A Nonprofit Dedicated to Healing & Remembrance
No One Should Be Forgotten.
When a life is taken by violence, families are left with grief — and often financial burden. We donate headstones to victims in the Chicagoland area of violent crime as a means of both emotional and financial support to those families.
More Than a Headstone
But our purpose goes beyond the headstone.
We want families to feel supported, seen, and surrounded by community during their time of loss.
Our Mission
Families Healed. Lives Honored.
Remembering Those We Lost supports families in the Chicagoland area who have lost loved ones to violence by offering emotional and financial relief through the donation of headstones, helping families to find healing, dignity, and a sense of community while honoring each lost life with compassion and care.
How It Works
From Loss to Legacy
Family Applies
A family member or advocate submits a simple application for a free headstone (please see eligibility requirements under "Apply"). We review every request with care and compassion.
We Cover The Cost
Our funding through donations and grants cover the cost of the headstone. The cost may be covered by our general fund or by donors who request their donations to go toward a headstone for a specific person.
Headstone Designed, Delivered, and Placed
We coordinate with the family and our partner monument company to design the stone according to the family's wishes and upon completion it is delivered to the cemetery for installation.
We're Here for You
A compassionate team, every step of the way.
We understand that navigating this process during a time of grief can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to walk alongside you — answering your questions, guiding your application, and making sure your loved one receives the honour they deserve.
Make a Difference
Mission Strong Before 2026 is Gone
As we launch our new nonprofit, help us to come out of the gate running to make an impact before 2026 is gone! We have a goal to gift 5 families with a headstone for their loved ones who lost their lives to an act of violence. We need your help ❤️.
Our Goal
5 Headstones
gifted before year's end
Or DONATE Below
First Designated Memorial Donation
In Memory of Odeal G. Curley
Your generosity will make this possible. Odeal is the first individual designated to receive a headstone through our program — a life honored 1985 - 2025
Where Compassion Meets Community.
On average, a basic flat headstone with the cemetery's installation and foundation costs can range from $1,650 to $2,500. Every dollar you give goes directly toward honoring a deceased victim of violence — someone's child, parent, sibling, or friend.
Our organization is currently in the process of obtaining our IRS 501(c)(3) recognition. Our application is pending; tax-exempt status has not yet been granted.