New York State Funeral Directors Association
The tiny, hilltop cemetery serves as the final resting place for 228 people who once lived in the eastern European country we call the Slovak Republic today.
Their Jewish community comprised a major portion of the town of Banska Stiavnica’s population – until most of them were sent to death camps by the Nazis during the Holocaust.
The likeness of prominent 17th Century Catholic figures will welcome friends and family at a new mausoleum built with local materials in Upstate New York.
Dozens of people gathered at a dedication ceremony for the Mary Immaculate, Patroness of America Chapel Mausoleum in November, 2017.
Years ago, photographer Duane Knight captured a host of images during his Uncle’s funeral and turned them into a book of memories for his aunt.
When she got it, she marveled at how many people attended the funeral and she praised him for capturing memories she wouldn’t otherwise have.
She was overwrought with emotion during the service and didn’t realize many who attended the service were even there – until she thumbed through the photo book’s pages.
SympathyNotes is written to stimulate discussion of death and grief. Opinions do not reflect the views of NYSFDA.
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