Planning for the Inevitable

Ease Burden of Loved Ones by Making Funeral Arrangements in Advance

If an accident would happen to cause your death today, would your spouse or other next of kin know how to arrange your funeral?

Who will notify family and friends? Have you discussed with anyone the type of visitation, funeral or memorial service, casket, urn, music and clothing you would want?

Would they know what your wishes are for cemetery, vault and burial or cremation and memorialization?

These are just some of the 125 plus decisions that must be made within 24 hours of a death.

“When a death occurs, survivors are naturally stunned, often emotionally devastated and find it difficult to make decisions under this type of pressure,” said Rob Milward, Funeral Director and Vice President at Milward Funeral Directors.

“When a person pre-arranges their funeral, they are able to make all the necessary and difficult decisions that need to be made, so after a death occurs family members can devote their time and energy to the memory of their loved one during the visitation or celebration of life memorial service.”

If one does not plan for the inevitable end of life, then one day a great deal of responsibility will be placed on the shoulders of a spouse or children for final arrangements.

“A funeral or memorial service is a ceremonial event, much like a wedding, that must be planned to coordinate activities and people,” said Jeanne Sledd, Funeral Director, Counselor and Advance Planning Specialist.

“Our hope is that each service leaves a positive lasting memory for everyone in attendance.”

Many people ask Sledd if it is necessary to fund their advance funeral plan.

Although it is not required, Sledd said, it certainly is of benefit to survivors.

People buy life insurance to provide economic means for survivors.

But money from life insurance doesn’t console survivors during their emotional pain from grieving.

Lawyers draw up wills to ensure possessions in estates will be distributed according to their wishes. But an estate is not probated until after a funeral.

By taking the time now, to put one’s affairs in order for your funeral, loved ones can be spared emotional and financial burdens in the future.