Memorials and Celebrations

MEmorials & celebrations

Memorials and celebrations of life offer unique ways to commemorate a loved one's memory that differ from traditional funerals. In these gatherings, the casket is typically not present, although an urn containing cremated remains may be on display. These services can take place weeks or even months after the passing and are often hosted in various settings, including churches, funeral homes, community halls, or locations that held significance for the deceased and their family.



While memorials and celebrations of life share common goals of honoring the departed and providing a space for those grieving to come together, they can appear quite distinct. Traditional funerals follow established customs, while these newer approaches reflect evolving social values. Both serve as meaningful ceremonies and bring people who share a common loss together, but they offer flexibility and personalization to celebrate a loved one's life in ways that resonate with their unique journey and the preferences of their family and friends.

Memorials

The memorial services we coordinate with families are tailored to meet the emotional and spiritual requirements of those in attendance, often following the structure of traditional funeral ceremonies. Personalization encompasses aspects such as the selection of special music or hymns, choices of readings, and the delivery of a eulogy, all designed to honor and remember the life of the departed.

Celebration of Life

The memorial service can be held in our chapel, a church, or any other venue the family chooses. We work with our families to design a service that honours their loved one with stories, music, or scripture. We also have life celebrants that lead services where clergy may not be chosen. Our celebrants are trained in creating experiences that help start the healing process.

Personalizing the Service

In our experience, we have observed that many contemporary families seek more than a traditional funeral service. By dedicating time to incorporate elements such as displaying photographs or designing the event around a beloved pastime or interest of the deceased, a memorial service can take on a deeper level of significance and provide a more meaningful and personalized experience for those in attendance.

When considering a personalized memorial service, it's helpful to start by asking yourself the following questions:

  1. What did your loved one enjoy doing in their free time? Were there hobbies, interests, or activities they were passionate about?
  2. What were the unique qualities and characteristics that defined your loved one as an individual?
  3. What was their profession, and how did their career influence and shape their life?
  4. Did your loved one have spiritual beliefs or affiliations that were significant to them?
  5. Were they proud of their cultural or ethnic heritage, and did this play a role in their life?
  6. How would your loved one want to be remembered by family and friends?

Considering these aspects can guide you in creating a personalized and meaningful memorial service that truly reflects your loved one's life and the impact they had on those around them.

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