What type of service is a memorial service that does not include the presence of the body?

A memorial service is specifically designed to honor and remember a deceased individual without the need for their physical body to be present. This type of service allows friends and family to gather and celebrate the life of the deceased, share memories, and provide support to one another in their grief. Unlike traditional funerals, which often include the body, memorial services focus on the memories and the legacy left behind, making them a flexible option for various cultural and personal preferences concerning mourning rituals.

In contrast, a celebration of life is a specific type of memorial that can have a more joyous tone and focus on the positive aspects of a person's life. A committal service typically involves the actual burial or cremation process and may include the body, while a graveside service takes place at the burial site and also usually includes the presence of the body. Thus, the defining characteristic of a memorial service is that it provides an opportunity for reflection and remembrance without the physical presence of the deceased.