A recent story by new media journalist Caleb Booker shows that even in Second Life, funerals are important.

First, I should explain that Second Life is an online world where people interact in a virtual environment.  Users can buy virtual real estate and create homes, churches and even funeral chapels. 

The picture above is from a funeral recently held in Second Life for a “first life” person.  Click here to read the fascinating story and to be reassured that, at least for some people, funerals still play an important role in life.

I think my favorite part (from a funeral professional’s viewpoint) was the way the journalist viewed the involvement of a ”virtual funeral director”:

It went very smoothly, due in no small part to the funeral director’s efforts. Her real-world family are in the business, apparently, and she consulted with them heavily in preparation. It paid off.