FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the purpose of a funeral? 
Funerals are an important step in the grieving process, as well as an opportunity to honor a life lived. They offer surviving family members and friends a caring, supportive environment in which to share thoughts and feelings about the death. Often funerals are the first step in the healing process.

Should children attend funerals?
For both children and adults, the rituals surrounding death are of great importance. It is a step we all take on our road to understanding the reality and finality of death. It is a time for open talk and discussion. After careful preparation, a child should be allowed to attend, but should never be forced to do so.

What determines the cost of a funeral?
You and your family do. A funeral can be as extravagant or as simple as you desire.

What do funeral directors do?
Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body. Funeral directors are listeners, advisors and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.

What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
Our Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What is the purpose of embalming?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.

Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?
No, people choose cremation for a variety of reasons, including finances, personal preference, and religious beliefs. Cremation is not intended to replace the elements of the traditional funeral, but is simply an alternative to earth burial or entombment of the body of the deceased. Accompanying funeral services can range from the most traditional with full visitation and memorial service to cremation with minimal services.


How do I know if I am getting the ashes of my loved one?
The body is identified at the time of removal.  Necesary paperwork and the body are taken to the crematory by the funeral establishment.  The crematory assigns a number to the body and paperwork.  The number is on a metal tag that remains with the body through the cremation process.  Funeral home staff receive the ashes, tag and paperwork from the crematory to be returned to the family.


Do the ashes of my loved one need to be buried?
Some religious groups require the ashes be buried, some traditions require placing the ashes in a river leading to the sea.  The ashes may be kept in an urn if you so desire, or they may be scattered at a favorite location of the deceased.  Check local regulations in regards to scattering ashes before proceeding.