Keohane Funeral Home

COVID-19 FUNERAL HOME UPDATE & INFORMATION

January 1, 2022

“Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals.”

–William Gladstone

These words from William Gladstone have served as a guide for the Keohane team throughout our over 100-year legacy of caring for families on the South Shore. Today, in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our team remains steadfastly resolute in our commitment to caring for those who have died and, in an equally important way, those who survive them. To that end, our team is working diligently to respond compassionately, safely and efficiently to the needs of the communities we serve as we unite in the fight to contain this pandemic.

“The pandemic is an unprecedented situation which has caused additional stress and concerns for families facing a loss”, said firm Co-President John E. Keohane. “We hope that through these initiatives we may allay many of these concerns so that families may focus on the emotional healing they need.”

In response to the most recent public health directives given by local, state and federal governments, Keohane has updated its protocols:

• Funeral Homes have returned to normal operations without restrictions.

• Facial covering will not be required of vaccinated family members, but it is advised that non-vaccinated individuals continue to wear them.  Each individual will be responsible for making this decision prior to entering the facility and we will not require proof.
• Given that each family may have a different comfort level during this transition time, we will honor a family’s request to require masks of their guests.  This will be on a case-by-case basis and a sign in the lobby will ask you to place your mask on at the request of the family.  We will have extra masks available for those situations.
• Hand sanitizing capabilities are provided within the facility and encouraged prior to and after visiting our facility.

“In addition to these safeguards, our team has also developed several initiatives that we hope will provide our community with opportunities to connect and share despite the threat of COVID-19”, added firm Co-President Dennis W. Keohane. “Social isolation is a concern for all of us but most especially for those like the grieving and our seniors who need connection most. We hope that these initiatives will help people feel less isolated.”

Keohane is offering the following initiatives to help families heal and to aid in the reduction of virus transmission and social isolation.

• Complimentary live streaming and recording of ceremonies for remote participation posted on www.keohane.com

• Enhanced obituaries written by published authors.

• Tribute videos honoring the deceased posted on www.keohane.com.

• Active encouragement of electronic condolence messages to comfort families.

• Unique memorialization options such as cremation and fingerprint keepsakes.

The entire Keohane team has worked diligently over the past two years to ensure that every family had the ability to honor their loved ones in a meaningful way, even during very difficult circumstances.  We have always known that people need to come together, in person, to properly begin the grieving process.  There is no electronic substitute for a warm embrace, outstretched hands, or a kiss on the cheek.

We offer our heartfelt condolences for every family that was affected by Covid-19 and pray you will receive the strength and emotional support needed over the coming months.

Those seeking additional information may visit www.keohane.com. Those with urgent needs or questions should call 1-800-KEOHANE.