FUNERAL FUNDAMENTALS

The Funeral Ritual

The funeral ritual itself is comprised of many elements. These different elements are organized to give each person touched by the loss a time to grieve, reflect and begin to heal.

The Visitation

• A time for family and friends to see their loved one for the last time and truly begin to come to terms with the reality of death;
• Casket can be open or closed;
• Viewing is a personal and cultural choice.

The Wake

• Typically associated with Native American families and traditions;
• Usually held the night before funeral services and includes music and messages of comfort;
• A time for family and friends to come together prior to funeral services;
• Casket can be open or closed;
• Viewing is a personal and cultural choice.

The Funeral Ceremony

• Sometimes called "the reflection", "eulogy", “tribute” or "remembrance";
• A personal reflection from one or several people on the life of their loved one can be held in a place of worship or in the chapel of the funeral home.

The Procession

• Sometimes called "the motorcade”;
• An orderly transportation of the deceased to their final resting place;
• Symbol of mutual support; public honoring of the death.

The Farewell

• Sometimes called “interment", "entombment", “committal” or "scattering ceremony";
• Brings finality to the funeral ritual;
• Family and friends gather at the resting place to offer their final private thoughts to the loved one .

The Gathering

• Sometimes called "the celebration" or "the reception";
• An occasion for the family to say thank you to friends who shared in the funeral ritual;
• A time to offer condolences and show mutual support;
• Can take place anywhere the family chooses;
• Allows for the beginning of the transition to life after death.

The above is a very brief detail of services available to the public by our funeral home. We welcome questions and would love the opportunity to share more with you in person. Please call or e-mail us to set up an appointment.

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