Category: Sister

The death of a sister hits us hard. It is the loss of a sibling who shared a unique history with us, or a sister-in-law who has become chosen family–and possibly the mother of our nieces or nephews. When death takes a sister, it also takes away an integral part of our formative past. Paying tribute to your sister can be both a way to connect and move through some of your grief. A tribute can be as simple as writing a poem, dedicating a quote, or hosting a remembrance ceremony. Paying tribute to your sister after she has died is a way to keep her legacy alive. Encourage your family and friends to join in remembering your sister and what she meant to the world. A meaningful tribute is a gift to your sister and your family.

Tribute Ideas for Your Sister’s Funeral

It’s a common tradition to pay tribute to a loved one at memorial and funeral services. Whether through a eulogy, poem or reading, spoken words are a meaningful way to celebrate a life and mourn a death. Other tributes such as memory tables

Give a Eulogy

If you are able to speak publicly during her funeral or memorial service, a heartfelt eulogy for your sister will be a powerful way to tell her story and express the connection that you shared.

Share a Poem

If sharing your own words is too much, there are many beautiful poems about sisters (e.g., To My Sister…by Allison Chambers Coxsey) that you can share at a funeral service, in a printed program, or on a memorial card.

Create a memory table

With all of the history you share, you may be the perfect person to create a “memory table” that exhibits items and photos from different chapters or passions in your sister’s life.

Curate an online memorial

There are a growing number of online memorial sites where you can create a webpage in honor of a loved one. These memorials range from simple to elaborate, and many support uploading photos, videos, documents–whatever digital items you have that can tell the story of your sister’s life.

Light a flame

It’s traditional to light a candle in a place of worship, or at home as you quietly contemplate.If it’s s reflecting on their loss

Make a photo or video collage

Dig up some childhood photos or footage and tell a visual story of your sister’s life. Those who met her as an adult will appreciate this window into her early years.

Hold a service in her favorite spot

Funerals and memorial services don’t always need to be indoors. What places did your sister love? Maybe there was a particular hilltop she loved watching the sunset from, or a park where she walked her dog every day.

Choose music to remember

Curating a playlist is a wonderful way to connect with memories of your sister through song.

Write a poem for her

Many poets have expressed their feelings about every facet of the human experience. Just because it’s already been done, that doesn’t mean you don’t bring something new to the table. Writing, in general, can be very cathartic and poetry is a unique vessel to help share your grief.

Tribute Ideas to Remember Your Sister’s Birthday

During a painful anniversary, it’s easy to focus on loss. Remembering what a vibrant, joyous life your sister had is also important. Celebrate her by focusing on her positive traits, great memories, and the love you shared.

Frame a photo

Print some of your favorite photos of your sister and find a spot in your home to hang them. You could create a special corner in your house dedicated to photos hung on the wall or in a frame. You can retreat here whenever you are feeling down or want to see your sisters smiling face.

Read a Poem that Reminds You of Her

Poems can express the full range of human emotions, even if you feel locked in with your grief.

Memorial Jewelry

There’s been a real renaissance in the idea of memorial jewellery.create sparkling glass beads and even diamonds from a loved one’s ashes, while an engraved locket containing a photo is a beautiful way to hold someone close to your heart.

Throw a party

Parties are a great opportunity to celebrate and focus on the positives. You might prefer a quiet gathering of family members or an exuberant celebration. You can decorate for a birthday, make a cake, and go all out.

Volunteer in her memory

One of the most important pieces of someone’s legacy is how they cared for others. What charities did your sister love? Some people volunteer at animal shelters or soup kitchens. Others take advantage of more unusual opportunities to give back. Spending her birthday volunteering is a great way to carry on her legacy.

Take a trip

A trip could be visiting her grave if you live far away. It could also be taking a day trip to one of her favorite places. Journeying away from your home and neighborhood can help you get out of your head.

Host a family reunion

What better way to deal with a difficult day than with your family all around you? Hosting a family reunion gives everyone an excuse to remember your sister. You may end up visiting relatives you haven’t seen since the funeral.

Get a tattoo

Many people get tattoos for loved ones who have already passed away. If you have a tattoo in mind that would memorialize your sister, consider getting it done on her birthday.

Make a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Post

Social media posts are popular places to post ‘happy birthday’ wishes. to Say ‘Happy Birthday in Heaven, Sister’

Tribute Ideas to Remember the Anniversary of Her Death

The first anniversary of her death does not mark the end of grief, but it does mark a transition in the mourning process. The anniversary of her death will likely bring up big and complex emotions. Sharing with others may be a powerful way to ease the grief bottled within.

Hold a special remembrance ceremony

If you do not have a religious or cultural template for marking the death’s anniversary with a special ceremony, consider creating a meaningful rite of your own.

This could be a quiet ritual just for you (here are some songs about death that might be appropriate), a small gathering of close friends and family, or a celebration of life event.

Visit her final resting place

Bringing flowers or something else to embellish a gravestone or columbarium niche is a traditional way to mark the anniversary of a death. The time spent close to her remains can be comforting, can help conversation flow, and can help you reflect on the meaning of the anniversary.

Pay it forward

Try adding some special acts of kindness or generosity to the day—especially ones that would have been meaningful to your mom. Pay for the order behind you at the drive-through, write a sweet note with your tip at the diner, put flowers on the doorsteps of strangers… whatever brings you joy and celebrates the spirit of your mother.

Live her best day

Cook her favorite meal. Play her favorite song. Find her most beloved flowers. Invite her friends to gather. Do something she loved to do. Celebrate all the things that brought her joy and all the joy she brought to you.

Bring in your support system

At the time of your loss, you leaned on your community to support you in facing the death of your mom. Call on them now to help guide you through this milestone in your process of mourning—they will be grateful to know their support is helpful to you.

Create an outdoor memorial

Creating a permanent memorial is a great idea. You can do it by planting something. Trees, flowers, or bushes are all lovely options. You can plant it at your home, at the cemetery, or any other meaningful place.

Write a letter, poem or blog

‘Post’ your letter or poem in a hidden outdoors spot, or online on a grief blog, or community forum. Or keep it somewhere safe and make a personal ritual of writing and re-reading letters and poems every angelversary.

Release butterflies

For many people, butterflies are a beautiful symbol of hope and renewal. On someone’s death anniversary, a butterfly release can be a wonderful tribute. You can buy native butterflies bred specially for release on occasions such as a memorial, birthday or angelversary from a number of specialists via mail order.

Create a shrine

You may have already created a small shrine, or quiet place dedicated to your loved one, in your home. If not, it could be a special one year death anniversary idea. The shrine could include photographs, letters, mementos and candles. Some families take comfort in leaving a candle alight for 24 hours during the anniversary.

Do something in nature

“Someone with a spiritual outlook may well choose a more meditative space in which to reflect,” says Celebrant Anita Watson-James. “I’ve seen painted or carved pebbles or pieces of slate placed around a memorial pond or stream, while angels are often hung on trees or take pride of place somewhere.”

Sister love, simply stated

Paying tribute to your sister doesn’t have to be an elaborate event. It’s an opportunity for you to remember your sister and celebrate your love for her. Though she may seem far away, she is a part of you. Your sister is alive in your heart and mind. Pay tribute and smile because you are a piece of her living legacy.

Music has a huge impact on society and has influenced many individuals today and even back in the seventies. Disco music was an uptempo form of music, which was a combination of soul, funk, latin and motown music. Disco had a strong beat, the music was described as four-on-the-floor beats, which was meant to make people want to get up and dance. Disco in fact, was one of the best genres of music that existed, because it brought people together and gave everyone an opportunity to be who they wanted to be when they hit the dance floor. Each and every disco musical group was unique and had their own styles and aspects which helped the genre evolve through different social groups.

The disco group Sister Sledge is one of the most unique disco groups that existed back in the seventies. The multi-lead vocal group of four incredible entertainers were responsible for the greatest dance anthems ever. ‘We Are Family’, ‘He’s the Greatest dancer’, ‘Thinking of You’ and ‘Lost in Music’, are all around cherished tunes that unite people from different ethnicities in adoration, life and soulful grooves (“Ultimate Disco cruise”). Sister Sledge was very distinct from any other disco musical group because not only were they African American, they were all women. The group consisted of four African- American sisters, Kathy, Debbie, Joni, and Kim. Sister Sledge was formed in 1971 and at that time the sisters ages ranged from twelve to sixteen, with Debbie Sledge being the oldest, Kathy being the youngest and the lead singer of all of the sisters. Daughters of a famous tap dancer Edwin Sledge and actress Florez Sledge, the sisters were originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and became extremely popular during the disco era in the seventies (Robinson, Louise).

The sisters started singing at local churches all over Philadelphia, such as Williams Temple CME and Second Macedonia Baptist Church. The sisters came from a musical background, their grandmother Viola Williams, a well known opera singer, gave the sisters vocal lessons. Sister Sledge recorded their first single “ Time Will Tell” in 1971, for the Money Back Label, in 1972 the sisters recorded their second single ‘Weatherman” after signing a deal with Atco. Sister Sledge did not become well known until their professional music career launched when they entered the UK Singles Chart in 1975 with ‘Mama Never Told Me’, composed by Tony Bell and Phil Hurtt.

The siblings achieved international success at the height of the disco era by winning the Silver Award in Japan at the 1974 Tokyo Music Festival ( “ Ultimate Disco Cruise”). Sister sledge soon became one of the most popular African-American musical groups in the seventies. One of their top hits, “ We Are Family” , written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, was recorded and released in January 22, 1979, the song became a worldwide hit charting at No. 2 pop and No. 1 R&B. “We Are Family” and Sister Sledge were nominated for a Grammy Award and ‘We Are Family’ was adopted as the official anthem for The Pittsburgh Pirates who went on to win the World Series that year. When Debbie went on Maternity leave their other sister, Carol, who wasn’t in the original group, took Debbie’s place temporarily. They were named Billboards ‘Best New Artist’, the sisters enjoyed their taste of fame and time spent when they were on tour together whilst performing for their fans. The sisters collaborated with Narada Michael Walden, in 1981, they worked together to produce their fifth studio album “All American Girls”, which landed a number three hit on the Billboard.

Not many disco bands could compare to Sister Sledge, for the sisters had their own sense of style and uniqueness. The 1970’s were not only the birth period of disco music but was an important movement for black hair history, as celebrities and everyday women appeared to embrace the texture of our hair. The sisters had a huge impact on the black community when they started wearing their hair into afros; it influenced the black culture to start wearing their hair in the same styles( Black America Web). From the way the sisters dressed to the way they presented themselves, this behavior motivated other African- American women to embrace their natural beauty.

Sister Sledge has become a household name and a symbol of unity. In the aftermath of 9/11, the sisters re-recorded “ We Are Family” as a benefits record. The group continued to grow as they received the opportunity to perform for the former presidential family, the Clintons at the White House. Throughout the years, the group has earned a string of Gold and Platinum hits, acquiring several honors and tributes including Grammy Nominations. The sisters kept spreading all inclusive love, visiting the world carrying their authentic grooves to people of all ages and colors.

Although Kathy Sledge, left the group in 1989 to pursue a career as a solo singer, she was still willing to preform with the sisters when she was needed. Unfortunately Joni Sledge died from natural causes in her home in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 6th, 2017 at the age of sixty. As of today, Sister Sledge only consist of two sisters and they continue to tour from time to time. The era of disco was short-lived, but many people to this day still listen to the classics from the era. Disco was the only genre in history to have an official death date, and was one of the most cultural movements in the seventies. The era brought individuals from different backgrounds together and everyone was considered equal. Disco music rapidly started to die down in the 1980’s and more people started to move toward the dance, pop and rock music.

Work Cited!

1. Bawtonyapendleton. “A Family Divided: What Happened To Sister Sledge?” Black America Web, Black America Web, 17 Aug. 2016,
2. Henderson, Alex. “Sister Sledge: Biography & History.” AllMusic, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sister-sledge-mn0000746666/biography.
3. Peloquin, Margaret. Austin Community College, https://login.lsproxy.austincc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct&db=funk&AN=di062650&site=eds-live&scope=site.
4. Peloquin, Margaret. Austin Community College, https://login.lsproxy.austincc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.lsproxy.austincc.edu/login.aspx?direct&db=f6h&AN=49037329&site=eds-live&scope=site.
5. “Sister Sledge.” Discogs, https://www.discogs.com/ru/artist/37224-Sister-Sledge.
6. “Sister Sledge Hometown, Lineup, Biography.” Last.fm, https://www.last.fm/music/Sister Sledge/ wiki.
7. https://ultimatediscocruise.com/lineup/sister-sledge.

There are many ways Good and Evil are represented in one’s everyday life at school whether it is through novels or just simple poems, how do authors portray the theme of Good and Evil in their poetry? Goblin Market is a story about the need and trust in sisterhood, this poem was written by Christina Rossetti. Paradise Lost written by William Blake is a poem about an angel named Satan being kicked out of Heaven and sent to Hell. Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is about a Mariner learning to not bite the hand that feeds him. Good and Evil is portrayed in romantic poetry by a detailed amount of imagery, the attitude of the characters and the lessons that were learned by the end of each poem.

To begin with,Good and Evil is portrayed thoroughly by the use of imagery throughout the authors poetry. The poem Goblin Market starts with the Goblins chanting about there fruits trying to get the women to fall into temptation. The chant includes a very detailed description of the fruits they bear “ Lemons and oranges, Plump unpeck’d cherries,Melons and raspberries, Bloom-down-cheek’d peaches,Swart-headed mulberries,Wild free-born cranberries” (Rossetti 6-11). These lines may come off as just fruits that the goblins are trying to sell to women it read to quickly but in reality it acts as a spell to hypnotize the women. This is hidden in the text by the amount of imagery used to detail and maybe even cover the sexual tone of the poem. Also described in the text is what Lizzie had to do in order to help her sister Laura “ Squeez’d from goblin fruits for you,Goblin pulp and goblin dew. Eat me, drink me, love me;Laura, make much of me;For your sake I have braved the glen.”( Rosetti 469-473). The imagery in these lines show in detail how much Lizzie wanted to help her sister live. Imagery is want brings the poem to life and what also

There are many ways Good and Evil are represented in one’s everyday life at school whether it is through novels or just simple poems, how do authors portray the theme of Good and Evil in their poetry? Goblin Market is a story about the need and trust in sisterhood, this poem was written by Christina Rossetti. Paradise Lost written by William Blake is a poem about an angel named Satan being kicked out of Heaven and sent to Hell. Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is about a Mariner learning to not bite the hand that feeds him. Good and Evil is portrayed in romantic poetry by a detailed amount of imagery, the attitude of the characters and the lessons that were learned by the end of each poem.

To begin with,Good and Evil is portrayed thoroughly by the use of imagery throughout the authors poetry. The poem Goblin Market starts with the Goblins chanting about there fruits trying to get the women to fall into temptation. The chant includes a very detailed description of the fruits they bear “ Lemons and oranges, Plump unpeck’d cherries,Melons and raspberries, Bloom-down-cheek’d peaches,Swart-headed mulberries,Wild free-born cranberries” (Rossetti 6-11). These lines may come off as just fruits that the goblins are trying to sell to women it read to quickly but in reality it acts as a spell to hypnotize the women. This is hidden in the text by the amount of imagery used to detail and maybe even cover the sexual tone of the poem. Also described in the text is what Lizzie had to do in order to help her sister Laura “ Squeez’d from goblin fruits for you,Goblin pulp and goblin dew. Eat me, drink me, love me;Laura, make much of me;For your sake I have braved the glen.”( Rosetti 469-473). The imagery in these lines show in detail how much Lizzie wanted to help her sister live. Imagery is want brings the poem to life and what also gives the read a vision what is actually going on.

Another way Good and Evil in portrayed in romantic poetry is through the attitude of the characters. As the poem Paradise Lost begins we are introduced to Satan trying to rebel about God. From the start we are given a good look at the attitude of Satan and how he feels about God having all the power. The text explains the rebellion of Satan with “ Under thy conduct, and it dreadful deeds endangered Heaven’s perpetual king” this shows that Satan had a plan to go against God. As the poem goes deeper it is revealed the complete attitude of Satan “ Here we reign secure,and in my choice to reign is worth ambition, though in Hell” (Blake 261-262) this goes to show that Satan’s attitude stayed strong and he was willing to be the king of Hell. the attitude of a poem has a great effect on the poem because it helps the audience connect with the characters.

Finally, good and evil is shown through the lessons the characters have learned in the poem. This is shown in the poem Rime of the Ancient Mariner where the main character kills the bird that lead him out the storm. Once the mariner kills the bird he becomes lost and full of regret “ Instead of the cross, the Albatross About my neck was hung.” ( Coleridge 141-142). By the end of the poem the Mariner realizes the wrong in his actions when he meets death and his crew dies. “ And from my neck so free the Albatross fell, and sank Like lead into the sea.” ( Coleridge 290-291). There are many lessons learned in different poems in which it shows there is growth within the character from the beginning the of the poem to the end.

In summary, Good and Evil can be show multiple ways through poetry with the detailed imagery, characters attitudes and the final lessoned learned by the end of the poem. Good and evil coexist with one another and it is the way they are used together that makes them complete opposites but all together one can not have evil without good and good without evil. At the end of the day, poetry has many ways of showing good and evil whether it’s imagery that makes it stand out or just the character attitudes throughout the poem .