Funeral Home

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

Why Writing a Will is Important

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

It can be tough to think about your own passing and that means that people do not always take the time to plan ahead. One of the things that is crucial you consider, however, is writing your will. There are many reasons why writing a will is essential so it is important that you consider doing this. Here are some reasons directors of funeral homes in Lowell, MA recommend that people take the time to do this.

One of the reasons writing a will is vital is that it can ensure your assets go where you want them to go. That is not always what happens if you do not leave in writing specifically what your wishes are. Without a will, people will not know what your wishes are and that can end up with your assets being taken to probate court for a judge to make a decision. You can avoid this stress for your loved ones while making certain your things go where they are supposed to by writing a will.

If you have children who are minors, you want to have a will in place. If something happens to you, you need to know that they will be protected. In a will, you can designate a guardian for them so they do not end up in the system. You can also set up a trust fund and make sure all of your assets end up there if you so that your children can inherit everything when they come of age.

You can also prevent any legal challenges when you leave a will. This can be a concern if you had multiple marriages with children, so do be sure to prepare a will that clarifies who gets what assets. If there is a challenge and things go to court, you cannot be guaranteed the right people will get what you want them to have, so do keep that in mind.

Another thing that you want to remember is that when you leave a will you can designate who will manage your estate. You want to make sure the executor is someone you trust to respect your wishes and who is responsible. They will have to do things like cancel credit cards and other similar tasks, so only someone you truly trust is the right choice.

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

These are some crucial reasons to write a will as soon as possible. You can make certain the right people get your assets and that there are no disputes. You can also protect your children if they are still minors and assign a person to manage your estate. If you are not sure how to start making arrangements or if you would like to consider preplanning services, you can reach out to a Lowell, MA funeral home like us. We have years of experience and we can help you manage all of this and much more. You can give us a call right now or you can stop by our location to learn more about what we can offer.

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funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

When Missing a Service Can be the Right Choice

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

In most instances, attending the service of a loved one is something that is helpful and that can offer the closure you need. There are moments, however, when it is better or more appropriate to not attend the funeral or memorial service. If you have lost a loved one, there are some instances you want to have a clear idea about. Here are the ones that directors of funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA want you to remember.

If you are not sure if the service is private or not, you may not want to attend, just in case. Many times, families prefer to have an intimate service and that can mean that there will be no information online or in local papers about it. If you see that that is the case, you may want to reach out to the family and ask them directly if the service is a private one or not. The last thing you want to do is intrude.

Another thing to remember is that if you have to travel to go to the service, you may not be able to go if the expense is too great or if you cannot take time off from work. If that is the case, then you want to consider letting the family know and even sending them something to let them know you are thinking about them.

If you are sick, you want to also consider skipping the service. You do not want to get worse and you also do not want to make others sick. If that is something you are worried about, you can easily let the family know what the problem is and send them flower arrangements on the day of the service.

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

Another reason you may not want to go to the service of a loved one is if you have young children and do not have someone to take care of them as you attend the service. Young children can get bored easily and you do not want to have to worry about them making noise or disturbing the other guests. Let the family know that you cannot go because you do not have anyone to watch your children and they will understand.

 

These are all things that you want to consider as you decide whether it is appropriate for you to go to the service or not. If the service is a private one, you want to respect the family’s wishes and not go to the service if you did not receive an invitation. If you still have questions about this or if you want to know more about funeral etiquette, you can reach out to a Tyngsborough, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are ready to answer any questions you may have about funerary arrangements and we can help you plan the services you need for your loved one. Give us a call right now or visit us today to speak with an expert.

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funeral homes in Westford, MA

Why an Open Casket is a Good Choice

funeral homes in Westford, MA

If you are planning the service for a loved one, you will have lots of decisions to make. These decisions can include the flower arrangements you want, the music, the location, and even if you want to have a secular or religious service. Another thing you have to think about is whether you want to have an open or closed casket. For many families, an open casket can be a good choice. Here are some of the things that directors of funeral homes in Westford, MA want you to remember.

 

An open casket allows you to say goodbye to the person you lost. Most people do not get a chance to do this, especially if your loved one died unexpectedly. It is something that can be important for the process of coming to terms with the death and so you want to consider it. Saying what you want to say to your loved one is something that can allow you to move on. It is also a beneficial thing for children to do.

 

Another thing that an open casket can offer is closure. Many times, people know logically their loved one is dead, but their subconscious may still be waiting to see their loved one again or to hear their voice. When you see the person at rest, all of you can understand what has happened and this can allow you to get the closure you need. It is an extremely important step when looking to start the mourning process and then heal from the loss.

 

You also want to consider that an open casket can offer comfort. For people who had a loved one who suffered through a long illness or who was in pain when they died, an image of the loved one suffering can stay in your head. The only way to dislodge it is to see your loved one at peace. Funeral home directors are experts at ensuring that your loved one looks their best and that they are wearing their favorite clothes. This will be a much better final image you have of them.

funeral homes in Westford, MA

These are all important reasons to consider an open casket for your loved one. There are all manner of things you want to consider, and that includes the closure that an open casket can offer and the chance to say goodbye. You will be giving everyone present the chance to really come to terms with the death, so do think about this option with care. If you are not sure about how to plan a service with an open casket, you can reach out to a Westford, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are here to help you with all of the decisions you need to make for your loved one so do not hesitate to reach out to us. Give us call right now to learn more or visit us today to speak with one of our experts.

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funeral homes in Lowell, MA

Speaking with Loved Ones About Final Wishes

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

It can be a good idea to let loved ones know about what your final wishes are. You want to be sure that they know what you would prefer. This kind of conversation is not an easy one to have, however, and you may not know how to tackle it. If you are not certain about how to manage this kind of talk, there are some things that directors of funeral homes in Lowell, MA want you to keep in mind.

 

You need to reach out to your loved ones and let them know what kind of conversation you want to have. This is not something you want to surprise them with. Let them know a few days in advance what you want to talk about so that they can prepare. It is also a good idea to try to get as many people as possible together so that you do not have to have this kind of conversation more than once. If you know that someone will not be able to be present in person, you can ask them to be there via video call.

 

Choose a room where you will not be interrupted. You do not want to have to worry about people getting distracted as you speak about your final wishes. Ask your loved ones to silence their phones or to turn them off so that you can have their undivided attention. If there is a television in the room, you also want to be sure that it is off.

 

Allow your loved ones to ask any questions they may have. It is normal that they be worried about what you prefer and that they have questions so the best thing you can do is allow them to ask what they need to know. It can make a difference when having this conversation.

 

Take the time to also prepare information your loved ones can take home. Many times, people can get upset throughout this kind of conversation and they may not pay attention to particular details you may mention. By giving them information they can take home, they will be able to see what your wishes are once the conversation is over.

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

These are some things you want to remember when you get ready to let your loved ones know what your final wishes are. It can be a good idea to let your loved ones know what you want to talk about before the conversation happens, and you want to remember to choose a location where you will not be distracted. If you want to know more about how to speak with loved ones about final wishes, you can reach out to a Lowell, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We have years of experience and we can help you make the funerary arrangements you want for you or a loved one. Give us a call right now or stop by our location to learn more.

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funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

What is a Direct Burial?

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

When you start thinking of what funerary services to offer a loved one, it can help to keep in mind the different options you have. If you would like to offer your loved one a burial, one option you have is direct burial. This is one option that not everyone knows about but which can be the right option. Here are some things that directors of funeral homes in Lowell, MA want you to know about direct burials.

Key Takeaways:

Direct burial is an economical way to lay a loved one to rest. It requires minimal expenses and preparation, yet lacks the same potential for commemoration as other types of burials. Therefore, direct burial should be considered in terms of both cost and long-term effects before making a decision.

 

A direct burial is done right after the death of a loved one. It is one of the fastest options and it can allow you to lay your loved one to rest in a way that follows their wishes but does not put added stress on you to make elaborate arrangements. It is an option that does not require you to get embalming services and it also usually means that you do not have to make arrangements for a funeral or memorial service.

 

There are many reasons why you may want to turn to a direct burial for a loved one. You want to keep in mind that, since you do not have to pay for embalming fees or any other added fees with a direct burial, this is an option that is important to consider if you have a small budget. It can also be stressful to have to make arrangements for a funeral or memorial service when you are in the middle of dealing with a death, so having a direct burial can be the right choice if you do not want to have to worry about having an elaborate service for a loved one.

 

A direct burial has a simple process. The body is taken to the funeral home, where it is prepared for burial. You will have to full out paperwork while this happens, but you can also have a short viewing with family and friends if you want to. Once the body is ready, it will be placed in the casket and taken to the place of burial. There, you can also have a small ceremony to honor them if you want to.

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

A direct burial is an option that can offer the exact kind of services that you want for your loved one and that can allow you to offer a burial that will not be too expensive and that also will not stress you out. If you want to be able to offer your loved one a burial that is not going to be too expensive for you, direct burial is the right choice. You can learn more about all of this by reaching out to a Lowell, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are ready to help you with all of the arrangements you need to make after the death of a loved one and to avoid making any mistakes, so do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can give us a call or you can stop by today.

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funeral homes in Westford, MA

Errors to Avoid When Preplanning

funeral homes in Westford, MA

An option that more people are choosing is to preplan their funerary services. This can make it easier to get the exact kind of funerary options you want without having your loved ones deal with the arrangements themselves. If you are thinking about this option, it is important to know about some common errors that people make. Here are the mistakes that directors of funeral homes in Lowell, MA want you to avoid when preplanning.

Perhaps the gravest mistake people make when preplanning is not choosing the right provider. You want to be able to turn to experts for these kinds of services so that everything is done correctly. Take the time to ask the funeral home you are thinking about choosing if they have experience with preplanning and if they have been providing it for a substantial amount of time. You also want to consider the price ranges they have. You want to do a bit of research to see if the provider offers the kind of standard rates other companies require. This can make a difference.

Another common error you want to avoid is not to ask about the different types of preplanning options out there. There are lots of options to choose from, with some that may be more appropriate for your budget than others. You can choose from options like burial insurance, which will cover all of the costs of a burial. You can also choose a revocable trust, which allows you to make changes to the arrangements when you want, or an irrevocable trust, which does not. If you want a direct burial for your loved one, it is an option that offers the services you want and is less expensive than other burials. It can also be less stressful for you. If you are not sure which options work best for your needs, be sure to ask a provider for a bit of help.

Avoid not letting your loved ones know that you have preplanned arrangements. This is a tough conversation to have but it is important. You want your loved ones to know that you are leaving everything set up and that they only have to contact the funeral home to get the process started. Lots of people forget to do this and that can make things more difficult for loved ones. Have this conversation so there are no doubts or difficulties.

funeral homes in Westford, MA

When you start thinking about preplanning funerary arrangements, you want to be sure that you keep all of these things in mind. Take the time to ask lots of questions from the provider you have chosen so that you can get the exact kind of services that you want. You also want to consider all of the options that are out there for preplanning, since each one will offer different things. If you would like to know more about our other services like personalization, you can reach out to Dolan Funeral Home. Our team is ready to help you with all of the decisions you need to make. Give us a call right now or visit us today.

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funeral homes in Lowell, MA

How to Choose Flowers for a Service

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

When getting ready to plan the service for a loved one, there are lots of different things you want to consider. One of these things is the flowers that you want decorating the space where the service will take place. That is not always an easy choice to make. If you do not know how to choose, here are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Lowell, MA want you to remember.

Think about the kind of service you want to have. This is a crucial part of making the right choice. The type of flowers you would choose for a traditional funeral or memorial service will likely not work as well for a celebration of life. Consider the different service options before you start so that you can narrow choices down.

Another thing to do is to have an idea of the budget that you have for the flowers. Some options, like funerary wreaths, can be more costly, so if you are working with a limited budget, you want to consider other types of flower arrangements. Be sure to do a bit of research into the different options and the average costs so that you can put together the kind of budget you will need.

You also want to take into consideration the preferences that your loved one would have had. If they did not like a particular kind of flower, you do not want to include it in any of the flower arrangements you have for the service. The same with any colors that they may not have preferred. You want to use options that the person would have chosen for themselves, so do take the time to consider this.

If your loved one was someone who did not like flowers, you may want to think about other kinds of decorations for the service. Many people opt for ribbons or even balloons. If you are not sure what would be appropriate for this kind of service, you can ask funeral directors for suggestions on what you can use instead. That can be a good way of finding decorations that do not include flowers.

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

Choosing flower arrangements for a loved one’s service is something you want to consider with care. You want to choose options that fit with the kind of service that you want to have for your loved one and that also fit the budget that you need. Also think about the kind of flowers that the person would have wanted. If you are not sure about what to choose or if you want to learn more about making arrangements for the person, you can reach out to a Lowell, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We have years of experience helping people plan the funerary services they want for their loved ones. Get started right now by giving us a call or by visiting us at our location to speak with one of our experts.

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funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

Rules about Taking Photos at a Service

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

When getting ready to attend the funeral or memorial service of a loved one, there may be etiquette rules you are not sure about. One common one that people have is whether or not they can take photos at the service of a loved one. If that is something that you are worried about, there are some things that directors of funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA want you to remember.

 

Something you want to keep in mind is that it is not appropriate to take pictures during the actual service. Some people choose to take photos of the location, especially from the outside, and that is fine, but not at the actual service. People will be grieving and will not want photos taken of them. You never want to take a photo of the casket, so if you do take pictures inside, you want to avoid that. If there is something in particular you want to take a picture of, like a flower arrangement or a memorial display, you want to ask for permission from the family so that you do not offend anyone.

 

Usually, you can take pictures at the reception, so that may be something you want to consider. You still want to ask for permission from the family of the deceased and from anyone you want to photograph. Keep in mind that people will be there to mingle and offer each other comfort, so you do not want to disturb anyone or be disruptive. Do not interrupt conversations or ask anyone to move around for a picture.

 

Keep in mind that just because you received permission to take the picture, it does not mean that you have that permission to post them on social media. It is so common now for people to share photos that you may not even think about it too much before sharing the photos from the service, but that is not something you want to do without permission. If you do get it, wait at least a day or two before posting them. The best thing you can do if you want to share the photos with loved ones is to send them privately.

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

It is important to know what you can and cannot do during the service of a loved one. You do not want to have to worry about bothering anyone or offending them, so do not take pictures during the service. If you do want to take some during the reception, always ask for permission before doing so. If you have questions about attending a service or if you want to know more about funerary arrangements, you can reach out to a Tyngsborough, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are ready to help you with the exact services that you may want for a loved one who has died and we can answer any questions you may have. Give us a call right now or visit us today.

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funeral home in Westford, MA

What to Expect from a Reputable Funeral Home

funeral home in Westford, MA

Not everyone realizes just how essential having the right funeral home helping you with funerary arrangements. The provider needs to be qualified and ready to offer the exact kind of services you need. If you are not sure what a great funeral home can offer, here are the things you want to remember when choosing a funeral home in Westford, MA.

 

One of the things that a reputable funeral home offers is the kind of communication you can count on. Making funerary arrangements is something that takes time and it can require that you have access to the person in charge of making the arrangements. You do not want to have to wait for days for the person to get back to you. Having the right level of communication when making funerary arrangements is essential, so take the time to choose a reputable provider.

 

Another thing that a reputable funeral home can offer is upfront pricing. You do not want to have to set up a budget only to learn that there were hidden fees in the costs. A reputable funeral home will not have these kinds of hidden fees. You want to ask for a price list and compare those rates with that of other companies to see if they are about the same. You also want to ask them directly if there are any hidden fees you have to worry about. This can make a big difference, especially if you are working with a limited budget and want to avoid any issues.

 

You also want to remember that a funeral home that is reputable is one that will have a wide variety of services and will be able to offer the exact kind of options that you need. You want to ask for a list of the services and see if they can provide what you need. If you see that the funeral home has a limited number of services and do not offer any chance of customizing what you want, then it can be better to choose another provider. You do not want to feel limited in the options that you have for your loved one.

funeral home in Westford, MA

These are all things you can expect from a reputable funeral home. You can get quality services as well as the kind of communications that you need to be sure everything is done as you want it to be done. Another thing that a reputable funeral home offers is pricing that will not have hidden fees and that is something essential, especially if you are working with a limited budget. If you still have questions about this and want to know more, you can reach out to a Westford, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are here to help you with all of the decisions you need to make so that you can get the exact services you want for a loved one. Give us a call or visit us right now to speak with one of our experts.

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funeral homes in Lowell, MA

How to Plan a Celebration of Life

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

One of the options that some families choose after the death of a loved one is to give them a celebration of life instead of a regular service. A celebration of life honors the memory of the person and celebrates their life without only focusing on grieving their passing. This can be a good option for a person who did not like somber events or someone who was young. If you would like to offer this option to a loved one, you want to be sure you know how to plan one. Here are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Lowell, MA want you to know.

1. Decide on the format

flower for memorial service

There are many different ways to celebrate a life. You can have a traditional funeral service, or you can opt for something more creative, like a themed party or an outdoor gathering. There is no wrong way to do things, so long as the format feels comfortable for you and your family.

2. Choose a location

celebration of life gathering

Having a celebration of life in a funeral home is not always the right option. Some people choose to have it at a place of worship, which can be a good idea if your loved one was religious. If they were not, you want to think about other options. You can choose to have the service at home. This can mean that you may need to limit the number of people who will attend the service, but that can be fine for many families. You can also decide on having the service outside, if your loved one enjoyed the outdoors, or anywhere else that might have meant something to them.

3. Set a date and time

set time and date

Once you have chosen a location, you will need to set a date and time for the event. Keep in mind that some locations may require you to reserve space in advance, so be sure to plan accordingly.

4. Choose a program

choosing a program

One of the most important aspects of planning a celebration of life is choosing a program. You want to think about the kind of music and readings you have at the service. The music that you would choose for a traditional funeral home is not the same as that which you would use for a celebration of life. This does not mean that you cannot have religious music or classical music, it just means that you want to choose more uplifting options. The same thing applies to readings and even eulogies. It can be important to have more uplifting options for a celebration of life.

5. Make arrangements for food and drink

catering

If you are hosting the event at a venue that does not have food or drink available, you will need to make arrangements for these items. You can either cater the event or provide your own food and drink.

6. Decorate the space

decorating the venue

Take the time to choose flower options that are bright and friendly, or consider other kinds of decorations, like balloons. Those can be especially good for children’s celebrations of life. You also want to encourage people to wear bright clothes and to think of it as a party instead of a funeral or memorial service. That can make a huge difference.

7. Send out invitations

send email invitations

Once you have everything planned, it’s time to send out invitations. You can do this by mail, email, or even through social media. Be sure to include all of the important details, such as the date, time, and location of the event.

 

These are all important things you want to remember when getting ready to plan a celebration of life for a loved one. You will want to be sure that you think about the location that you want and that you speak with experts for help choosing the kind of music and readings that you may prefer. To learn more about celebrations of life, you can reach out to a Lowell, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. Our team is here to ensure you can get the exact services you want for a loved one. Call us right now or visit us today to learn more.

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funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

Telling a Child About a Death

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

Letting someone know that a loved one has died is never easy but it can be even more complex when you need to let your child know. Parents do not always know how to tackle this and that can leave them struggling and making their own grieving process worse. If that is something that you are going through now and are not sure how to proceed, there are some things that directors of funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA want you to know.

Something that you need to do is to let your child know what has happened as soon as you can. It is not a good idea to delay telling them the truth because that can make the process more complex. You need to let the child know the truth as soon as possible and you need to do so in a manner that is clear and that does not utilize euphemisms. This is something that is crucial. Parents many times try to soften the news by not using the words “died” or “death”, but that can be a mistake. You will end up confusing the child more.

Another thing you want to remember is to let your child know that you are also feeling the loss. By displaying your own feelings, you will be letting your child know that it is perfectly normal to feel sadness and grief. Let them know that they can always tell you what they are going through.

You want to give your child the chance to ask questions. They will likely have a lot of them and you want to be as truthful as you can. Keep in mind that you do not want to offer more information than what they ask for, since that can end up confusing the child. If you do not know the answer to a question, you want to let them know that you will do your best to find out what the answer is.

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

You also want to give your child the choice of attending the service of the person. If you deem that they are old enough to do this, you can offer them the chance of attending. Never force a child to go if they do not want to, since that can cause more harm than good. Attending the service can be as helpful for a child as it can be for an adult, so do remember that.

These are all important tips you want to remember when getting ready to let your child know about a death. You want to be sure that you are as honest as possible and that you let your child know that they can always let you know what they are feeling. If you want to know more about this, you can contact a Tyngsborough, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We have years of experience and we can help you manage all of the funerary services you need. Give us a call right now.

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funeral homes in Westford, MA

Dos and Do Nots of Choosing a Burial Plot

funeral homes in Westford, MA

As you start thinking about the kind of services you want for a loved one, a burial might be the right choice. This can mean, however, deciding on the burial plot that you prefer and that is not always an easy thing to do. If that is something that you are worried about and you want to be sure that you can get the right plot, there are some dos and do nots that directors of funeral homes in Westford, MA want you to know.

Do consider the location. The location of the plot can be important and it is not always something that people focus on. You want to be sure that if you are the person who will be maintaining the gravesite, you do not end up having to travel a long time to visit the grave. If you will be sharing the duties with someone else, be sure to consider somewhere that can be convenient for both.

Do not forget to consider the exact kind of plot you prefer. This is not always an easy thing to decide, because of the many options that are available. You can choose a single plot, which is the most common option, or a companion plot, where you can have two caskets buried together. This can happen either side by side or one on top of the other. There are also family plots that are large enough to accommodate the entire family, and there are plot that are made for the burial of cremated remains.

Do ask about markers. You want to be certain that the cemetery you choose can allow you to put the exact kind of markers that you want for your loved one. Some cemeteries do not allow you to choose any marker you prefer and instead require that you pick from among what they allow. That can be a concern for many people, so do keep that in mind. You want to ask about caskets, as well, since some cemeteries prefer not to have options like biodegradable caskets. If that is what you want for your loved one, you will want to ask before deciding on the place of burial.

funeral homes in Westford, MA

As you start making arrangements to bury a loved one, choosing the right burial plot is essential. You want to always take the time to ask lots of questions at the cemetery and to get a good sense of the markers and caskets allowed. Once you have that, it can be important to think about the kind of plot that you prefer. To learn more about this, you can reach out to a Westford, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are ready to help you with the many decisions you need to make for a loved one who has died. Give us a call right now or stop by our location to speak with one of our experts and learn more about what we can offer.

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funeral homes in Lowell, MA

Planning a Service for an Infant

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

It is crucial that you consider having a funeral or memorial service if you have lost a child. Dealing with the loss can be devastating and you need to be sure to get closure. This is not a simple thing to do and planning the service for a child can be incredibly stressful. If you are not sure where to begin, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Lowell, MA want you to keep in mind.

Before you start planning the service, the first thing that you need to do is decide on the kind of service that you prefer for your child. You can choose a traditional funeral or memorial service, including those that are religious or secular, but you can also choose a celebration of life. A celebration of life is an option that can be appropriate for a child, since it focuses on honoring their life, short as it was, instead of only mourning their passing. By knowing what kind of service you prefer, you can make the best decision.

Another thing that you want to remember is that you want to consider the location for the service. This is not always an easy choice, either. If you do not want to have the service at a funeral home and if your family is not religious, you may not want to have it at a place of worship, either. One option that lots of people choose is to have the service at home. This can allow you to have a more intimate atmosphere. You can also choose to have the service at a park or at another location that your child loved.

You want to think about the music options that you have at the service. The right music can help people with the grief. Sometimes, religious music does not feel appropriate and that is something that can make you wonder what options you have for your child’s service. If they were too young to have favorite songs, you should consider soothing music. Many times, parents opt for classical pieces.

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

You need to also give some thought to the readings that you have. Some parents prefer to have religious passages, while others choose to do something unique and read their child’s favorite story out loud. Think about what can offer the most closure and what can allow you to say goodbye.

When getting ready to plan the service for your child, these are all things that you want to remember so that you can offer people who are mourning and yourself the kind of closure you need. If you want to know more about putting together a funeral or memorial service, you can reach out to a Lowell, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are ready to answer any questions you may have about this so do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can give us a call right now or visit us today to speak with an expert about this.

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funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

How to Prepare a Care Package

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

One lovely way to let a family that has suffered a loss know that you are thinking about them is to send them a care package. A care package can be of lots of different sizes and styles and it can offer exactly the kind of thoughtfulness that people need after a death. If that is something that you want but you are not sure how to prepare this kind of package, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA want you to remember.

You need to have a good idea of the kind of money you want to spend on a care package. This can have an impact on the options you choose and even on the size of care package that you put together. Compare rates to see what the average costs of care packages are so that you can decide if it is better to prepare something yourself or to choose a package that is already prepared.

You want to also consider the kind of container you want for the package. This can depend on whether you are planning on delivering the package yourself or if you want to ship it. If you do want to ship it, you will need to choose a container that is sturdy but that is not too heavy, since that can add to the costs. If you are using a shipping company, you can even ask them about what they recommend for a care package.

Consider adding useful items to the package. Lots of times, people who are grieving can forget to buy simple items, like tissues. Include these kinds of things and even other toiletries so that those who are grieving do not have to rush off to make purchases. Many times, useful items can be the most important parts of the package.

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

Think about adding comfort items, too. If you know the family enjoys a certain kind of candy or tea options, add those to the care package. People sometimes add bath salts and lotions, even candles, to encourage those who are grieving to take some time for themselves. Some people also add information on the process of grieving a death, which can also be helpful.

If you are getting ready to put together a care package for a loved one who is grieving a death, these are all important things to remember. You want to have a budget in mind so that you do not end up spending more than you can, and you also want to think about the kind of container you want to send the package in. If you still have questions about this or if you want to find the right items to send, you can reach out to a Tyngsborough, MA funeral home like ours at Dolan Funeral Home. Our team is here to help you with all of the decisions you need to make after the death of a loved one. Stop by our location or give us a call now to learn more.

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funeral homes in Westford, MA

Grieving the Death of a Child

funeral homes in Westford, MA

Losing a child is a devastating experience to go through and the process of accepting the death and mourning can be even more difficult than usual. You need to be sure that you have healthy ways of grieving and dealing with the passing of the child. There are some things that can make this terrible experience a bit easier. Here are the things that directors of funeral homes in Westford, MA want you to keep in mind.

You need to allow yourself to grieve completely and to feel what you need to feel. Sometimes, people going through this kind of loss try to suppress what they are going through because it is so painful, but that is a mistake. You want to let yourself feel what you need to feel. You should not be worried about whether what you are going through is normal or not because everyone grieves a bit differently.

Another thing that you need to remember is to have a support group with you. Many times, people who lose a child feel the need to isolate themselves but that is a mistake. You need to have people around you to help you and to ensure that you have people to talk to about what you are going through. You can choose to have a support group made up of friends and family or you can even look online for groups of people who have also lost a child. This can be a great help.

You have to also allow yourself to heal. This is one of the most difficult things for parents of a dead child to do. This is because parents can feel real guilt when they start feeling the death a bit less, even though this is completely normal. You have to let yourself get better and to start enjoying your life. Keep that in mind as you work through the grieving process.

funeral homes in Westford, MA

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you see that you are really struggling and having a lot of difficulties getting through the worst of the loss, you should consider reaching out to a grief counselor. There are lots of grief counselors who work with parents who have lost a child and this can be the right way to get guidance.

These are all important things you need to remember if you have lost a child and are not sure how to get through the process of grieving their loss. You need to have a support group around you and you have to also think about letting yourself feel what you are feeling without suppressing anything. You can learn more about all of this by reaching out to a Westford, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have about this kind of loss, so do be sure to reach out to us. You can give us a call right now or you can stop by our location to learn more.

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funeral homes in Lowell, MA

Writing a Funeral Announcement

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

One of the tasks that you may have to do after the death of a loved one is write their funeral announcement. Many times, people do not realize that a funeral announcement is not the same as an obituary, and this can make it more complicated to know how to start writing it. Lots of funeral homes offer to do this for you, but if you would like to write the announcement yourself, you will want to know a bit about what you have to include. Here are some suggestions that directors of funeral homes in Lowell, MA want you to remember.

It is important to know that a funeral announcement can be customized and unique. You can read examples but you do not have to follow them if you do not want to. It is important to include the dates of birth and death of the person, where they lived, and the date and location of the services you are planning. Other than that, you can customize it as much as you like. Some people choose to include a quote from scripture at the end or a poem. Think about what would make the announcement reflect who your loved one was.

To get the tone and wording right, one of the things you have to think about is if the announcement will be private and shared only with friends and family or if it will be made public. If the service will be private, then you want to send the funeral announcement only to people who you are inviting. This can allow you to be more intimate with the wording you choose. If the announcement will be public, you want to keep the announcement a bit more formal.

Be sure to keep the announcement brief and easy to read. Unlike an obituary, you do not have to add any details of the person’s life or anything similar. Keep the message short and include the information that people need to know about when the services will take place.

funeral homes in Lowell, MA

You have many options for sharing the announcement. You can have them added to local newspapers if the service will be public, or you can have them posted on social media where they can be shared. Depending on your own preferences, one option may be better than another.

Writing a funeral announcement does not have to be difficult. It can be important to remember you want to keep it brief and concise so that people can get the information they need at a glance. If you are planning a private service, you can have the announcement be a bit less formal. If you still have questions about writing a funeral announcement, you want to reach out to a Lowell, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. Our team is ready to help you with all of the things you need for your loved one. You can give us a call right now or you can stop by our location to learn more about the services we offer.

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funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

Tips for What to Wear to an Outdoor Summer Service

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

During the summer months, many times people choose to have a funeral or memorial service outdoors. This can make the process of choosing an outfit a bit more complicated. If you have been invited to one of these outdoor services, it can make a difference to have an idea of what is acceptable to wear. Here are the tips that directors of funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA want you to remember as you decide.

Women can go sleeveless. In the past, sleeveless outfits tended to be frowned upon, but that is not the case anymore. Especially during the summer months, it can be much more comfortable to wear something sleeveless. Do remember that you want to choose an option that is still formal and that is not too revealing. If you do not want to go completely without sleeves, you can choose a short sleeve, instead.

Black is not required for an outdoor summer service. You can choose other somber colors, like olive greens, blues, and even grays. It is important to stay away from very bright options and to avoid big patterns that can draw attention away from the service. When choosing the color for the outfit, think about what you would feel comfortable wearing to a religious service.

The fabric the outfit is made of is another thing you want to keep in mind. Wearing wool and other heavy fabrics can be very uncomfortable in the heat, and so you want to consider options like linen and cotton that can keep you fresh and comfortable. Do choose outfits that have a more formal cut, and nothing that looks like you would wear it on vacation. You want to be as respectful as possible.

Hats and scarves are another thing that people tend to wear to funeral services and it is something that you want to choose with care for outdoor summer ones. If you want to have your head covered, choose a hat or scarf that is made of light materials and that will not make you too hot. You may even want to choose something that is of a lighter color, as well.

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

These tips can help you find the right outfit for an outdoor summer service. It can be very difficult to know what to wear in the heat that will not be too revealing or too casual, so be sure that you keep all of these things in mind. You should take the time to think about the colors you wear as well as the fabric options you choose. If you have more questions about the kind of outfit you can wear to a summer service, you can reach out to a Tyngsborough, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are ready to help you with any funerary concerns you may have so do not hesitate to reach out to us. Give us a call right now or stop by to learn more.

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funeral homes in Westford, MA

What to Know About Funeral Services

funeral homes in Westford, MA

When you start making arrangements to give a loved one who has died a funeral service, it can be crucial that you know what to expect. There are many things that people do not realize about planning a funeral service. If that is what you are thinking of arranging for a loved one, then you will want to consider a number of things. Here are the ones that directors of funeral homes in Westford, MA want you to keep in mind before you start.

A funeral service is an option that you can choose even if the person wanted to be cremated. That is something that people do not realize. You can have a funeral service before the actual cremation takes place if you want to have the casket present, but if you do not, then you can have the service after. You can even include the urn in the service, fi that is what you prefer.

You can also have a funeral service for the person whenever you want. Many times, people think that they have to have a funeral service immediately after a death. That is not the case. If you do not want to have a viewing or the casket present, then you can choose to have the service whenever you prefer. Keep that in mind as you start preparing the funerary services.

You also want to keep in mind that a casket and a coffin are not the same thing. Many people use them to mean the same thing but they are different. A casket has four sides, while a coffin has six and has a tapering shape. If you are not sure about the one that you want for your loved one, you will want to speak with the provider for help.

funeral homes in Westford, MAAnother thing to remember is that you do not have to choose to have the person embalmed if you do not want to. Embalming is only required if you are planning on having a viewing or having an open casket. If you are not, then you do not have to choose that service. This can be important for people who are worried about their budget.

As you start making arrangements for the service of a loved one, you can take the time to learn about what a funeral service is and what it can include. There are misconceptions about what a funeral service is and what you can expect from it, so it can make a difference to reach out to a provider and ask questions to know more about how to start making the arrangements. If you want to start doing this or if you have more concerns about the process, you can reach out to a Westford, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are ready to help you plan the exact kind of services that you want for a loved one who has died. You can give us a call right now or you can stop by our location today.

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funeral home in Lowell, MA

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Funeral Home

funeral home in Lowell, MA

If you are getting ready to choose the funeral home for a loved one, it is important that you know what to look for. There are many different providers out there and it can be difficult to know if the one you are considering is the right one for your loved one’s services. To ensure that you do not run into any problems, you want to consider a few common mistakes that people make. Here are the ones that you want to avoid when looking for a funeral home in Lowell, MA.

One very common mistake that people make when choosing a funeral home is to not make sure that they know as much as possible about the history of the company as possible. You want to know that the funeral home has lots of experience and that they can offer the quality services that you want for your loved one. This can be simple if the company has a website. You can learn all about the services they offer and you can see how long they have been in business.

Another mistake that you want to avoid doing is not making sure that the company can offer the exact services that you want. This is especially important if you want to offer your loved one an option that is not as common as others, like bio cremation. Bio cremation requires special facilities and that means that not every provider of funerary services can offer it. By asking for a list of the services they offer, you can ensure that this is not a concern.

funeral home in Lowell, MAYou also want to remember that you should not make a decision without first asking about the rates they charge. You want to be sure that they can offer standard rates. The last thing you want is to be overcharged for the services that you need for a loved one. It can help to do a bit of research and see what the average rates for the services are so that you can have a good sense of how much to expect to pay.

When getting ready to decide on the best funeral home for a loved one’s funerary services, you want to consider all of these things. You do not want to make the kind of mistakes that can make you choose an option you do not really want for your loved one or that makes you pay more for them than is appropriate. You want to know all about the options that you have and see how long the company has been working in the industry before you make a decision. You can learn more about this by contacting a Lowell, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are here to answer all of the questions you may have and to help you with the arrangements you need. Give us a call right now or stop by our location right now to speak with one of our experts.

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funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

Unique Ways to Memorialize a Loved One

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

One way you can honor your loved one who has passed away is to memorialize them. This can give you the chance to get closure and to come to terms with the death. There are lots of ways that you can memorialize a loved one, and you want to take some time to consider what you can offer the person. Here are some unique options that directors of funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA want you to consider.

An option that is very popular is to set up a memorial garden. Choose a place in your yard and plan the kind of plants and ornaments that you would have for your loved one. Choose flowers that they loved or things like windchimes if that is what they would have preferred. If you do not have a yard, you can easily put together a simple terrarium in their honor. Not only will you be offering your loved one the kind of memorial they deserve but you will also be getting the emotional and psychological benefits of working outside.

You can also choose to put together a memory book. This can be different for different people. If your loved one was someone who enjoyed cooking, for example, you can choose to have lots of recipes in the memory book. You can also add pictures, poems, song lyrics, and anything else that the person would have loved. All of this can create a beautiful memory book that your family can look at whenever they want to feel close the one you have lost.

If your loved one was passionate about something like the arts, sciences, animal welfare, or the environment, you can think of creating a scholarship in their honor. This can be a lovely way to honor the person’s memory and to help someone else achieve their dreams. There are many companies that can help you set up this kind of scholarship, so be sure to ask.

Another option that can be lovely is to name a star in the person’s name. There are many providers that can offer this. For a small fee, you can get a certificate stating which star has been named after your loved one. That is something that can be beautiful for generations to come.

funeral homes in Tyngsborough, MA

These are some of the most unique options you have for memorializing a loved one who has died. You can choose something like putting together a memorial garden or a memory book, or you can help others follow their interests by setting up a scholarship in their name. If you want to get started planning one of these options or if you want more suggestions, you can reach out to a Tyngsborough, MA funeral home like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We have a team of experts ready to help you decide on the exact options that you want for your loved one. Stop by our location today or call us right now to learn more.

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