The funeral is a ceremony of worth and value for those who mourn. The funeral or type of service is specified by the family, and may depend on their personal wishes, customs or funeral practices. A family may choose not to have a service with burial, entombment, or cremation; to this we offer cremation options, immediate burial plans, and anatomical donation to science for medical research.

There are many factors in determining funeral services, and those who have to plan a service for a loved one must consider what the different services are and why they are important. Funeral directors are trained to assist families in arranging whatever type of service that they desire. Below we have included some of the different types of funeral services and why they may be important to the bereaved family and friends.

The Funeral Service may be held either at the place of worship or the funeral home. A Funeral Service is the “Traditional Funeral” in most parts of the country, and usually includes a viewing before the service. It provides an opportunity for the survivors and others to share the loss and express the feelings of love, respect, grief, and the importance in celebrating the life that was lived.

A Memorial Service is a service without the body present and can vary in ceremony and procedures according to community, religious beliefs or family preferences. Some families have a public visitation; they then have a private service at the graveside or mausoleum with a memorial service at a later date. The memorial service can be at the residence, place of worship, funeral home or a favorite special place.

A Private Service is by invitation only and may be held at the place of worship, funeral home, or family home. Usually selected family members and friends attend this type of service. Most often public visitation is held, condolences are sent, and the body is viewed but some families prefer the closeness of a private ceremony. Private services are most common for people who are celebrities and they do not wish to have the public present.The presence of friends at any type of service acknowledges the friendship, gives support, and is helpful in the process of grieving and closure.

The time of death is a very confusing time for family members. No matter what your means of expressing your sympathy, it is important that you identify yourself to the family. All types of funeral services are important because they initiate the grieving process. They can be personalized to allow mourners to remember and honor the loved one in ways that are very special and meaningful. The place of service gives people a gathering place to lend emotional and physical support to one another.

Funeral services confirm the reality of the death, but also encourage the mourners to face the pain or their loss and express their thoughts and feelings. Religious beliefs and spiritual expressions are avenues to help the bereaved form a sense of closure. Psychologist believe that, “Grief shared is grief diminished, and grief denied is grief delayed.”