The value of a visitation and funeral
A visitation provides the family and friends of the deceased a chance to acknowledge that a death has occurred, and a period of private time with their loved one. The casket may be open or closed.Visitations are held at the funeral home.
A funeral gives the family and the larger community a public chance to come together and share their grief. It provides a chance for the mourners to gather together and share stories about their friend and loved one. It is a celebration of the life that was lived and an important step in adjusting to a life with out their loved one.
Services offered
A Traditional funeral service
A Traditional Funeral Service can include some or all of the following elements: a visitation or viewing for the family prior to the day of the service, followed by a service in the funeral home or a church of the family's choosing. The casket is then taken to the cemetery or crematorium. At the cemetery there is an opportunity for a graveside committal service, if the choice is for cremation then arrangements can be made for the family to be present at the start of the cremation. A reception usually is arranged by the family with the church or other facility.
The Memorial/Celebration of Life
A private visitation for family and close friends can be arranged prior to cremation or burial giving them a chance to say good-bye. A service may be held at the funeral home or a church of the families choice, the casket is not present as the burial or cremation has already taken place. If the family chose cremation the cremation urn can be present if the family wishes. The family can arrange with the hall or church hosting memorial service to set up a memorial table with photographs and other items of significance to the deceased and the family. The family can arrange with the church or hall for a reception after the service and the the interment of the urn can happen at a later date.
Immediate Disposition-No service
With an immediate disposition there is no service or gathering. The deceased is transferred from the place of death to the funeral home. The funeral home obtains the information required to register the death and secure the papers required to carry out the burial or cremation and obtain the death certificate. The deceased is placed in the casket chosen by the family then transported to either the crematorium or cemetary. Cremation cannot happen until 48 hours after the death has occurred.
The funeral home provides the following services:
Arranging and administration:
Staff assistance in the initial request for service, an arrangement conference and co-ordination of details with the cemetery and/or crematorium.
Documentation:
Securing the Medical Certificate of Death from the Coroner/Doctor's office, registrating the death and issuing Interment and/or Cremation Permits and a death certificate.
Preparation of the deceased:
Basic sanitary care of the deceased, embalming, dressing, casketing and personal care of the deceased.