My mother's sister, from an Irish Catholic family in Lexington, Kentucky,
died in her mid-twenties in 1941. Because Ascension Thursday (on which
the Funeral Mass could not be held), fell during this time, the wake
lasted three days. And it took place at the family home, which was a
fairly common practice in Lexington at that time, my mother remembers.
The casket was in the living room, and people would stop by literally at
any time during the three days. Sisters from the local Catholic high
school, St. Katherine's, brought their classes. People would bring all
kinds of food, but there was no drinking. The wake continued all night,
at least in the sense that a member of the family sat by the casket. On
the day of the funeral, there was a procession to the church, and
afterwards to the cemetery.
Hope this helps.
Fr. James Flint, OSB
St. Procopius Abbey
Lisle, Ill.
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