What term describes a ceremony commemorating the deceased without the body present?

The term that describes a ceremony commemorating the deceased without the body present is a memorial service. This type of service is specifically designed to honor and remember the life of the deceased, allowing family and friends to gather and share memories, reflect on the individual's impact, and find closure, even in the absence of the physical remains.

A funeral ceremony typically involves the presence of the body, often during a visitation period followed by the actual service, making it distinct from a memorial service. A commemorative service is a more general term that can sometimes overlap with a memorial service but may not specifically imply the absence of the body. A direct burial service refers to the burial of the body without a formal funeral service, so it does not align with the idea of commemorating the deceased in a more traditional or celebratory manner without the body. Thus, choosing the term "memorial service" accurately conveys the context and nature of the ceremony described in the question.