Marla J. Noel –Funeral Plans

My mother used to tell me, “Honey, just cremate me, and throw my ashes out back.” I know my mother is modest, and would never want a fuss made over her for any reason. But I had to remind her that a funeral service is for the family left behind, not the deceased. A funeral should depict the loved one; their personality, their favorites, their hobbies, their essence. When you leave the service, hopefully, you will have some fond memories of what was said about the deceased. At least, this is what I am hoping for my funeral. I have it all planned out.

OK, for those of you who think it is morbid, think again. Who is better able to plan the service that reflects your personality, if not you? I think that production, ambiance and perfection is important. So I am going to let you, and my family, know exactly what should be at my service. If it is not as I requested, there could be serious consequences. I have not figured out what those are yet, but I’ll work on it.

My funeral should begin with a visitation. I want lots of photos to depict the great times I’ve had, and I have had many, and it is early. Some Led Zepplin should be playing and there should be lots of flowers, no lilys. (allergies you know)

The funeral should include my eulogy, which I will write, comments from 2 or 3 friends and some humor from the minister. At the service, I would like a video montage. Only the complimentary photos, please. Someone has to dig up the glamour photos that I had taken, so that the nieces can say stuff like, “Wow, she was pretty when she was younger.” The service cannot be more than 45 minutes long. Then we go to the graveside, which is in a crypt at Fairhaven Memorial Park; a very nice location, I might add.

As we go to the crypt, bagpipes should be playing somewhere in the distance. Dannyboy is my favorite on bagpipes. Then, a couple of words at the gravesite, a dove release (they really are pigeons, but who cares). Then everyone should go to the gallery at Fairhaven for good food, and some, or all, of my wine collection. My feelings about the importance of funeral services are strong. I want everyone to understand what their “last big event” should be.

There are many decisions to be made at the time of a death. Below are the three primary decisions in planning for the funeral and interment of a loved one.

1. Vital statistics and historical data must be furnished

2. Method of burial must be selected

3. The casket/urn and funeral arrangements must be selected

Three Major Cemetery Decisions:

1. Interment Space

2. Burial Vaults

3. Memorialization

Three Major Service Decisions:

1. Type of Ceremony or Gathering

2. Type of Casket

3. Type of Memorialization