Questions about Funerals and Burials

What purpose does a funeral serve?

Funerals are a customary way to recognize death and it's finality. Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show respect for the dead and to help family and friends begin the grieving process.

What does a funeral director do?

Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. The make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the final disposition of the body. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death.

Why have a public viewing?

Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary.

What is the purpose of embalming?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness. 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.

What details should we plan for in honoring our loved one.

You may want to plan a memorial to honor the life of your loved one.

Music and art are often an important part of honoring the dead. You may choose to play some of your loved one's favorite music as well display photographs of their life.

Is there a special garment that they may have wanted to be buried or cremated in.

Are there any special items that might be placed with the body in the casket? Often jewelry or special mementos or even a note might be buried along with the body.

Back to Questions