Final Tributes

 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE?

      A Funeral or Memorial Service  is life's most final rite of passage which offers family and friends an opportunity to recognize the life and death of those they knew and loved. It is  one of the last ceremonies that can be celebrated to honor a life, well-lived. Funeral or Memorial Services further provide a sense of community for those who mourn, and encourage the healing process amongst the grieving and bereaved. For the religiously devote, a Funeral or Memorial Service may include a liturgical celebration of life and the reassurances of a heavenly resurrection after death.

 

HOW CAN A FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE PROMOTE HEALING FOR THOSE WHO GRIEVE?

      The death of a loved one is undoubtedly one of life's most difficult moments, and  the heart-ache of grief is a normal emotional and physical response to the loss of a loved one. It is a very personal wound that is realized differently by different people; grieving is inarguably an individual experience. For many people, a funeral or memorial service can promote healing amongst the bereaved by providing a final milestone marking the end of a loved one's amazing life. Funeral and memorial services further afford an opportunity for families and friends to reflect upon a lifetime of memories, for loved ones to connect and reconnect with distant relatives and long-lost friends, and for all who mourn to find comfort in knowing that the deceased has been laid to rest with dignity and love.

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL SERVICE?

      A Funeral traditionally involves the presence and subsequent disposition of the deceased's remains, whereas a Memorial Service or Celebration of Life  normally does not provide for the deceased's body or ashes to be present for the service.

 

REASONS FOR A FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE

•       Acknowledges a life, very well-lived.

•       Allows mourners to remember and honor their loved one in a special way.

•       Provides a central gathering place for family and friends to share their memories.

•       Promotes closure for the bereaved and a 'new state of normal' to commence.

•       Affirms the reality and finality of a loved one's death.

•       Affords a liturgical celebration for the deceased and religiously devote.

•       Facilitates forgiveness and reconciliation of past misunderstandings.

•       Enables a safe-haven for emotional sharing and support. 

•       Fulfills the expectations of family or cultural traditions.

•       Abides with the last wishes of the deceased.

 

CONSIDERATIONS FOR PERSONALIZING A FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE?

      A funeral or memorial service should be as unique as life. A completely personalized service assures its meaningfulness to family and friends, alike. Some of the considerations involved with the planning a personalized service include, in part:

•     Deciding upon a funeral, memorial, non-traditional, themed, or graveside service

•     Selecting a date and time for services     

•     Choosing a location for services (Funeral Home, Cemetery, Church)

•     Religious or non-religious services

•     Favorite music, poems, or scripture

•     Personal effects/prized possessions

•     Participation by family or friends for readers, vocalists, or pallbearers

•     Photographs and cherished memorabilia

•     Scheduling a post-service reception or luncheon

 

HOW ARE SERVICES MANAGED FOR DEATHS RELATED TO SUICIDE, ACCIDENT, AND DRUG OVERDOSE?

      Final Tributes understands that some deaths may prove especially difficult for families and friends when the deceased's cause or manner of death was particularly tragic and unexpected. We take great pride in assuring the dignity of everyone we serve, and always preserve the privacy of their families and loved ones. 

 

IS PRE-PLANNING A FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE AN OPTION?

      Final Tributes welcomes the opportunity to work with our customers and clients to preplan services and eulogies in conjunction with end-of-life arrangements. Our staff of compassionate celebrants will diligently prepare services to meet every expectation and afford peace of mind before the last day arrives.  

 

WHAT ARE THE COSTS FOR A SERVICE OFFICIATED BY FINAL TRIBUTES?

      Services provided by Final Tributes are extremely reasonable and the honorariums we accept are often less than those charged by area officiants or houses of worship. We officiate funerals, celebrations of life, and internments as a sacred service to the bereaved. Final Tributes offers its services absolutely free for all military members and public safety officials who die in the line of duty.

 

WHAT IS FINAL TRIBUTES SERVICE AREA??

    Final Tributes is pleased to offer its services throughout central Pennsylvania. While our service area primarily encompasses Lancaster, York, Dauphin, and Lebanon counties, we will gladly travel across Pennsylvania and beyond as customer and client needs may require.  

     

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?

      Customers and clients who seek additional information  or wish to speak with a member of the Final Tributes staff may text, e-mail or call us at any time.  If the services of Final Tributes are desired, we will meet with family members and funeral directors at their earliest convenience to gather all pertinent information that may be necessary to assure a truly perfect tribute for a life, well-lived!