Comments on: 5 Ways Funeral Service Is Still Behind The Times

By: Megane Amiel

Megane Amiel — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 15:43:13 +0000

Thank you for this article! it is a good reminder that we all need this rituals to survive that awful period of our lives!

By: Marion Delmaire

Marion Delmaire — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 15:38:35 +0000

It is true, keeping these traditions and rituals gives us confort in those hard times!
I thought that i don’t want any of it when somebody very close to me died but then i actually realised that i need these rituals to say a proper goodbye!

By: funeralOne

funeralOne — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 14:55:52 +0000

In reply to Joseph Earthman. Hi Joseph :) Thanks so much for your thoughts & insights...we will definitely check out your blog!

By: funeralOne

funeralOne — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 14:46:05 +0000

In reply to Brad Stanton.

Hi Brad! We’re so glad to hear that you’re enjoying the blog. The plan for your cemetery website sounds very interesting! And agreed, it is concerning that families aren’t recording memories and accomplishments, and definitely something that’s regrettable later on down the line…It’s always so interesting to learn about the lives of past generations. I’ll put that topic in our idea bank for a future blog post! Thanks for the recommendation 🙂

By: Brad Stanton

Brad Stanton — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 16:58:44 +0000

Just signed up for this newsletter (Blog) and enjoyed what you had to write about.

I am working with a cemetery who hs a website that eventually will be a source for future genealogists.

Having said that, what concerns me is the lack of the concern the families have to record ‘memories’, notable accomplishments one has had during their lifetime.

Perhaps you would be willing to write a few words encouraging people to take a serious interest in this matter and the reason why they should.

By: Joseph Earthman

Joseph Earthman — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 21:54:27 +0000

Great article, Rochelle! Keep them coming. A common theme that I see in your list and other funeral industry publications is a push to “celebrate” your way around the natural sadness that comes with losing someone. Wearing all black for a year may be a bit overboard today but bright colored clothing isn’t the answer either.

I agree, staying in the funeral home isn’t required in all situations anymore but other than at a church or a private residence, good luck getting a third party venue to host a funeral.

Point #3 is getting close but that’s still just a memorial service, not a funeral, and the differences are obvious and profound.

Also, there is still a very good reason to hold the funeral within a week or so after the death. Reacting to death is instinctive for the immediate family and extended family and friends. If you put it off too long, the service loses its impact.

Lastly, I agree with you about ditching the poster board. Families LOVE the digital slideshows.

Always remember, funerals (with a casket – open or closed) allow for people to get together to share memories but a funeral allows you to say good-bye to someone, because they are there with you, literally. It may seem corny but it’s true. Cremating first then holding a memorial service takes this away. Next time you’re at a memorial service and there is an urn, see how many people touch the urn. Few to no one will be my guess. On the other hand, see how many people touch a casket, open or closed. Just about everyone does. It’s as instinctive as shaking hands or giving someone, an old friend, a hug.

Check out my blog at http://www.josephjearthman.com. You might enjoy it.

Keep up the good work, Rochelle!