FAQ’s

What is a funeral?
The funeral is a ceremony of proven worth and value for those who mourn. It provides an opportunity for the survivors and others who share in the loss to express their love, respect and grief. It permits facing openly and realistically the crisis that death may present. through the funeral, the bereaved take that first step towards emotional adjustment to their loss.

What is the significance of a funeral service?
From the beginning of recorded history, societies have honored those who died with a traditional ceremony. According to beliefs at that time, the purpose of the ritual was to send the deceased on his or her journey into the afterlife.

Today, however, many experts agree that the benefits of a service are for those who are left behind after a death. A “closure” of sorts must occur to help survivors adjust to their loss and recognize that a death has occurred. A funeral service provides the opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the life that was lived and allow the healing process to begin.

What type of service should I have?
The type of service conducted for the deceased is specified by the family. Funeral directors are trained to help families arrange the type of service they desire. The service is usually held at a place of worship or at the funeral home. The service may vary in ritual according to religious denomination or the wishes of the family. The presence of friends at this time is an acknowledgment of friendship and support. A private service is by invitation only where selected relatives and a few close friends attend the funeral service. A memorial service is usually a service without the body present and can vary in ceremony and procedures according to the family’s community and religious affiliations.

Can I personalize my funeral service?
Absolutely. The funeral is a celebration of life. Funeral directors are happy to discuss all options and ensure your funeral is tailored to your wishes. It may be personalized by playing favourite music, by donations in lieu of flowers, or by having close friends say a few words during the funeral service.

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

When the death occurs, will someone come right away?
If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good bye, it’s acceptable. They will come when your time is right.

How soon after or long after a death must an individual be buried?
This may vary by state so check with your local funeral directory. Considerations include the need to secure all permits and authorizations, notification of family and friends, preparation of cemetery site and religious considerations. For example, Orthodox Judaism requires that the body be interred within 24 hours of death, some Muslamic faiths require that the body be interred before sundown on the day of death. Some states have limitations on the maximum length of time allowed to pass prior to final disposition.

What should I do if a death occurs while away from home?
Your funeral director can assist you if a death occurs anywhere on the globe. Contact your hometown funeral director of choice immediately. They will assume responsibility and coordinate the arrangements for the return of the deceased person to their community. They may engage the services of a funeral director in the place of death who will act as their agent.

If a loved one dies out of state / province, can the local Funeral Home still help?
Yes, they can assist you with out-of-province arrangements, either to transfer the remains to another province or from another province.

Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship?I
A service can usually be held at any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. Your funeral director can assist with arranging a meaningful service.

Do clergy always officiate at a funeral service?
In conjunction with, or sometimes in place of a clergy person, family or friends may sharepersonal thoughts, memories and feelings about the deceased as part of the service.

How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs vary depending on the funeral home and type of service selected. There are three types of costs associated with a funeral: (1) services provided by the funeral home (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn and (3) disbursements such as newspaper or cemetery fees.

Who pays for funerals for the indigent?
Other than the family, there are veteran, union, and other organizational benefits to pay for funerals, including, in certain instances, a lump sum death payment from C.P.P. In most provinces, some form of public aid allowances are available from either the province, county, or city or a combination.
Most funeral directors are aware of the various benefits and know how to obtain them for the indigent. However, funeral directors often absorb costs above and beyond what is provided by agencies to insure the deceased a respectable burial.