“In good times and in bad, it’s great to come together as an SMU community,” said Heidi Coretz, rabbi at the Perkins School of Theology.

The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life held a Service of Memory Wednesday afternoon in the Perkins Chapel. The service honored those in the SMU community who have passed away in the last year. Twenty-seven lives were commemorated, including those of faculty, staff and students. The student lives honored included Sarah Margaret Flanigan, Hannah Moss, John “Jack” Reily and Juan Rubio.

“It’s just good to remember those who are no longer with us and who were part of such an important community together,” said Cortez.

The service followed through with traditional hymns of life and death, prayers and a sermon that emphasized the importance of keeping the memories of the deceased alive. The pews within the intricately designed chapel were packed with suit and dress clad students, faculty and family members. Tears were shed and emotional support was plentiful in the intimate space.

“We lost several members, so it’s just a way for the community and the university as a whole to go through the grieving process together and to have other people in the community support them,” said Jessica Weaver, assistant professor of law.