Remembering Mom on Mother’s Day: 10 Ways to Celebrate From Near & Far

Mother’s Day can be a bittersweet time if you’ve lost your mom. Whether it’s been months or many years, the day often stirs up memories, emotions and the longing to feel close to her again. Gathering with loved ones—at home, graveside or in spirit—can offer comfort and connection. And thanks to today’s technology, you have more ways than ever to honor her memory, both in person and online.

Here are 10 meaningful ideas to help you celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day.

Mom’s golden era brunch

Host a brunch inspired by Mom’s favorite era. Was she a 1950s casserole queen or a 1970s crepes-and-punch kind of hostess? Set the table—or serve buffet style—with dishes she would’ve loved. Browse old photo albums while you dine, and if your family is spread out, share recipes ahead of time and hop on a casual Zoom or FaceTime call to eat together. For extra fun, invite everyone to dress in an outfit from the era mom loved most.

Take a virtual trip to one of her favorite places

If you don't have videos to help you relive your family vacations, you can opt to visit Mom's favorite vacation spots online. If Mom was moved by majestic mountains, take a trip to the Alps. If a warmer climate was more her speed, visit the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority's (@travelsaintlucia) Pinterest page, providing a unique look at Saint Lucian culture. It's also fun to utilize the Google Street View of virtual maps to tour the cities she loved most.

Create a top 50 playlist

Whether she sang at the kitchen sink, never missed an opportunity to attend a concert or just listened to the radio while driving, Mom definitely had her favorite songs. Involve family and friends through social media, asking them to share the songs they know Mom loved or tunes that remind them of her the most. Once you've compiled a playlist (try using Spotify or YouTube), you can share with friends or even host a virtual dance party in Mom's honor. Here are some songs to get you started.

Host a tribute video watch party

If your mom has a tribute video on DignityMemorial.com (search for her life story here), schedule a watch party with family and friends to share your favorite moments with Mom. (You can try Facebook Messenger's Watch Together feature.) If there's not a tribute video, old reel-to-reel movies and VHS tapes can be easily digitized. Send in the film and tapes to a company that specializes in such transformations, and they'll take care of the rest.

Share a moment from Mom’s final resting place

If you’re planning to visit her gravesite, consider inviting others to join virtually by livestreaming a short remembrance on Facebook, Instagram or Zoom. Whether it’s a quiet reading, a favorite song or something more ceremonial like a dove release, it can be a meaningful way to include loved ones who can’t be there in person. Many cemeteries will help you plan something special.

Send flowers to her gravesite—even from afar

You don’t have to be nearby to brighten Mom’s resting place. Many cemeteries, including Dignity Memorial locations, offer flower placement programs that let you choose arrangements to be delivered in her honor. Services like Cemetery Flowers make it easy to select a bouquet that reflects her personality, or you can contact the cemetery directly to explore other meaningful options.

Give back in a way that would make Mom proud

Honor her legacy by volunteering or making a donation to a cause she cared about. Whether it's organizing a day of service with family at a local food bank or donating to her favorite charity, small acts of kindness can be a powerful tribute. If she was crafty, consider using her leftover fabrics or yarn to make cozy blankets or handmade gifts for those in need. Giving in her name turns your love for her into something that continues to grow.

Pay it forward: Send a gift “from” Mom

Mom always knew exactly what to say to encourage us. In her honor, send a card, a bouquet or a gift of gourmet food to a friend or family member who needs to hear those words today. Be sure to include a note to let them know what Mom might say if she were still with us, and then encourage them to pay it forward.

Re-create a favorite photo of Mom

Choose one of her most iconic looks or treasured snapshots and have a little fun bringing it to life. Get the grandkids involved and share the recreations with each other through a group text, Facebook group or Instagram hashtag just for your family. Want to make it extra fun? Turn it into a friendly competition and let Mom’s closest friends or siblings be the judges.

All-about-Mom trivia night

Gather the family—virtually or in person—for a trivia game focused entirely on Mom. Mix in facts from her life with your funniest shared memories to keep things lighthearted and meaningful. You can go low-tech with a casual video call or use a game platform like Kahoot! to make it interactive. However you play, be sure to leave time for storytelling and lots of laughter.

However you choose to honor Mom this Mother’s Day, the most meaningful moments often come from sharing them. Whether you're gathering in person, connecting across the miles, or simply reflecting in your own way, involving family and friends can bring comfort, laughter, and a deeper sense of togetherness. Traditions don’t have to be grand to be beautiful—they just need to come from the heart.

If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate your mother’s memory or need help planning a graveside visit or memorial tribute, we’re here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re honored to support you.