Funerals - they are so bizarre

Today was the funeral for Shawn's sister Mary. It was very overwhelming and stressful because I often get the impression that Shawn's sisters don't like us very much. And to be in a crowded room where you feel unwelcome makes a funeral all that much more difficult. Although I did like Mary's husband Mike and her sons Chris and Justin, they are quite possibly the sweetest, kindest, most caring people I have ever met. I think that it is so unfair for them to loose someone who was so kind and caring. She was loved by many people and the outpour of support from family and friends was amazing. I feel bad that I only had the opportunity to meet her maybe once or twice and now she is gone. The last two days have felt completely surreal, I'm still waiting to wake up. One of her relatives said, that the words "she's gone" will be the hardest to say because it's the truth and if we don't say them, then it's like it never happened.
The last two days have really got me thinking though, funerals are the weirdest form of comfort a human being can seek.
We take a loved one who has passed away, clean them, dress them, put make up on them and then put them on display for everyone to come look at before putting them in the ground forever. We send flowers, cards and share memories in between the tears. We do all of this to comfort ourselves, to gain peace and understanding.
The last two days have forced me to look at Shawn's family from a different perspective and realize that maybe things can change and the feelings of awkwardness and anxiety will slowly dissipate.