How to Honor a Life
It’s about bringing those you love together, at a time of loss. It’s a natural thing to do, and over time, has become a socially-expected practice. More importantly, a funeral or memorial service, whether traditional or non-traditional, is the first step in healing. The service, especially the last viewing of the body of your loved one, allows those left behind to step through the door of grief to their journey of mourning and healing.
You can have your service anywhere; there is no "normal" or "what everybody does" anymore. Your choices include the venue of celebration, day of the week, and time of day; the musical selection, what prayers will be said, what stories will be told or songs you’d like sung. We can arrange to have doves, butterflies, or balloons released at the close of the service. Keepsake gifts of wildflower seeds or a tree seedling can be given. We can coordinate with a local restaurant to provide your loved one's favorite foods and beverages for after the service. We’re here to help you create the most memorable and meaningful service to honor your loved one.
Burial or Cremation?
Your next consideration focuses on choosing between burial and cremation. Sometimes family members are clear on this point. Often times your loved one may have told you, or someone else, exactly how they wish to be cared for. But it can be a hard decision for some families, especially when the wishes of the deceased were never clearly stated. If that's the case, please know we're able to help you come to the perfect decision for your loved one, and for you.
Once you decide, the finer details come into focus. If you've chosen burial, then selection of the casket, outer burial container (commonly referred to as the vault), and desired cemetery follows. Naturally, we’re here to help you.
If cremation is your choice, then you'll need to make the next decision: whether the cremated remains will be placed in a mausoleum niche, buried at a cemetery of your choice or simply taken home until a later date.
In our modern age there is an option for a 'green burial.' Should this be your choice, our staff will help you with all the special decisions surrounding this type of disposition. Options for traditional visitation prior to the burial are available, using specialized embalming techniques. We are knowledgeable on the legal and environmental requirements surrounding a 'green service.'