Is changing funeral tradition morbid or tabu?

I pose this question because funerals have always been something that would bring a dark shadow over a persons life. Although that will always be the case (shadow) should it be more about what they did while living or should we go on allowing the minister to give words of praise even though they may have never known the person who has passed.

Its not a question about religion, but more about life celebration and what we should do about our passing while living. Like why do we not save for our funerals (in general) I mean at some point we all have our turns right?