Building a life in another country is often an emotionally charged decision. Whether for work, love, or better prospects for the future, this decision involves leaving behind one’s culture, language, customs… and, of course, family. This reality can pose significant challenges when a passing occurs abroad or when planning one’s own final resting place.
When it comes to international funeral services, a crucial question arises: do you want to rest in your adopted country or repatriated to your homeland? Some people want to stay where they have lived their adult lives, while others choose to return to their roots. Both options are valid and deserve to be respected.
At Urgel Bourgie / Athos, our mission is to offer compassionate, modern, and tailored solutions, whether it’s organizing a repatriation, attending an online ceremony, or commemorating a loved one from afar.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How to repatriate a deceased loved one to or from abroad.
- The funeral services available to celebrate life across distances.
- Practical ways to pay tribute to a loved one, even from afar.
Funeral repatriation: finding peace in your homeland
A death abroad requires a series of specific steps to be taken. Between legal documents, diplomatic requirements, and transportation constraints, coordination can be complex.
At Urgel Bourgie / Athos, we provide you with rigorous and empathetic support throughout all stages of the funeral repatriation process, whether:
- From Quebec to another country (for example, for immigrants wishing to return to their homeland),
- Or from abroad to Quebec, in the case of Quebec citizens who died outside the country and expressed a wish to rest here.
Our experienced teams handle communications with:
- The relevant consular authorities and embassies.
- Airlines and carriers specializing in the transfer of bodies.
- Partner funeral homes abroad.
Pre-arrangements: choosing your final resting place
Planning your funeral pre-arrangements in advance is a thoughtful and caring decision for your loved ones.
This allows you to determine in advance:
- The location of your final resting place (adopted or native country).
- The type of ceremony you would like.
- Logistical details for repatriation, if necessary.
By planning these things now, you can ensure that your wishes will be respected. This will also allow you to cover the associated costs, which will spare your loved ones an administrative and financial burden after your passing. Our advisors are here to guide you through this process of planning for the future.
Remote tribute and online funeral ceremony
Nowadays, it is not uncommon for members of the same family to be scattered across the globe. Aware of this reality, Urgel Bourgie / Athos offers a complete range of remote funeral services. This allows everyone to take part in rituals and find comfort with their loved ones, despite the distance.
Ceremony Recording: present, even from a distance
Our funeral ceremony recording services allow loved ones who cannot be physically present to attend the event live or later via a secure broadcast.
Access can be restricted to a private circle or made public, depending on the family’s preferences. During the ceremony, remote participants can leave messages and show their support, creating a space for shared communion.
Secure virtual memorial space
After the ceremony, our online memorial space allows you to preserve:
- Videos of the ceremony.
- Testimonials and messages shared by loved ones.
- Digital memories, available at any time.
This secure platform, accessible only to loved ones, provides a virtual place of remembrance. If needed, the Urgel Bourgie/Athos team can offer support to families to help them use this tool with ease.
Personalized commemoration: honoring a loved one in your own way
Even if a loved one is buried thousands of miles away, it is still possible to pay tribute to them. Commemoration does not depend on physical presence, but rather on the bond we have with the departed.
Here are some concrete ways to keep their memory alive in a personal way, regardless of distance:
- Plant a tree or flowers in their name and take care of them regularly in their memory.
- Write a letter, keep it in a private place, or symbolically send it away by placing it in a stream or blowing it away in the wind.
- Light a candle on an important date, such as their birthday or the anniversary of their passing.
- Organize an annual family gathering to reminisce about fond memories and share stories.
These gestures are a respectful way to maintain a connection with the deceased, even when the grave or urn is far away.
Urgel Bourgie / Athos: Bringing together tradition and innovation
At Urgel Bourgie / Athos, we use our expertise to offer you solutions tailored to your situation. With our funeral repatriation services, virtual memorial tools, and commitment to the dignity of every life, we help you navigate this difficult time with confidence.
Whether you are planning your final resting place or organizing the funeral of a loved one who has passed away abroad, our team is here to support you.
Contact us today.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
What documents are required for funeral repatriation abroad?
The necessary documents vary depending on the country, but generally include a certificate of passing, a valid passport, a permit for the transfer of the body, and consular authorizations. The Urgel Bourgie / Athos team takes care of all the administrative procedures to facilitate the process.Can I attend a funeral ceremony if I live in another country?
Yes. Thanks to our funeral ceremony recording service, you can attend the event live or recorded via a secure platform. You can also send your condolence messages and participate virtually in the gathering.Is it possible to include repatriation costs in my funeral pre-arrangements?
Absolutely. When planning your pre-arrangements, you can make provisions for all the logistical and financial aspects of repatriation, based on your anticipated place of passing and your wishes. This ensures that your wishes are respected while easing the mental and financial burden on your loved ones.