FAQs: General

1. What is a funeral?
 
2. What type of funeral service should I have?
 
3. Can I personalize my funeral service?
 
4. Why should we have a public viewing?
 
5. What does a funeral director do?
 
6. What should I do if a death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
 
7. What should I do if a death occurs while away from home?
 

Question #1What is a funeral?
Answer:A funeral is a time when friends and family gather to celebrate a life and mourn the loss of a loved one. The funeral is the starting point of the recovery process and the first step toward healing.  

Question #2What type of funeral service should I have?
Answer:A funeral service can be open to the public or accessible by invitation only. You can choose burial or cremation, a large service or a small one. And you can follow the liturgy of the religion of your choice. Our funeral directors are trained to provide you with support and guidance to help you plan a funeral that reflects your needs and desires.

Question #3Can I personalize my funeral service?
Answer:You most certainly can. Each funeral should reflect the life of the deceased – and no two people are the same. We encourage you to let us know exactly how you want yourself or your loved one to be remembered and we will do our best to create a ceremony that will truly celebrate your life.

Question #4Why should we have a public viewing?
Answer:While not every tradition encourages a public viewing, we believe that they serve a purpose. Making a viewing part of your funeral service provides closure to all in attendance, especially the bereaved. Studies show that viewing the body helps the bereaved recognize the reality of death and can help in the grieving process.

Question #5What does a funeral director do?
Answer:Our funeral directors are here to help you, any time of any day. It is our job to care for you at one of the most difficult times of your life. We work with you to plan the memorial. We carry out all wishes during the funeral and in the disposition of the body. We promise to guide you in the right direction when planning the funeral and help you before, during and after the service.

Question #6What should I do if a death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
Answer:Call us. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need immediate assistance, one of our funeral directors will be there.

Question #7What should I do if a death occurs while away from home?
Answer:Our funeral directors can help you no matter where a death has occurred. We’ll take care of everything from bringing your loved one back home to helping you arrange the service.