In that time, I have been to 8-9 funerals there for family members of my friends. Some I had not seen/spoken to in 30 years.

I read about them in the Obits (or my mom reads them and let's me know) and I go. I figure if the time, location of the funeral are in the newspaper/online, why not go.

I have never had the slightest inkling that any of the family members were offended at my presence. To the contrary, I've had some of the most emotional hugs with those people who meant so much to me 25-30 years ago that as we embraced, time just melted away and we connected again like we had in the past. I've almost had my hand shaken off of my arm by people so happy to see me and so grateful to come and pay respects.

Showing that love and respect, IMO, can only be seen as an uplifting experience for them as it shows you honored them and their loved one. I mean, until the resurrection, that's all we have left of our passed loved ones. Memories and honor shown by others.

To me, attending these funerals is a responsibility. If they were, indeed, important to me, why would I not show them that and, in a way, show God that I'm grateful for these people's influence in my life. Good on ya!