Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the funeral?
Funerals fill an important role for those mourning the loss of a loved one. By providing surviving family members and friends a caring, supportive environment in which to share thoughts and feelings about the death, funerals are the first step in the healing process.
The ritual of attending a funeral service provides many benefits including:
· Providing a social support system for the bereaved.
· Helping the bereaved understand death is final and that death is part of life.
· Integrating the bereaved back into the community.
· Easing the transition to a new life after the death of a loved one.
· Providing a safe haven for embracing and expressing pain.
· Reaffirming one’s relationship with the person who died.
· Providing a time to say good-bye.
It is possible to have a full funeral service even for those choosing cremation. The importance of the ritual is in providing a social gathering to help the bereaved begin the healing process.
Is it possible to plan a funeral in advance?
We recommend that everyone preplan his or her own funeral. Doing so can offer emotional and financial security for both you and your family. By preplanning a funeral you will get the kind of service you want and your family will be unburdened from making decisions at a stressful time. Preplanning doesn’t necessarily mean prepaying. If you are considering preplanning your funeral, please visit the Preneed section of this website or contact us for more information.
We offer many different options to help assist you in budgeting your funeral. We have many caskets choices, funeral reception types and even cremation options such as different urn types and styles.
Is it necessary to have a viewing?
It is not necessary, but it does give a chance for individuals such as family, friends and co-workers to pay their respects and offer their condolences. Even those who did not personally know the deceased may wish to do this, because they may have shared a similar situation.
Can I prepare for my own funeral?
You can pre plan your own funeral and this is great for two reasons. First, you will have everything pre planned and laid out to your liking, and secondly, it will lift much of the burden of preparing and planning the funeral from your loved ones.
What about the religion of the deceased?
We believe the religion of the deceased was not only important but a large part of their life. We accept those of all religions or none, and look forward to assisting our clients with their specific needs and requests.
What is a death certificate?
A death certificate is a medical document used for legal purposes, containing information about the deceased such as the time, date and place of death.
What is the purpose of a death certificate?
Death certificates are necessary for many legal reasons. The main reason is legal proof of death, so the executor can produce documentation and action can be taken on wills, estates and life insurance policies.
Why would I choose cremation over a traditional burial?
There are many situations where people choose cremation over traditional burial, for example the deceased may have a very small family and so does not choose to have a large funeral service. The surviving spouse may move a lot due to military service or another job and would want to take the urn which the ashes are placed in with them. In other cases, it may be that is what the deceased requested and asked for.
Can I still have a funeral service if I choose cremation?
Yes. Cremation opens the doors to a number of different funeral options. From traditional services to contemporary celebrations, cremation gives you the flexibility to personalize the services for yourself or a loved one. To learn more about cremation, please contact us for more information.