On my Mothers side of the family, all of my generation has gotten together to celebrate the life of the parent/aunt/uncle that has passed. We have a favorite bar near the Milan, IL, airport that we go to and sit, talk, drink, reminise and just generally have a good time. We also go to the service and cry our eyes out. We've done this for each of my Mom's brothers, her sister and their spouces except for one Aunt who is still will us. And we will do this for her and my parents when their time comes.