Ways to Remember and Celebrate Your Loved Ones

To mark National Grief Awareness week our article below features advice on practical ways to keep memories alive.

When someone close to us dies, finding ways to keep their memory alive becomes an important part of the grieving journey. At A.B. Walker, we support families across Berkshire and South Oxfordshire, and we often see how personal remembrance rituals help people navigate loss with meaning and comfort.

Whether you prefer a traditional keepsake or something unique and symbolic, here are thoughtful ways to remember and celebrate your loved one.

1. Memorial Jewellery and Keepsakes

Wearing or holding something that reminds you of a loved one can bring a sense of closeness. Our range of memorial jewellery and keepsake items includes pieces that discreetly hold a small amount of ashes or simply act as a beautiful tribute.

Browse our memorial items:
👉 https://www.abwalker.co.uk/shop/memorial-jewellery-products/

2. Willow or Eco-Friendly Keepsake Items

For families who value sustainability, keepsakes crafted from natural materials, such as willow, provide a gentle way to honour someone’s values and personality. These items are handmade and symbolise care for both memory and environment.

Explore our willow products:
👉 https://www.abwalker.co.uk/product-category/coffins/willow-coffins/

3. Naming a Star

Some families choose to name a star after their loved one through reputable astronomy-based gift services. While symbolic rather than scientific, many people find comfort in the idea of looking up and thinking of their loved one’s light continuing to shine.

Look for “star naming services” that provide certificates and coordinates, enabling loved ones to find their star in the night sky.

4. Create a Memory Box

A memory box can hold items such as letters, photographs, favourite scents, jewellery or handwritten notes. It can be opened on birthdays, anniversaries or whenever comfort is needed.

5. Plant a Tree or Living Tribute

A tree or plant creates a lasting tribute that grows over the years. Organisations such as the Woodland Trust offer tree dedication options, or you may prefer to plant something meaningful in your garden.

6. Digital Memorial Pages

Online memorial pages allow friends and family across the world to share stories, photos and condolences. These pages provide a communal space to celebrate a life and preserve memories for future generations.

7. Charitable Donations in Their Name

Supporting a charity connected to your loved one’s life or values can be a meaningful way to honour them. Many families choose charities related to healthcare, local community support or causes their loved one championed.  Companies such as Memory Giving  recognised the need to create an easier way to collect in memory donations, share the donors’ messages with the family and pass the donations to the charity or organisation.

8. Candle-Lighting Rituals

Lighting a candle on anniversaries, special occasions or quiet evenings is a simple yet powerful way of remembering. Families often share this ritual across distance, lighting candles at the same time.

Finding What Feels Right

Everyone remembers differently. There is no “right” way to keep someone’s memory alive, what matters is choosing something that feels meaningful to you.

For support and guidance, explore our bereavement hub:
👉 https://www.abwalker.co.uk/supporting-you/loss-and-bereavement-support/