sensitivity. The bereaved are often overwhelmed with calls and messages. A simple, heartfelt message is a good starting point. Something like, "I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know I'm thinking of you and your family," is often enough. Avoid putting pressure on them to respond immediately. The goal is to let them know you care, not to demand their attention. Offer specific help rather than the generic "Let me know if you need anything," as they are unlikely to ask. For example, you could say, "I'm free on Tuesday to bring a meal," or "I'd like to help with running errands; what's a good time to stop by?"