Funerals and Memorials are intended to honor the memory of a loved one now passed on, and to help those who grieve to find comfort beyond their sorrow. It’s a chance to celebrate life and to remember the deceased for who they were in our own lives. Planning a funeral or cremation service in Windber, PA that will commemorate the fallen is no easy task. But with the help of an experienced funeral care provider, as well as caring family and friends, it can be done well.

As you begin to plan, here are a few important things to think about:

Consider who and how many people will likely attend the service. Start by writing a list of family and close friends that you would like to come. As you write names, it’s not uncommon for additional names to come to mind. If you need additional ideas, think about any close connections the deceased may have shared at their place of employment, or through any civic, hobby, church, or other community groups.

It’s best to personally contact family and close friends by phone to let them know death has occurred. More casual friends can be notified by other means such as email, social media, or an obituary in the local newspaper. If you know funeral details, provide this information to all. In most cases, funerals are not an occasion where a formal invitation is made. Instead, you share the information when and where the service will occur. Those who wish to attend will make an effort to do so.

There are advantages to both of these methods of laying your loved one’s body to rest. Many families appreciate the traditional casket burial and accompanying funeral. It is an experience often marked by emotion and tears but provides those who attend the opportunity to pay their respects one last time in the presence of their fallen friend or loved one. Burial of the body can create a place where family and friends can return to when they wish to be near them.

Cremation services are steadily increasing in popularity because of their flexibility in meeting modern family’s needs. They are more affordable than a casket burial and provide numerous options for the final disposition of the remains. Some will still bury the ashes of their loved one in the earth; others will choose a placement in a mausoleum, columbarium, or urn garden. Still, others may wish to divide the ashes among family and friends so that all may keep a part of their loved one close. Another beneficial choice is to scatter the ashes of a loved one at an appropriate and meaningful place. Be sure to check local laws before doing so.

Once you decide on the type of aftercare you want (either casket burial or cremation), you can better plan when and where the service will be held. Funerals tend to occur much sooner than a memorial, simply because the body of the deceased is present at the service. But there is some flexibility if needed. With a memorial, you can take as much time as needed to plan the service because the body will have been cremated beforehand. Both funeral services and memorials are commonly held in funeral homes, churches, homes, and civic centers. It is possible to hold more than one memorial service if needed.

Many funeral and cremation memorials in Windber, PA are led by local ministers, pastors, or other faith leaders. If your deceased loved one was not religiously affiliated, other qualified professionals could conduct a funeral or memorial on their behalf. These include funeral directors and life celebrants. You can also invite a family member or close friend to lead the service. Be sure the service is personalized and focused on the deceased and not the ceremony itself.

Think about the ambiance of a funeral service. What is the feeling you want to convey at the service and accompanying activities such as viewing, or luncheon? These details can aid in providing sympathy and comfort to those who mourn. Decorations should reflect the character and personality of the deceased. Food and refreshments can be prepared by family, friends, local caterers, etc.

At Simple Alternatives Funeral Home & Crematory, your family is our priority. Putting your trust in someone to help you conduct a funeral or memorial tribute can feel overwhelming. But rest assured, when you work with us, you’re working with an experienced and caring team of professionals that understand the importance of getting this moment right. So, if you’re ready to work with a team that will see you through this difficult time, give us a call. When it comes to funeral and cremation care in Windber, PA, you’re in good hands. Visit us today at our funeral home: 717 Main St Windber, PA 15963, or call for a friendly discussion about your needs at (814) 533-5832.

Our traditional funeral starts at $2595 while cremation starts at $1695. For more of our packages and pricing, click here.

A ceremony is a time for family and friends to gather and pay tribute to your loved one. While nothing can take away the pain of your loss, it can be comforting to see the impact that your loved one had on friends, classmates, co-workers, and others in the community. In difficult times, it can be consoling to rely on traditional expressions of grief and loss that a funeral provides. Contact us today if you need more details.

This type of service is generally held for family members and close friends, and is by invitation only. Sometimes a visitation is held for friends and other associates to come and pay their respects. Cards and other expressions of sympathy are always appreciated, and should be sent to the funeral home or the family’s home. Offering a condolence online is a great way to share a favorite story, offer sympathies, and let them know you are thinking of them. Learn more about funerals in here.