Margaret McDonnell

Margaret spent seventeen years as an English and Writing teacher before venturing into the funeral industry as a writer. She has been writing articles for US Urns Online since the summer of 2022. Margaret loves tackling subjects that help others navigate through the difficulties of grief. After losing three close family members in less than four years and having to endure the difficult task of writing a eulogy for each, she considered assisting others through grief by helping them pay tribute with a beautiful memorial speech. As a result, she started her own eulogy writing business. Her niche is unique because it offers others something that they might not have considered otherwise. For people enduring loss, it’s usually hard to set aside emotions to focus upon capturing life in a celebratory way. Margaret uses her personal experience with grief to practice empathy, making the process of creating a beautiful eulogy easy for her clients.

How to Write a Tribute to a Father Who Passed Away

April 16, 2024 by Margaret McDonnell

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The loss of a father or a father figure is indescribable. The same could be said for the love of a father.

So, how are you supposed to write a beautiful tribute that accurately reflects the incredible person he was, his life, and his love? Especially if you’re still grieving your father’s passing.

Due to his profound impact on your life, it may be challenging to find words for just how much your late dad meant to you. As you navigate the grief of your father’s death during this difficult time, writing a tribute may not be something you are looking forward to.

Ambiguous Loss: How To Grieve When You Can’t Find Closure

March 23, 2024 by Margaret McDonnell

Grieving over the loss of a loved one is difficult no matter what type of loss you’re experiencing.

Yet there is a sort of “certainty” that closure will come. This is what makes healing possible.

Loss is a universal experience. Ambiguous loss is different, though.

My Husband Died and I Want Him Back: Grief & Growth

October 2, 2023 by Margaret McDonnell

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“My husband died and I want him back. He was the love of my life, my best friend, my soul mate, my life partner, my companion.”

It’s a highly personal, yet also very common response to the loss of a spouse.

After your husband’s passing, it’s only natural to want him back. But for some, the enormity of grief keeps the surviving spouse from growing, grieving, and living life in a healthy way.

How to Rebuild Your Life After Loss of Spouse

October 26, 2023April 17, 2023 by Margaret McDonnell

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It’s been some time since the death of your spouse, and “letting go” seems so far beyond where you’re at mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. How to rebuild your life after the death of a spouse seems so far beyond your abilities.

You’re still feeling the depth of the loss as you wake up each morning, realizing you’re alone and yearning for that familiar morning routine with your best friend by your side.

Drinking coffee together in the breakfast nook. Exchanging pages from your favorite newspaper while discussing the latest events. Planning your day with each other in mind. Anticipating the comfort that your soul mate’s well wishes will ultimately bring…

When to Dispose of a Loved One’s Belongings (Now, Later, Never?)

November 16, 2023April 10, 2023 by Margaret McDonnell

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When is the right time to dispose of your deceased loved one’s belongings?

How long after someone dies should you get rid of their clothes? What about their keepsakes, their shoes, their jewelry? Their shampoo bottles and old prescriptions? Their worn-out gardening gloves, that book they kept meaning to read?

What exactly do you keep after someone dies? Knowing when to dispose of the deceased’s belongings isn’t going to be an easy task.

The space of time following the life celebration and burial of a loved one can be lonely. You are left with many reminders of your loss in the objects that surround you.

Your next step is to decide what to do with your loved one’s belongings.

How to Write a Tribute to a Sister Who Passed Away

July 24, 2023April 3, 2023 by Margaret McDonnell

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Sisters are irreplaceable and occupy a very special place in our hearts. That’s why when it comes time to write a tribute to a sister who passed away, it’s important for it to be thoughtful, meaningful and encompass all of those beautiful attributes that she embodied during her life.

You want to share a small piece of who she was with the people who have gathered to honor her.

101 Loss of Son Quotes for Sympathy & Healing

July 24, 2023November 14, 2022 by Margaret McDonnell

There is no greater emotional pain than what one experiences after losing a child.

If you recently lost your beloved son, you’re probably finding it extremely difficult to find consolation while carrying on with your life. His absence has left you with a deep void that cannot be filled with memories alone.

How to Write a Tribute to a Mother Who Passed Away

July 24, 2023September 26, 2022 by Margaret McDonnell

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Writing a tribute to a mother who passed away is a bittersweet task. The loss itself creates a heaviness in your heart that seems unbearable, yet the act of remembering her results in a joy that is profound.

Mothers are the most special people in the world. They embody the grace and wisdom needed to succeed at humanity’s most important role. No one shows the kind of unconditional love that our mothers display for us.