DETROIT – Wayne State University’s mortuary science program will hold its first interfaith service of remembrance for unclaimed decedents at the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office. The service will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, April 1, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, located at 4800 Woodward Avenue in Detroit.

The 90-minute ceremony is designed to bring dignity and recognition to individuals who passed away without family or loved ones to claim them. Led by five clergy members from Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Protestant faiths, the ceremony will include prayers and rituals representing each tradition. The program will also include music, a reading of names and a moment of reflection to honor each individual.

"Some of these individuals have not received proper services, and we want to acknowledge their lives — no death should go ungrieved,” said Mark Evely, program director and assistant professor of mortuary science. ”These were members of our community, and we want to honor them."

The memorial will also serve as a learning opportunity for mortuary science students as they prepare for careers in funeral service. Wayne State students will play an active role in directing and participating in the service, allowing them to develop essential skills in funeral planning, ceremony coordination and cultural sensitivity while reinforcing the emotional and ethical responsibilities of their profession.

“This is a chance for our students and the community to unite in paying tribute and showing respect,” said Evely. “Our hope is that this gathering offers solace to attendees while ensuring these individuals are remembered with the dignity they deserve.”

The service is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend.

For more information about the service, contact Mark Evely at evely@wayne.edu.