|
It's important to recognize that funerals and memorial
ceremonies are for the living ... for those who are affected
by the loss of a loved one. It is through the funeral process
that a number of emotional needs are met for those who grieve.
The gathering of family and friends helps to provide the
emotional support so needed at this time. This will help
those who grieve to face the reality of death and to take
the first step toward a healthy emotional adjustment.
It has been estimated that over 136 individual activities
must take place in order for one funeral to be conducted.
The funeral director is actually an organizational specialist.
Here is a condensed list of some of the more visible activities
of a typical funeral director.
Back to top...
A funeral or memorial service can be tailored to fit each
of our families. Families are invited and encouraged to honor
their loved ones in a manor that they feel is meaningful.
The funeral director will be your partner in helping you provide
a special remembrance.
The funeral director will ask a variety of questions that
will be used to complete necessary documents, forms and permits.
Information about the deceased, such as full legal name, date
of birth, place of birth, social security number, usual occupation,
legal address, years of education, father's name, and mother's
maiden name will be needed.
The obituary information is usually obtained at this time.
The obituary may be a story of the persons life, including
the following; fond memories, where the person grew up, place
and date of marriage, educational degrees, an employment history,
memberships of any clubs or organizations, what the person
may have enjoyed most about life, such as hobbies, and of
course a list of survivors and of those who may have preceded
the person in death. The obituary also may include visitation
and service times and places. The obituary may be a story
of the person’s life, one that reached the hearts of
the people who will be reading it.
The funeral director will discuss with the family their preferences
for the service time and location. The director will help
to coordinate the service, including, musical selections,
organist, vocalist, pallbearers and final resting place.
If you have any questions regarding the arrangement process,
please contact us.
Back to top...
Who do I
need to notify?
Family members and close friends of the deceased should be
notified as soon as possible by telephone. If you are not
able to make all of the phone calls personally, provide a
friend or family member with a list of people that should
be called. If the funeral arrangements are known at the time
you call, be sure to provide that information as well.
Should I send flowers or make a donation?
It is always appropriate to send flowers to the funeral home
unless otherwise requested. Flowers may also be sent to the
family. Be sure to check the obituary in the newspaper or
click here to view our online obituaries, to see if any specific
request was made. It is not necessary to send the flowers
immediately. They can also be sent several days or weeks following.
Many times the obituary will list charities that were designated
by the deceased or their family. Donations may then be made
to the charity in memory of the deceased.
What
should I wear?
It is no longer necessary to wear black to a funeral. However,
you should choose dress clothes that are more subdued in color
and style.
What do I do at
a visitation?
Upon entering, sign your name in the guest book. You may then
express your sympathy to the family members. Many times the
family will be in a receiving line near the casket. You may
also pay your respects to the deceased. If a kneeling bench
is placed in front of the casket, you may kneel and say a
prayer. If you do not wish to kneel, you may stand in front
of the casket for a moment.
What
do I say?
What you say depends entirely on your relationship with the
deceased and their family. If the deceased is an acquaintance
or casual friend, you may say, "I'm sorry." or "He
was a wonderful person." However, if you are closer to
the family, you may want to ask if there is anything you can
do to help or express your feelings about the deceased. You
should not ask for details from the family about the illness
or death.
Is it OK for children to attend funerals?
Depending on their age and their relationship with the deceased,
it can be helpful for children to attend the services. By
attending, children are given the opportunity to say goodbye
to someone they love. Funerals and viewings also allow children
to start the grieving process. If in doubt, simply explain
to the child what will happen at the services and ask them
if they would like to go.
Back to top...
It is always appropriate to send flowers to the funeral
home unless otherwise requested. Flowers may also be sent
to the family. Be sure to check the obituary in the newspaper
or click here to view our online
obituaries, to see if any specific request was made. It
is not necessary to send the flowers immediately. They can
also be sent several days or weeks following. Many times
the obituary will list charities that were designated by
the deceased or their family. Donations may then be made
to the charity in memory of the deceased.
Back to top...
|
