Pre-Planning Checklist

For many, it feels like there’s an overwhelming amount of things to think about! But in all honesty, taking control of the important things in life just feels good; you know it's the right thing to do for you, and your family.

Prepare

Laying the foundation for a well thought out plan for you or a loved one takes a bit of time, but, it's worth every moment spent. After all, you’re setting the stage for a more relaxed and enjoyable life, because you’ll have the peace-of-mind preparedness brings. Here’s what to do to get started:

• Prepare a contact list of individuals who should be notified in a medical emergency or death.
• Write an obituary or simply jot down information you would like included in an obituary.
• Decide where obituary and memorial information should appear.

Choose the type of service you would like including the burial you prefer and make those arrangements. You will need to decide:

• Cemetery lot location
• Casket type; cremation urn type
• Vault or sectional crypt
• Type of service: religious, military, non-denominational, or fraternal
• The contact details for the funeral home you designate to care for you
• Pallbearers, music, flowers, scripture or other readings
• Charity to receive donations in lieu of flowers, if donations are preferred
• Select the speakers and the eulogies that you would want to represent you.
• Decide what organizations or church will benefit from memorial donations in your name.

Arrange and Delegate

The people who know and care about you will be there when you need them. You only need to provide them with instructions, important financial details, and then relax. You’re in good hands.

• Give your Executor a copy of your Will. Safety deposit boxes are often opened up during the estate settlement process, long after the funeral. Any funeral planning documents therein can be of no help to your executor.
• Make sure your representative has a list of important account information or telephone numbers for retirement plans, insurance policies, investments, bank accounts, safe-deposit boxes, properties, preferred law and accountant firms and mortuaries. Remind your personal representative that the Social Security Administration will need to be called and, if you're receiving benefits such as those from the Veteran's Administration, they should be contacted as well.
• Designate a power of attorney to ensure that proper information can be accessed in the event of your illness or death. Make sure the power of attorney over health care or the health care directive and a living will are in place so that your wishes are carried out if you are unable to do so.
• Make arrangements for telephone and utilities services, and newspaper and magazine deliveries, to be cancelled.

Pay for:

• Cemetery and memorialization services
• Funeral arrangements, including clergy, florist and transportation
• Make arrangements for pets to find a new home.

You can also contact us for additional information. We're pleased to answer any questions you may have, without obligation.

Helpful Links

Here you will find different links to local businesses that provide helpful products and services.

Read More

Heavenly Hug Angel (Boy)

Perfect keepsake for parent who lost a male child or for a sibling.

• 24”soft washable angel doll offers comfort with extra-long arms that “Hug You”.

• Boys need hugs too so Heavenly Hug comes in a boy version.

• Angel comes with I.D. tag with space to write name you choose for your new companion.

• Some name their angel after a loved one they lost.

• White angel with blue trim.

• Ages: 3 to adult.

http://www.bryanbraker.com/store/gifts-for-children/heavenly-hug-angel-boy

Funeral Etiquette

The accepted customs of dress and behavior in a funeral have changed over time, but courtesy never goes out of style. Here’s what we’d like you to know about funeral etiquette.

Making the Most of a Difficult Time

It’s important to know what religious, ethnic or personal considerations you need to take into account. And it’s also important to be respectful of the emotions of close family members.

Here are a few things expected of you:

• Offer an expression of sympathy.
  Sometimes we are at a loss for words when encountering something as final as death. Simply saying "I'm sorry for your loss" is usually enough. Be respectful and listen attentively when spoken to, and offer your own words of condolence.
• Find out the dress code.
  These days almost anything goes, but only when you know it's the right anything. In fact, sometimes the deceased has specified the dress code; “hawaiian clothing” is a common request. If you can't learn the wishes of the family, then dress conservatively, and avoid bright colors.
• Give a gift.
  It doesn't matter if it is flowers, a donation to a charity or a commitment of service to the family at a later date; as always, "it's the thought that counts." Always make sure to provide the family with a signed card, so they know what gift was given, and by whom.
• Sign the register book.
  Include not only your name, but your relationship to the deceased: co-worker, gym buddy, or casual acquaintance from the golf club. This helps family place who you are in future.
• Keep in touch.
  It's sometimes awkward for you to do so, but for most people the grieving doesn't end with a funeral.

But, What Shouldn't You Do?

• Don't feel that you have to stay.
  If you make a visit during calling hours there's no reason your stay has to be a lengthy one.
• Don't be afraid to laugh.
  Remembering their loved one fondly can mean sharing a funny story or two. Just be mindful of the time and place; if others are sharing, then you may do so too. There is simply no good reason you shouldn't talk about the deceased in a happy, positive tone.
• Don't feel you have to view the deceased if there is an open casket.
  Act according to what is comfortable to you.
• Don't allow your children to be a disturbance.
  If you feel they might be, then leave them with a sitter. But, if the deceased meant something to them, it's a good idea to invite them to share in the experience.
• Don't leave your cell phone on.
  Switch it off before entering the funeral home, or better yet, leave it in the car. All too often, we see people checking their cell phones for messages during the services.
• Don't neglect to step into the receiving line.
  Simply say how sorry you are for their loss, offer up your own name and how you knew the deceased.
• Don't be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake.
  Everyone does, and you can be sure that an apology may be all that's needed to mend and soothe.

When it's all over, always remember to continue to offer support and love to the bereaved. The next few months are a time when grieving friends and relatives could need you most. Let them know that your support did not end with the funeral.

Sympathy Messages - Kind Notes

If you aren't sure what to say, or how to express your sympathy and deepest condolences, these uplifting and encouraging notes will help your friend or loved one get through the days ahead.

This gift set includes:

• Glass Jar and filling
• Decorative ribbon with KindNotes charm
• 31 of our most popular sympathy and inspirational messages enclosed in specialty linen cardstock envelopes.

Dimensions:

Jar:   3 3/4 inch X 6 inches

Envelopes: 2 1/4 inch X 1 5/8 inch (closed)

Paper: 2 1/8 inch X 1 1/2 inch White 90lb. index

Sample messages include:

• If the future seems overwhelming, remember that it comes one moment at at time. -Beth Mende Conny
• When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. -Unknown
• What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
• The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. -Hellen Keller
• May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

Gift box is included.

http://www.bryanbraker.com/store/personalized-gifts/sympathy-messages-kind-notes

Fairmont Memorial Park Chapel

 

The stained glass chapel seats 70 adults comfortably and is adjacent to a beautiful courtyard. Equipped with a tape/cd player, and an organ, you may play your loved ones favorite music. The chapel is available for day and evening visitations and services.

Families may choose to have an outdoor service. This ceremony is conducted in front of the Birch Dormitory. This type of service is ideal for those who love the outdoors or those having military honors.

• Military Services
• Pre-Arranging Available
• No Interest Payment Plans Available

Unique Indoor Urn Niches "Chapel Of Light"

 

  

The Chapel of Light offers indoor niches in a beautiful setting. The niches are all glass front so that you may decorate with pictures and/or mementos. Generous use of stained glass and natural skylight within the design of the Chapel of Light, evokes a feeling of peacefulness while visiting. The indoor chapel is equipped with security locks that require an entry code. Each purchaser is given this code.

Fairmont Memorial Park

Mausoleum crypts and niches are available for families choosing a burial or cremation with inurnment. Mausoleum entombment is considered to be the finest type of burial known to man. A mausoleum’s solid construction signifies durability, devotion and honor.

Our garden memorial stones are a lasting way to honor the memory of a loved one.

Our garden memorial stones are a lasting way to honor the memory of a loved one. This memorial stone is made of cast stone in Saxonburg, PA. Made to be weatherproof and guaranteed to last a lifetime, these stones are the perfect addition to any garden.

Engraving Reads:

‘Wherever

a beautiful soul has been

there is a trail

of beautiful memories.’

• Memorial stones are only available for standard shipping, and can take up to 1 week to arrive.

• Dimensions: 16” X 10.5”

• Weighs 11 lbs.

• This stone has a hanger cast into the back to allow display on walls, fences, or outbuildings.

• Made in the USA

Letting the Sun Shine In Daily Emails

When someone you love dies, grieving that loss can take a long time. As in any emotional journey, there are rough spots to be weathered, and moments when you catch a glimpse of a sunnier horizon. We want to be your daily companion, helping you to let the sun shine back into your life. These daily emails provide encouragement and gentle reminders of the recovery process. Interested?

Subscribe to Letting the Sun Shine In