A Guide to Personalizing Your Funeral

Although one's funeral is never easy to discuss, your thoughtfulness will truly help your
loved ones.

Take a few moments and think about what has been important in your life? How do you
want to be remembered in your life? How do you want to be remembered...and how can you
best express that to your loved ones?

What has been your favorite...

Songs or hymn
Scripture reading
Poem or quote
Flower or memento
Hobby or sport
Charity or cause
Family photo...or memory

You may want to plan for someone to...

Deliver your eulogy
Share a special reading
Lead a prayer
Sing your favorite songs
Play an instrument
Participate in your funeral ceremony
Greet guests and family members
Read a letter from you to your loved ones
Scatter your ashes

When making arrangements with us, families often mention a favorite photo, family story,
or hobby or sport that they enjoy. An excellent way to treasure these memories during the
visitation is to include them in a memory display.

A memory display may include your favorite snapshots-noting important events such as:

Graduation
Military affiliation
Special recognitions
Church and organizational involvement

A memory table can be added and guests encouraged to bring a memento to share-or to note
a favorite memory in the memory journal on display.

You may also want to include...

Photos throughout your lifetime
Craft or hobby projects
Newspaper articles
Religious articles

These items may also be displayed during the funeral ceremony at the funeral home or
taken to the church, synagogue or temple.

There are many other ways our staff can assist you with personalizing your visitation. Even
the casket or urn you select can be personalized to reflect your favorite reading or poem,
hobby or sport, or your occupation or life-style.

It's natural for most loved ones to gather following the funeral to help acknowledge the
reality of death and to share their many stories and memories. The process is very beneficial
in helping survivors begin the healing process.

You may want to consider making arrangements for an informal gathering as part of your
funeral plan. You can even insist your loved ones gather in "celebration" of your life!

The days that follow the funeral are usually most difficult for your loved ones who suddenly
are left alone when friends and relatives have gone home. Here are some suggestions for
how you can plan to help them during this time...

A photo and personal message from you may be included as part of your will...and
given to your loved ones shortly after your funeral
Arrangements may be made with our staff to have flowers sent to those who assisted
at your funeral
Some of the caskets and urns that we offer include family keepsake options. We can
share with you what options are available and you may want to include a keepsake for
each of your loved ones.

Just knowing that your cared enough to plan your own funeral may be one of the best gifts
you can give your loves ones.

Our funeral professionals can ensure your funeral is a true reflection of your life.