The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word WREATHS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
R
E
A
T
H
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "What may be given to those departed" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case what may be given to those departed = wreaths.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WREATHS mean?
WREATHS noun- Something twisted, intertwined, or curled.
- An ornamental circular band made, for example, of plaited flowers and leaves, and used as decoration; a garland or chaplet, especially one given to a victor.
- An appendage to the shield, placed above it, and supporting the crest; an orle, a torse. It generally represents a twist of two cords of silk, one tinctured like the principal metal, the other like the principal color in the coat of arms.
- A defect in glass.
- To place an entwined circle of flowers upon or around something.
- To wrap around something in a circle.
- To curl, writhe or spiral in the form of a wreath.