| Interment Service in Hingham, Mass. |
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| Saturday, June 30, 2001 Hingham, Massachusetts Welcome - Molly Luce Larkin Arnold It is good to be together at this time and place because we need the blessings that we can give one another: human concern and support, comfort and love. We have been gathered here today by death. But in reality, it is not death, but rather life, that has gathered us here - the life that was Fran Alleman-Luce's and the life we all share. In honor of this life, we light a candle. Lighting of the Candle - Ann Luce Words - Molly Luce Larkin Arnold It is because Fran loved us and we loved her that we have gathered here to honor her memory in this lovely Memorial Garden that was created by her father. We hope to receive, this morning, the healing gifts of courage, wisdom and thanksgiving: courage to accept the reality of death; wisdom to see that life and death, joy and sorrow are joined; and thanksgiving to celebrate the life that was Fran's. It is good to remember with smiles and laughter, as well as with tears, the person that Fran was - how she filled our world and brightened our days. Healing the hurt begins with remembering. Our memories of Fran can never be taken from us, nor shall we ever forget them. Words - Eliza Larkin Arnold It is good to let our sorrows and our memories reach out beyond this death, beyond this hour to include others whom death has taken from our lives. GranFran's death awakens deeper memories for us all. Words - Jim Luce In an immediate and very real way, because this is such a final and physical act, this is the most difficult one we must do when someone whom we respected and loved has died. At this time in particular, we feel the cold reality of human mortality. Yet now as we stand under the blue sky, washed by sunlight, with the good earth beneath our feet, we remember things timeless and reassuring. We know, deep in our hearts, the sure cycles of nature, the fit of a human life span into the seasons of the generations, the earth and the universe. And there is an unmistakable rightness to what we now do. From dust to dust, from spirit to spirit, from eternity to eternity: Between these spans, a human life fits. In this setting we know most assuredly that we are one with nature and nature's unchangeable laws. And this wonderful holiness uplifts us all. Moment of Silence - Molly Luce Larkin Arnold In humility and awe, before death and nature, we stand in silence to show our respect and love for Fran, our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, in-law or friend. As we share this quiet moment, each of us might take this time to say our heartfelt good-bye to Fran by remembering how she touched us personally and lives in us forever. Remembrances - Molly Luce Larkin Arnold This is the time for anyone who wishes to say a few words in memory of Fran to do so. Committal - Rev. John Gallop In committing Fran's ashes to the hollowed ground of this earth, we do so with deep reverence for the body as a miraculous creation - a unique expression of an eternal and abiding love. Under our enormous sky and in this small garden, the earthly remains of Fran shall rest in peace. Spirit of life and love, Fran's spirit has become one with eternity. Grant to us who grieve this loss, a sense of acceptance and comfort. May the love in our hearts join us together in richer ways than before and lead us to the peace that passes understanding. We know that Fran's spirit will always be with us - her love for us and our love for her will never die. Though death extinguishes a life, it paradoxically can lead us - like a light - into a deeper reality. As we leave this garden, let us leave more tenderly joined to one another and to life itself than when we gathered. This is Fran's final gift: in her death we have strengthened our connection to one anther. Benediction - Jim Luce The courage of the early morning's dawning, The strength of the eternal hills, The peace of the evening's ending And the love of life be in our hearts always. Extinguishing the Candle - Mathew Tendean-Luce As we extinguish the candle signifying the mystery of death, in quietness of spirit, may we embrace and comfort each other. |
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