At the heart of funeral service is a simple but powerful goal: helping families remember a life well lived. That belief is the inspiration behind the new Remembering A Life Award, introduced this year as part of NFDA’s Pursuit of Excellence Program.

This new recognition honors funeral homes that create funerals and memorial services that go beyond expectations – services shaped by family wishes, cultural traditions, and thoughtful details that bring comfort and meaning during difficult moments.

Up to five funeral homes will be selected annually for this distinction. Recipients will be chosen based on an essay submitted as part of the Pursuit of Excellence entry, describing a personal and meaningful funeral or memorial service and the impact it had on the family and those in attendance.

If your team has ever:

• Thought creatively to honor a life
• Personalized a service in a meaningful way
• Gone above and beyond to support a grieving family

…this award was designed to recognize that work.

The Remembering A Life Award will be presented during the All-Star Recognition Ceremony at the 2026 NFDA International Convention & Expo. Learn more and begin your Pursuit of Excellence entry at NFDA.org/PursuitOfExcellence.