Mourning in a time of pandemic is a far different experience than mourning in ordinary times. Social distancing means huge gatherings at funerals and visitations aren't wise, so mourners are left to process their grief in small groups of close family members. Social media and live streaming -- Zoom and Facebook live -- can help connect, but it's just not the same. We'll hear from mourners about grief in the time of pandemic and we'll get perspective from funeral directors who are balancing the grieving process with good public health practices. First, we'll learn about how COVID-19 impacts the Cuyahoga County medical examiner's office and, later, how it is affecting the Cleveland Orchestra.
Thomas Gilson, M.D., Medical Examiner, Cuyahoga County
Laura Aquilla, Mourning Loss of Son
Mark Busch, Co-owner, Funeral Director, Busch Funeral & Crematory Services
Bart Bookatz, Manager, Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel
KC McKenna, Principal, St. Edward High School
Gary Burr, President, Ohio Funeral Directors Association
Marcella Boyd Cox, Vice President and Chief of Community Engagement, E-F Boyd and Son
Gwenn Maxwell, Mourning Uncle
David C. Barnett, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream