Planning for the inevitable. Until now, we’ve focused on the importance of planning ahead, but what happens when a loved one does pass away?
We believe the best way to cope with loss is through the comfort and support of family and friends. That’s why, when it’s time to meet with our Family Service staff at Gethsemane Cemetery, we encourage you to bring your loved ones with you.
The arrangement conference typically lasts between one to two hours. The exact length depends on several factors, including the number of decisions to be made, the complexity of the service, and whether a burial or cremation space needs to be selected. During this time, your Family Service Advisor will be there to guide you, answer your questions, learn about your loved one’s life, and explain the memorialization options available.
At the arrangement conference, your advisor will collect important information about your loved one. This information is used for legal authorizations, memorial tribute pages, online memorials, and historical cemetery records. You’ll also discuss how you wish to honor your loved ones—whether they will be buried or cremated, your property options, service dates and times, and available payment plans.
We strongly recommend having a family discussion while your loved one is still with you, so their wishes, wants, and needs are clearly understood. Too often, families experience unnecessary stress and disagreements during an already difficult time due to a lack of clarity on this matter. While it may be a hard conversation to have, you’ll be grateful you did.
In our next article, we’ll cover the three essential questions everyone should ask their loved ones.
Tim Kolasa, Executive Director
Gethsemane & St Mary Cemeteries
