Wayne Irwin

Catherine Porter, the Toronto bureau chief for The New York Times, and Wayne Irwin, a retired minister, discuss the evolution of mourning rituals in the wake of the pandemic. Wayne shares his heartfelt experience adapting his wife's memorial service to an online format, emphasizing authenticity in grief. The conversation explores how digital memorials can foster connection and resilience, transforming traditional practices into meaningful experiences. Together, they reflect on love, loss, and the ways we navigate sorrow in a changing world.

Catherine Porter, an international reporter for The New York Times, joins retired minister Wayne Irwin, known for his expertise in funeral rituals, to discuss the profound shifts in mourning during the COVID-19 pandemic. They share a touching love story marked by adventure and heartache, culminating in a virtual farewell to Wayne's wife, Flora May. The conversation highlights the emotional complexities of online memorials, navigating grief in a digital world, and the importance of community support when traditional rituals are altered.