Local Woman’s Funeral Broadcasted Live Online During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Social distancing has changed the way we approach all aspects of life and funeral services are no exception.

The funeral for 91-year-old Shirley Wright was held at Memorial Park Funeral Home early this month.

With only 10 people allowed inside the chapel at one time, the rest of Wright’s family watched outside in the parking lot or at home through the Zoom app.

Wright’s funeral was the first to be streamed online.

It’s hard to find a photo of 91-year-old Shirley Wright without a smile.

That love passed on working in the maternity ward at St. Anthony’s years ago.

“She always had family and friends around her, that’s just what she did,” said Charley Cohn, Wright’s grandson. “She took care of everyone and knew everyone around her.”

When Wright died of natural causes earlier this month, family worried about COVID-19.

“Our initial thought was what was going to happen,” said Cohn. “We know we couldn’t go to a traditional funeral. Couldn’t be in the chapel (or) go to the gravesite.”

Or so they thought. Funeral home staff broadcasted the service online through Zoom.

“It was a little weird, especially at the very beginning I thought when it first started and you’re watching it on your phone,” said Cohn. “But a couple minutes into it you forget you’re watching your phone, you get emotional just like everybody does and all you’re doing is paying attention to what is being said.”

At the gravesite across the street, a low power FM transmitter was used to maintain social distancing.

“Our hearts break for these families but we are happy that we can use innovation and technology to get to as close to that experience as possible,” said Matthew Boydstun, Funeral Director at Memorial Park Funeral Home.

It is not the goodbye Wright’s family had in mind but it’s a goodbye none the less. One they’ll remember for time to come.

“Giving my grandfather a hug, hugging my mom and telling her I’m sorry her mom is gone those are things that it doesn’t matter how good technology is, it can’t replace that,” said Cohn.

Because the service was broadcasted through Zoom, It was recorded so friends and family who aren’t so tech savvy can say their goodbyes.