Creating a Facebook Memorial for your Loved One

Facebook is a platform that contains the profiles of well over a billion users; but what happens when someone passes away? Researchers hypothesize that over 30 million facebook users passed way within the first 8 years of the platform. What happens to these accounts? What can you do to properly memorialize a loved one online? What can you do to preserve the memory of your loved one online?

Legacy Contact

A “Legacy Contact” is a Facebook friend, usually a spouse or other next-of-kin, who is set by the user as such. A Legacy Contact has the authority to go to your facebook page (without logging into your account) and notify Facebook when you pass away. Your Legacy Contact will be allowed to create a memorial post and pin it to your wall, respond to friend requests, download a copy of what was shared on Facebook, and to change your profile picture and cover photo. It does not allow the contact to see your private messages.
If your loved one has not set a Legacy Contact, you can appeal to Facebook by filling a “Memorialization Request Form” online. You will have less authorization than a Legacy Contact would, but it will at least allow you to post the memorial info.
To assign a Legacy Contact, go to your Security Settings on Facebook. You must be 18 years or older to establish a Legacy Contact.

Memorial Groups

Most people find that grief is easier to handle as a group. Funerals allow friends and family to gather, share memories and stories of the deceased, and support each other. Creating a memorial group on Facebook can give you and your loved ones a place to express those feelings with each other even after the funeral. Share old photos, memories, and memorial information easily to those who need it.

Post to Their Wall

Even if a loved one passes, you can still post to their wall. Their Facebook friends will be able to see this. It may be nice to post old photos of them or something that reminds you of them. When making a post on the deceased loved one’s wall; try to keep it short, sweet, and respectful. Anyone can see this post. You don’t want to upset others who are mourning them. 

Everyone Grieves Differently

Grief can be extremely personal and private. Everyone grieves in their own way, and they may not express it in the same way as you. When it comes to online groups or pages, not everyone will want to share. It is important to let others express their loss in different ways. Try not to censor or talk over others in a memorial group. Everyone there cared for the deceased, allow them to show it.

The author of this post is not a professional therapist or counselor. For assistance in finding a grief counselor that is right for you, there are a number of resources out there. For our Grief Resource center, written by Dr. Bill Webster, click here. 
For almost 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.