THE VALUES OF A FUNERAL SERVICE

It is important to recognize that funerals and memorial ceremonies are for the living…for those who are affected by the loss of a loved one.  It is through the funeral process that a number of emotional needs are met for those who grieve. 

A funeral is similar to other ceremonies in our lives.  Like a graduation ceremony, a wedding, a baptism, or a bar mitzvah, a funeral is a rite of passage by which we recognize an important event that distinguishes our lives.

The funeral declares that a death has occurred.  It celebrates the life that has been lived, and offers family and friends the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones.

The gathering of family and friends for a time of sharing and funeral service helps to provide emotional support so needed at this time.  This will help those who grieve to face the reality of death and consequently, to take the first step toward a healthy emotional adjustment.

The funeral can and does take on many varied forms.  Funerals can last from minutes to hours and are usually influenced by the lifestyle and values of the bereaved family and friends.

Options Available in Services and Disposition

A valuable aspect of contemporary funerals is their individuality.  Whether a ceremony is elaborate or simple, funerals are often individualized to reflect the life of the deceased and to hold special meaning for family and other survivors.  It may reflect one’s religious beliefs as a reaffirmation of faith in a greater life beyond this world.  

It may reflect the occupation or hobbies of the deceased.  It may center around an ethnic background or social affiliation.

In our society, three basic forms of final disposition are practiced.  The first is earth burial, which continues to be the form of disposition chosen most often.

Cremation is also a choice.  This is a process of preparing the body for final disposition whereby the body is reduced by intense heat over several hours to a few pounds of small fragments.  These cremated remains are usually placed in an urn, which may be buried, placed in a memorial niche, or kept in some other location.  Cremated remains may also be scattered where permitted by law.

Finally, entombment in a crypt is also a choice and is one of the oldest forms of disposition.  Today many cemeteries maintain crypts for entombment, which may be in a mausoleum or in an outdoor garden.

Cremation Services

Cremation is the process during which human remains are reduced to their original elements by application of intense heat.  The reasons for preferring cremation are varied.  For some, it seems a more natural process than burial.  Others have environmental concerns.  Still others are not sure why the feel more comfortable with cremation.  While your own personal choices are extremely important, you should discuss your choices with your family members or persons in charge of handling your funeral arrangements.

Wallace-Thompson can offer all of the services of a cremation society and provide much more.  We have the staff and facilities to conduct a private or public viewing and ceremonies such as funeral or memorial services.

You have many options: Immediate cremation, Funeral services with cremation following or Cremation followed by a memorial service.  Cost will vary according to the final disposition chosen, the services associated with these choices, and the cremation container and urn selected.  Our role as funeral directors is to offer options, listen to the family’s preferences, and then to carry out those wishes.

Choices For Those Preferring Cremation

VISITATION

• Allows family and friends to pay their respects and express their love and support.
• Public or Private viewing typically held in the funeral home – opportunity for family and friends to see the person for the last time.
• Casket may be open or closed.

SERVICE

• Religious or Contemporary
• Public or Private – often held in the funeral home or church.
• Allows family and friends to share memories and express feelings.
• Casket is often present.
• Funeral procession to cemetery for committal service with cremation following.

MEMORIAL CEREMONY

• Pictures and mementos of the person who died are displayed for people to reminisce.
• A time to commemorate the life of the person including favorite music, candle lighting, or other special services.
• Urn may or may not be present.
• Often held at the funeral home or church at a later date. 

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Burial
• Columbarium niche
• Permanent possession
• Scattering