Hidaya, 68, died alone in Marseille, but volunteers ensured she received a dignified farewell. Her story highlights the work of Marseillais Solidaires des Morts Anonymes.
Unclaimed deaths in Marseille
Each year, hundreds of people in Marseille pass away without family or close relatives to claim their bodies. This leaves them without a traditional funeral, prompting local efforts to ensure they are not buried in isolation.A volunteer-led tribute
The Marseillais Solidaires des Morts Anonymes association steps in to honor these individuals. With only a dozen volunteers, they work to retrace the lives of the deceased and arrange dignified funerals, viewing it as both a human duty and a matter of dignity.Hidaya’s final days
Hidaya, a 68-year-old nursing assistant who had moved to Marseille from the Paris region, died on October 6 at Saint-Joseph Hospital. Fourteen days later, no family members had come forward to claim her body, triggering the city’s requirement to arrange a funeral.Reconstructing a life
Bérangère, president of the association, spent days gathering fragments of Hidaya’s life. She learned that Hidaya had no close family ties and only a few regular contacts, including a neighbor and a nurse. This meticulous work helps the volunteers create a meaningful tribute for the deceased.
