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No. It is only necessary to sign the book one time. The pages of multiple books will be combined into one book for the family.
Your dress should be an expression of dignity and respect to the family and those present at the service. Wearing colorful clothing is no longer inappropriate.
Generally, we see the immediate family dressed in dark, conservative colors. However, there are many factors that may encourage a change from this tradition, such as traditions of the community, religious or personal beliefs, or the age of the deceased.
We have also begun to notice that as people become more comfortable with "Celebration of Life" services rather than traditional Funeral Services that the colors, even of the immediate family, have become brighter and more colorful.
We encourage you to wear something that is clean and respectful in appearance. You may wear any color; your knowledge of the family and of the circumstances surrounding the death may help you determine what you would be most comfortable in.
We generally tell visitors to wear something that would be appropriate for a church service or an outfit that would be considered "business casual" for the visitation. We would still encourage professional dress for the Funeral Service. It is always better to err in the direction of formality rather than informality.
Make phone calls to other friends or relatives to help in notifying them of the death. Check on the house: Cut the grass… Get Mail... Answer the phone for them. Run errands
Sympathy can be expressed with a handshake, a hug, recalling a memory of the person or a simple statement of condolence.
Comments should reflect your concern for the family. Offer support and encouragement to the family.
Many families wish to acknowledge those who send food, flowers or made a memorial donation with a note of thanks. No longer are personal letters expected in return for expressions of sympathy. It is not necessary to acknowledge those who attended the service or signed the register book.
Laughter during calling hours, as family and friends share stories about the deceased, is common. But, sometimes this can be upsetting or confusing for teenagers and children. It is always best to prepare them for the experiences ahead of them. Always follow the lead of those who are grieving, because humor is quite subjective.
Visitors are not expected to stay the entire time of visitation. If you are close to the family and see a need you can fulfill by staying your presence would be appreciated. If there is a long receiving line, keep your remarks to the family brief to help facilitate the receiving of friends. You should certainly stay long enough to speak to the family of the deceased and express your sympathy. Once you have done that it is appropriate to leave, so that others will have a chance to do the same.
Most bereaved people tell us that the statement, "I know how you feel" is the most irritating, because (of course) no one can really know how someone is feeling. Rather than such a statement, we suggest you share what the loved one meant to you.
If you did not know the deceased person it is helpful to say things like: "I'll be thinking about you." It is also appropriate to say, "I will call to check on you," but only if you really plan to do so. It is so important to follow through on offers of assistance, rather than simply making the statement at the time of services.
Many times families will find a need for assistance once things have begun to "settle down" after the services and your offer and help could mean a great deal to them. Acts of kindness towards a grieving family do not have to be grand gestures but rather sincere gestures of help on many levels. Some examples of such acts:
Avoid telling the family to "Call me if you need anything" simply because when people are grieving they do not have the energy to call and ask for help.
Again, we cannot state it often enough: It is important to follow through if you make an offer to help.
We heartily advise you to do so. There are many different reasons for pre-arranging a funeral. Some persons, especially those who are alone in the world, may want the assurance of a funeral and burial which meet their personal beliefs, standards or life-style.
Others feel a responsibility to assist survivors by arranging approximate funeral and burial cost guidelines. Still others have moved to distant places, or maintain both summer and winter residences. They may want to make sure that certain recommendations are heeded as to where the funeral and burial or other final disposition will take place. Honestly, there are almost as many reasons for pre-arranging a funeral as there are people choosing to complete pre-arrangements.
There are many benefits to pre-payment. If you do choose to pre-fund your funeral services, your money is put in an interest earning account that will hopefully keep up with cost increases at the funeral home. After your funeral is paid for in full our price is guaranteed, and you will never have to pay more for the items you have already paid for.
Many people who choose cremation elect to have some form of religious or secular service either prior to, or following the cremation. Some have a traditional funeral service with the casket present. Others elect to have a memorial service, with or without the casket or cremated remains. There’s great flexibility in end-of-life planning. Please speak with one of our experienced arrangement counselors for more options.
Yes, of course you can. Cremation may follow a traditional funeral service that includes visitation, viewing, and a service with an open or closed casket. Always remember that it is our goal to provide you and your family with exactly what you want; so be sure to discuss all the details with a staff member.
No. The purpose of embalming is to disinfect and preserve a body for a limited time for funeral purposes. If there is to be a public viewing with visitation and funeral services with the body present, embalming is considered necessary and advised. There may also be health, legal, or religious reasons that make embalming desirable or necessary.
It is our firm belief that children should be a part of any services conducted for your loved one. However, when very young children want to participate in a viewing, it is appropriate to ask the funeral director to bring the children at non-public times. This will make it easier for the family to deal with the child’s questions without being concerned about what others think of the child being there. Often, someone is then asked to take the child home so that the adults can participate in the usual rituals.
If a young child will be attending a funeral service, it is helpful to bring along a neighbor or a friend who can take care of the child if the child should become restless.
Yes. With an honorable discharge, you’re eligible to obtain funds to help pay funeral and burial expenses. If the death occurs in a V.A. Hospital or if the veteran is receiving a V.A. pension, certain additional monies may be allowable. A U.S. flag for the casket, and a government headstone for an unmarked grave, is also available. Interment without cost in a U.S. National Cemetery can also be arranged if certain requirements are met. In some cases, the widow or survivor may also receive further benefits.
If death occurs away from home, a staff member of Dovin Funeral Home should be contacted to arrange all of the details for you in any location on this continent and around the world. We can act as your agent to see that all your wishes are carried out.
There is no need for you to make a long trip and deal with strangers. We can make any necessary arrangements for burial in a distant city. Upon your arrival for the burial, you’ll find that everything is in order. If you cannot be present, you can be sure that your instructions will be followed.