NASHUA, NH — Rest Eternal.

It’s not something most people want to talk about, and when you get older, you tend to check the obituary page of the newspaper more often.

But some people skip the obituary, and others don’t bother to include an obituary for their loved ones when they pass on. I find it strange because every person matters and has an interesting story about their journey in life that should be shared with others.

Margalit Fox used to write obituaries for The New York Times and was considered one of the best in her field. Here’s how she looked at the obit:

“While death can take our loved ones, the obituary is a way to bring them back.”

For example, I recently lost my childhood priest, Reverend Soterios Alexopoulos, at the age of 95. His obituary was long and he accomplished many things during his lifetime. He and his late wife, Presvytera Eleni, leave an extraordinary legacy after a ministry of 48 years. Father Alexopoulos was transferred to Nashua in 1972, where he played a key role in uniting the two former Nashua Greek churches and building the new St. Philip at 500 West Hollis Street.

In part, his obituary read: “During his ministry at St. Philip’s, the community grew from 250 to 450 families. He and Presvytera worked tirelessly to grow all ministries: Altar Maidens, Bible Study, Guest Speaker Series, Outreach to our Elders, Greek School, Sunday School, GOYA…”

And the list goes on.

It was an extraordinary and selfless life. It is also a loss to the Greek Orthodox community and to daughters Vasiliki and Tina and their families.

Father Alexopoulos led with a gentle demeanor and was always happy to welcome you and offer encouraging advice. He was well regarded beyond the City Gate as “a spiritual father to many.”

How we say goodbye to those we lose is a personal choice. Take, for example, green burial, another way Granite Stateries are lately choosing to honor the deceased and forgo the traditional burial of a casket and embalming. Some believe it is a very natural and more environmentally friendly type of burial.

According to Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematory’s website, the body is “placed in a biodegradable container (eg, willow), then buried directly in an unlined concrete grave.”

“Phaneuf is the only funeral home in New Hampshire and Vermont approved by the Green Burial Council.”

New Hampshire has several green cemeteries, but none in Nashua or Manchester. The closest cemetery that supports green burial is at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Wilton.

Did you know that New Hampshire (78.9%) is one of the top states in the country for cremation, another alternative to traditional burial?

This form of burial has become quite popular, but unfortunately cremated remains can become abandoned.

I recently learned that there were 24 unclaimed cremated remains in New Hampshire. The ages of the deceased ranged between 48 and 87 years. It’s hard to understand, but sometimes those who die don’t have family or friends around.

Cremation Society of New Hampshire and Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematory have partnered with Mt. Calvary in Manchester to provide a ‘home’ for unclaimed cremated remains. A public mass to honor and accept the unclaimed remains has been scheduled for Saturday, November 2 at Mt. Calvary Chapel.

It is a fitting and worthy gesture.