Keeping It Personal Awards

Life Forest – Manchester, New Hampshire

“You Can Always Talk to Possum at Life Forest” is a children’s book and companion workbook created by Life Forest Cemetery to help grieving children process loss through gentle storytelling and meaningful action. Inspired by the needs of two young boys attending their father’s burial, the project normalizes complex emotions and teaches children healthy ways to stay connected to loved ones who have died. Supported by professionals in behavioral health, mental health, and end-of-life care, the free workbook and accompanying community programs extend grief support beyond the graveside, reinforcing Life Forest’s commitment to compassionate, personalized care for families—especially children—navigating loss.

Capillas Señoriales Casa de Homenajes – Mérida, Yucatán, México 

Sanctuary of the Sea is an innovative memorial concept by Señoriales Corporación de Servicio that transforms cremated remains into ecological Memorial Pearls integrated into protected ocean reefs off the coast of Mexico. Guided by celebrants and supported by the Reef Ball Foundation, each tribute combines personalized land-based rituals with a sea submersion ceremony that honors memory while regenerating marine life. By turning farewell into an act of environmental renewal and love, MARE reimagines memorialization as a living legacy—one where remembrance does not mark an ending, but creates life that endures.

El Campanario – Guatemala

Recognizing the unspoken grief of pregnancy and infant loss, El Campanario created “Vínculos de Amor,” a comprehensive support program that helps families navigate this tragedy through recognition, remembrance, memorialization, and support. They provide a Certificate of Loss to validate each baby’s existence, host remembrance events to honor the bond between parents and children and created a Butterfly Garden as a permanent memorial.

Their Thanathology center, the first in the region authorized by the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation, offers professional grief support to families in need. Presented at the 3rd Annual International Thanatology Congress, the program has already supported 165 families across Guatemala, El Salvador, Argentina, Mexico, and the U.S., proving that love and remembrance can transform loss into healing. 

Señoriale Corporación de Servicio – Guatemala 

In 2024, Señoriales Corporación de Servicio expanded Homenajes de Luz y Vida into a three-day event, bringing together 40,000 attendees to honor life, memory, and tradition at Cementerio Los Parques. All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) focused on reflection and solemn tributes, Day of the Dead (Nov. 2) celebrated cultural fusion with traditional altars and activities, and Day of the Stars or Pets (Nov. 3) honored pets with parades and workshops. Built on four pillars—cultural appreciation, love-filled tributes, immersive experiences, and emotional connections—Caminos de Luz illuminated the legacy of those who have passed while guiding families in celebrating cherished traditions. 

Tending App by All Funeral Services – New York, New York

The Tending App enables families to preserve loved ones’ resting places from anywhere in the country through verified, shareable cemetery restoration. Using before-and-after photo documentation and coordinated local care, Tending restored the historic Collins family cemetery in Texas—uncovering hidden gravestones and preserving an important piece of post–Civil War history. The project transformed remote aftercare into a shared act of remembrance, demonstrating how technology can keep memorialization personal, transparent, and accessible. 

Tombstone Jack Inc. – Bringham City, Utah

Tombstone Jack is an innovative monument lifting and leveling system that allows individuals and small volunteer groups to safely restore memorials without heavy machinery. Designed to be quiet, portable, and accessible, the product empowers communities to preserve dignity and history one grave at a time. Used to restore nearly 250,000 monuments across North America, Tombstone Jack demonstrates how thoughtful design can create personalized impact at scale—making cemetery care achievable for families, volunteers, and caretakers alike. 

Keeper Memorials – Hamilton, Canada | In partnership with the National Cemetery Administration 

The “Your Story, Your Legacy” feature of the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) from Keeper Memorials provides Veterans with a dedicated space to share their own life stories, preserving their legacies for future generations. Developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and deathcare leaders, VLM commemorates nearly 10 million Veterans through online memorial pages where loved ones can share photos, tributes, and biographies. Now, eligible living Veterans can securely document their personal and military milestones, transforming VLM into an interactive tribute that connects communities, educates future generations, and ensures every Veteran’s story is honored.

Afterword – New York City, New York

Afterword’s Online Planner is transforming the way families arrange funeral services—making the process easier, more transparent, and deeply personal. Designed to guide families as if they were speaking directly with a funeral director, the planner offers educational videos, real-time pricing, and detailed service descriptions to help families make informed decisions with confidence. Unlike pre-packaged selections, it provides flexibility to explore all available options, from burial to cremation. Seamlessly integrating with in-person arrangements, the Online Planner empowers funeral homes to showcase their services while offering families a clear, stress-free planning experience.