A Funeral Service refers to an end of life ceremony where the body of the deceased is present, whether or not the casket is to be opened or closed. This type of service can take place prior to either burial or cremation and can occur in one of our chapels, a church or any venue the family desires and is appropriate.
A funeral service is often preceded by a visitation. This is the time that allows friends and family an opportunity to pay their respects and spend time with family of one who has passed away. It also gives families an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one by showing and celebrating that person's life. Visit our Personalizing Services section to see unique ways to achieve this.
Choosing a service that allows for a viewing is very important to some, because people have the need for finality...to say goodbye. Two of the five stages of grief are denial and acceptance, and to see someone who has died greatly assists in the passing through these stages.
"Some people who are preplanning their own funerals wrongly assume that they are making it easier for their family by requesting no viewing of their remains. Sadly, they are actually making it harder for their family. Allowing their body to be present is actually the last meaningful gift that they can give to their loved ones. Their soul may have departed but their earthly body will help those who remain accept the loss and begin their journey through the natural grief process towards emotional healing. Always remember...if someone you love passes away you cannot avoid grief. Instead you should reach out to others who can help you navigate this difficult time so that you can honor their life, accept the loss and begin emotional healing."
If your funeral service is to be followed by burial, you will have to make the decision of where your loved one's final resting place will be. We have two spacious and well maintained perpetual care cemeteries for you to consider.
