‘Drive-in funeral theater’ helps families mourn during coronavirus shutdown in Texas
Saying goodbye to loved ones as the coronavirus pandemic bears down on the U.S. has become increasingly difficult — but one funeral home in Texas is adapting.
Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries in San Antonio began by offering to live-stream burial services as social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders encumbered other funeral homes across the country.
They also have what Mission Park has dubbed a “drive-in funeral theater.”
“Drive through visitations will allow family and friends to pay tribute to loved ones from the comfort of their own vehicles,” the Mission Park website states.
The service comes at no extra charge to families, according to Mission Park’s website.
Mission Park has a dedicated page on its website for COVID-19, which has infected close to 15,500 people in Texas and killed more than 360 as of Wednesday, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
In addition to the drive-in theater, the funeral home is offering to arrange services via telephone, in-home or on FaceTime. Online streaming and memorial books also enable those grieving to practice social distancing, according to the website.
“Funerals start the healing process so we urge an extra effort be made to support those who are dealing with a loss of a loved one during this unusual time — offering support is needed now more than ever,” President and Managing Director Kristin Tips said, KENS 5 reported.
The drive-in services end with three honks, which represent “comfort, support and love before guests drive away,” according to KENS 5.
