Randolph family finds way to come together to grieve during COVID-19 outbreak

RANDOLPH, Mass. — Social distancing has been tough for so many of us during the COVID-19 outbreak, but it’s especially hard for those dealing with the death of their loved ones.

Most people can’t host funerals right now with churches closed and restrictions on gatherings. But one family found a new way to share their love and support with each other after losing their grandmother.

With a police escort, dozens of family members drove by their grandfather’s home this week in Randolph to show him some love after his wife of 70 years passed away.

“It was touching, moving to say the least,” said Peter Hess, whose mother, Jane Hess, died Monday at 90 years old.

Peter’s parents had eight children, 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Many of them organized a parade by Hess’s parents’ house since they can’t physically be together right now.

“I said to my dad, ‘it’s time to take your afternoon walk, let’s go get the mail,’ and we went out and walked to the end of the driveway,” Peter said.

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His dad was surprised to see so many grandchildren drive by sharing their love and support through their car windows while giving him sweet notes from their children.

“It was great, it was a great tribute to my mom,” Peter said.

Hess added that, because of COVID-19, they’re only able to have their immediate family attend his mother’s funeral on Monday.

“So it’s my dad and the eight children and our spouses will go to the funeral home and we’re going to split up in groups so we can keep our social distancing,” he said.

Hess added that it’s sad to know his mother’s friends and other family members won’t be able to pay their respects to her in person because of COVID-19.

“Just all the people throughout the community whose lives they touched,” he said.

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But Hess said the surprise from all the grandchildren was one of the best ways to honor his mother during this difficult time.

“It shows how well my mom did raising all the kids and all the grandkids,” he said. “Paying special attention to all of them and all the great-grandkids.”

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