Christmas Remembrance tonight

William Barrett and Sons’ fifth annual Christmas Remembrance Service takes place tonight at St Augustine’s Uniting Church in Bunbury.

The service provided an opportunity for family and friends to commemorate the loss of loved ones no longer around to enjoy the festive season.

“I think it’s important to give people a space to be real about how they are feeling,” said reverend Greg Ross, who will speak at the service.

“Over Christmas there’s an expectation that everyone should be happy and celebrating, which can lead to those who are mourning feeling lonely and ostracised.”

One such mourner was Inga Overgaard who earlier this year lost her husband of 59 years, Joe, to cancer.

“Joe and I met at university in Sweden 61 year ago,” said Mrs Overgaard.

“He had a Masters degree in Forestry and worked for the United Nations so we travelled all over the world with out three children.

“We spent time living everywhere – America, South America, Africa, South-East Asia.

“We moved to Australia in 1989 and bought an orchard in Kirup where we grew apples and pears and plums – it was very different from what we were used to!”

Mrs Overgaard joined more than 150 people at the Remembrance Service which has been well attended since it’s creation in 2007.

This year each of the attendees will leave with a handmade glass bauble to be hung on the Christmas tree as a lasting tribute to the memory of their lost loved one.

Funeral director Adrian Barrett said those unable to attend the service could still remember their loved ones online.

“This year we’re running an eTribute on our website where people can upload pictures or leave memories of those they have lost,” said Mr Barrett.

“Starting Thursday, the entire service can also be streamed online for those who weren’t able to attend.”

Once uploaded, the service can be viewed at http://barrettfunerals.etributes.com.au.