Memorial & Funeral Services
Memorial Services
A memorial service is a service that occurs without the body of the deceased. This may take place within a day or two of death, or it can be delayed as long as needed, to meet the convenience or needs of the family.
An alternative to the traditional funeral, this service incorporates many of the elements of a funeral: music, prayers, readings from scripture, poetry or other prose, a eulogy honoring the life of the deceased and sometimes a sermon.
Memorial services might be held when a body has been lost at sea, is never recovered (for example September 11, 2001), or when the body is cremated or donated to science.
Funeral Services
A funeral service is with the body present, in a casket that may be open or closed. It is often quickly planned and occurs within a few days of death. This ceremony is a rite of passage for both the deceased and survivors. The traditional ritual that takes place when one passes away, typically including: music, prayers, readings from scripture, poetry or other prose, a eulogy honoring the life of the deceased and sometimes a sermon focusing on the role of death in human life.
A committal or internment is the final portion of the funeral service at which time the deceased is interred or entombed. This takes place at the site where the body or the cremation remains will be buried.
Committal Services
The committal service can be the sole service. It is usually briefer than a funeral or memorial service.
It involves the permanent disposition of remains by entombment, burial or placement in a niche (the space reserved for the entombment of individual cremains in an urn).
Internment
Internment involves the placement of a casket in a burial vault or below the surface of the ground in an individual grave.
topTestimonials
"Thank you Chiquita for making my mother's memorial service such a beautiful day that I will always remember. You really captured the complexity that was Kerri and were able to make me laugh when I needed to and cry when I needed to.
"Though I only met you that morning, your warm personality made it feel like you were a close family friend. You really were there with us rain, hail or shine! It meant a lot to the family to be able to have the service outdoors by the ocean so your commitment no matter what the weather was doing was impressive.
"Carlo and I could not believe that was your first memorial service because you seem to be a natural at it. Thank you again for making such a sad occasion bearable and memorable with your beautiful words and warm personality."
Natasha Vought
"Dear Chiquita,
"The last month has been a very hard and testing time for my family. A number of close friends have helped us, in different ways, to deal with our loss. During this hard time, I have felt very honoured to be reminded that there are genuine people, loving and kind people, who have a compassion for others that is evident in their actions. My family and I consider you one of these people.
"We would like to sincerely thank you for your compassion and professionalism in conducting Kerri's service. You have a "realness" about you that I felt in my dealings with you and more so during Kerri's service. You made the day so much easier for us and on reflection you really did manage to capture our feelings and thoughts of Kerri in your words."
Alana Vought
