The Funeral Journey

This is one of the first decisions you will have to make mainly because different documentation is required for each option. Often the preference has already been stated in the will so please check with your solicitor or executor.

Burial involves selecting and purchasing a burial plot in the cemetery of your choice. You will also need to select a headstone and the wording you require on it. The selection of the headstone can be done at a much later stage. For many people it is traditional for the headstone to be placed and “unveiled” with a special ceremony, a year later. We can advise you on the cemeteries and costs in your area.

Cremation has become the more popular option and many of the cemeteries in Auckland also have cremation facilities as well. We have our own cremator at our Henderson branch which gives families greater options for having the entire service all at the one venue, especially if they wish to attend at the actual cremation itself. There are many options for the final resting place for your ashes and we can give you advice on many of these. This is not something that you have to decide until you feel you are ready, and it is wise to take your time with your decision.

Saying goodbye to your loved one, friend or colleague is an important part of grieving. Spending time with the deceased helps us accept the 'death' and come to terms with the reality of the loss. You may wish to have your loved one at home for some time before the service, or spend time with them at our funeral home. Our family viewing rooms are quiet, spacious and private ensuring your time with them is peaceful and belongs to you and your family.

Sometimes your minister or celebrant will ask to write out a “life History” of your loved one to be read at the service. This might be read by you, or another family member, a friend, or the person officiating. You are the only one that knows all the little things and the big things that have happened throughout your loved one’s life but being asked to write these down can just seem too hard! Don’t worry, it is not possible to write down a person’s whole life so just choose the parts that mean something and are special to you and your family. Just glance through the list below to help jog your memory. Often talking with the family will bring up lots of memories; have someone jot these down so that you can think about them when you are writing the eulogy.

• Where and when born,
• Parents and siblings, schooling, childhood days, teenage and young days,
• Employment/career, marriage, children, home,
  Trips/adventures, special events, clubs, passions and loves, hobbies, social life,
• Favourite sayings, anecdotes, favourite readings, poetry, songs, music.