Attending the funeral service of a close family member is a somber experience. It’s a time for paying respects and saying final goodbyes — which is why inappropriate and unwelcome behavior is not only disruptive but incredibly rude to those in attendance. As such, knowing what not to do at a funeral before you arrive […]
Mark McCafferty
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season, usually filled with joy and celebration, can be a challenging time of year for those grappling with the loss of a loved one. The absence of family members during holiday outings, the empty chair at the dinner table, or the missing voice in the chorus of carols can amplify feelings of […]
What Flowers Are Brought to Funerals?
If you’ve attended a funeral in the past, then it’s likely you’ve seen your fair share of floral arrangements. The symbolism of their colors and species can make flowers a gift that is as meaningful as they are beautiful. However, what kind of flowers are brought to funerals? Here’s a look at several of the […]
Creating Digital Memorial for a Loved One: What You Should Know
In an increasingly digital age, we’re finding new and meaningful ways to remember and honor our loved ones who have passed on. One such method is the creation of digital memorials, online spaces that allow friends and family to come together, share stories, and keep memories alive for generations to come.
5 Important Tips When Planning a Funeral Service
Planning a funeral isn’t the best experience. Many times, funerals happen unexpectedly and with very little notice. Unfortunately, this leaves those that are responsible for planning a funeral grasping at last-minute options with little help. That’s why it helps to have a funeral plan in advance. Although some people may be hesitant to prepare for […]
Understanding the Difference Between a Will and a Trust
What’s the difference between a trust and a will? Although both of them are used during legal estate planning, they both differ in many ways — and if you’re unfamiliar with them, it might be confusing to determine which is best for your circumstances. Having a will or trust can benefit your family in more […]
What Is a Living Will and Why Do You Need One?
You may have heard the term “living will” before, but do you actually know what a living will is? A living will is a legal document outlining the medical steps you do or do not want to be performed if you are critically ill or injured. These preferences determine the procedures that can be used […]
How to Cope After the Loss of a Spouse
Life after the death of a spouse can be challenging—especially coping with the pain of loss. Thankfully, there are several steps a grieving widower can take to make the process easier on themselves. Here are four important tips you should take to better cope with the loss of a life partner.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Cemetery
The funeral process is never easy to endure, and the last thing you want is to make it more difficult than it has to be. When deciding where to be buried or where to lay a family member, knowing some of the right questions to ask when buying a cemetery plot can impact the well-being […]
What to Look for When Choosing a Funeral Home
Finding the perfect funeral home for the deceased is more involved than simply picking the one with the best cost of cremation. There are several factors to consider, but after the passing of a loved one, it can be difficult to determine which funeral home is best suited to handle their funeral arrangements. For assistance, […]
Writing the Perfect Obituary for a Loved One
Writing an obituary for a loved one can be a challenging task. You may still be grieving their loss and are unsure what information you should include or how even to approach writing an obituary to begin with. If this is your first time writing an obituary, here are some tips on how to write […]
How to Talk to Your Loved One About Their Final Wishes
Pre-planning a funeral can be a stressful endeavor. Not only are you helping your relatives say goodbye to a departed family member, but you must ensure that the funeral adheres to the deceased’s final wishes to not upset your family. You can acquire a much better understanding of a loved one’s preferences for a final […]
How to Celebrate a Life After the Funeral Service
As you call for funeral planning in Philadelphia, you might start thinking about the person’s life. Funerals are a formal way to say goodbye after a loved one’s passing, but you don’t have to forget them. There are many ways that families can celebrate the departed’s life following the funeral proceedings that can be uplifting. […]
How to Comfort a Grieving Friend
If you’ve ever lost a loved one, you know firsthand just how difficult the grieving process can be. Doing and saying the right thing when your friend is grieving can be a major point of concern. Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to comfort a friend who is going through a […]
What Does it Cost to be Cremated?
No one wants to leave their family with funeral expenses following their passing. Philadelphia crematories offer men and women reaching the final stages of their lives with a more affordable way to remember their legacy and share hope with friends and family members. But how much does it cost to be cremated — and are […]
Steps to Take After Someone Dies
If you have a family member who is reaching the end of his or her life or you’re researching hospice programs in Philadelphia for a beloved friend, losing someone you care for can be one of the hardest parts of life. Understanding what to do immediately after your loved one passes away can help you […]
3 Traditions You Might See at a Hindu Funeral
If you’ve recently been invited to a funeral for a loved one who followed Hindu religious teachings, the funeral service might be much different than those you’ve experienced in the past. Understanding some of the most common
The History of the Cremation Urn
A cremation urn is a vase with a thin neck used to preserve the ashes of a loved one following his or her cremation. Though many families use urns in Philadelphia to remember a beloved family member or friend after they pass away, few people realize that the history of the cremation urn dates back […]
What Can Life Insurance Pay For After You Pass?
Many older men and women worry about leaving debt behind for their families after they pass. A comprehensive life insurance policy can often ease many financial burdens after a loved one passes on.
3 Questions to Ask When You Consider Hospice Care
No one wants to think about the possibility that someone they love will no longer be able to care for themselves — especially if that person is a parent or another close relative. However, hospice programs in Philadelphia are often the best solution for men and women who are in pain, whose illness is not […]