A photo that keeps them close
Choose a portrait that captures your loved one as you remember them: with a familiar smile, a thoughtful gaze, or in profile. A garden photo with soft greenery in the background can work just as well as a simple black-and-white portrait. Make sure the circular crop frames the face well, leaving a little space around the head.
A few words, chosen with care
For the text, you can use their full name, such as “Frank Ebstein”. A familiar nickname or “Dad” may also suit a personal keepsake. Their birth and death dates appear below, for example, “January 3, 1944 – June 7, 2022”.
If you prefer to leave out the dates, you can use this line for a short message instead:
- “In loving memory”
- “Always close to us”
- “Forever in our hearts”
- “Thank you for your love”
Let one simple question guide your choice: Which words reflect who they were and the bond you shared?
For Memorial Services and Funerals
A memorial portrait with a name and birth and death dates gives the memory of a loved one a visible place. You can display it in the chapel during the service or at the gathering afterward. It offers family and friends a quiet focal point as they say goodbye together.
As a Keepsake at Home
After the funeral, the memorial portrait can stand on a dresser or in a special place of remembrance. Whether you’re grieving a parent, your partner, a sibling, or a close friend, it keeps their memory present in everyday life and may bring comfort to you and others who share your loss.
For Anniversaries and Quiet Remembrance
The portrait also has a place on your loved one’s birthday or the anniversary of their passing—at a family gathering or in a quiet moment on your own. With their name and birth and death dates, it remains a personal tribute to them and the life they lived.