It is somewhat of a misconception that the Department of Veterans affairs will pay for the funeral of a Veteran. In actuality the closest they come to paying for the full funeral is in the case of an active duty serviceman’s death in the line of duty. What we will cover here is a simplified list… Continue Reading.
Who can authorize a cremation?
The simple answer is the Next of Kin. The harder question to answer may be “Who is the Next of Kin?” In Pennsylvania the law according to PA Tile 20 is listed as follows: a living spouse who is legally married; if there is no living spouse then all adult children, if no adult children then all… Continue Reading.
How can I personalize a memorial service?
One way is to bring personal items into the memorial service location to be displayed in or near the urn or focal point. Example: An artist could have their artwork displayed. A frequent golfer might have a favorite putter placed in front. A person who quilted could have the memory table draped with a quilt they made. An keen… Continue Reading.
What is a memory table and/or a memory board?
At the funeral home, a memory table may be used to display personal items of the deceased. A memory board would have a collection of family photographs attached and can be displayed on an easel at the funeral home for visitors to reminisce about their life experiences with the deceased.
Do clergy always officiate at a memorial service?
In conjunction with or sometimes in place of a clergy person, family or friends may share personal thoughts, memories and feelings about the deceased as part of the service.
Should a child attend a memorial service?
Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is severed. As adults we may not view a childs behavior as grief as it often is demonstrated in ways which we misunderstand as “moody”, “cranky”, “withdrawn” or other behavioral patterns which… Continue Reading.
What are the options concerning the time of a service?
While most services are held in the morning or afternoon, some families are now choosing to have services held in the evening hours for the convenience of family and friends. This enables more people to attend the service who otherwise might be unable to be excused from their place of employment during the day.
Must an obituary be published in a newspaper?
We publish the obituary notice on our website free of charge and there is no limit to the length of the online obituary. The publication of an obituary notice in a newspaper is a matter of your personal choice. While most newspapers control the editorial format, you have the right to limit the amount of… Continue Reading.
May I make all the necessary arrangements in advance?
Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead, you will be able to consider the many options available. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your funeral and cemetery arrangements, and the form of memorial you prefer. You will be able to make choices that are… Continue Reading.
Is it ok to have a viewing with cremation?
Yes, if that is your wish a private viewing for immediate family members can be arranged. If you want an more elaborate viewing with a traditional casket and embalming that is also available, but the costs are significantly more.