Funerals

When a person dies, we acknowledge his or her death by holding a funeral, which is the traditional way in this country to honor and pay last respects to a loved one. A call is made to a funeral home, which takes care of transfering the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home.
Following the transfer of remains the deceased is embalmed. After arrangements are made with instruction from the family the deceased is dressed, cosmetized and placed in the casket. For most families, viewing is imperative. Says author Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, "It is important that the family can view the body before the funeral in order to prevent any late denial of death." A ceremony is usually held at the funeral home or can also be held at a church with special music, scripture readings, sermon, eulogy, and rememberence stories.

A procession to the cemetery follows (for either ground or above-ground burial in a mausoleum or crypt) and concludes with a brief committal service. Afterwards it is customary for friends and other mourners to gather at the family home for more expressions of sympathy.

For many, having this whole ceremony with viewing is beneficial. "They need to see the body of their loved one, be close to it," says funeral director Fares J. Radel. "It also provides closure and makes them realize that indeed a life has ended." And that life is celebrated when you hold a funeral.

"It's a coming together of families, sort of a reunion to honor the deceased," offers John Moenck, president of the Jones - Eden Funeral Home. Funerals, in whatever form, are beneficial to the survivors not only as a reminder of their mortality, but also as a means of helping them accept the loss and move on with life.