Regarding Cremation
Q: What is cremation?
A: Cremation is defined as the reduction of a remains by fire.
Q: Can I still have a traditional funeral service though I choose cremation?
A: Yes you certainly can. Cremation is simply a means of final disposition much the way traditional
burial is, not a preclusion to a visitation or a funeral service. These days we can even make accomodations for our families
to accompany their loved one to the crematory for a brief committal service. Please ask your funeral professional about this
service option.
Q: I really don't want to be viewed by my family or the public, if I am cremated can my family still
have a service following the cremation?
A: Absolutely. Ask your funeral professional about what some of the options may be for what
is called a memorial service. Today, many churches will allow a cremains to be brought into the church, and some families
choose not to bring the cremains at all.
Embalming
Q. What is Embalming?
A. Embalming is simply the temporary preservation
of a person's remains. This is achieved by the injection of chemical solutions into the remains.
Q. Do I have to have
my loved one embalmed?
A. Not in all Cases. In NY you may make
funeral arrangements for your loved one such as cremation or burial without a viewing as well as a memorial service. However
in NY if there will be a viewing the funeral home may require embalming.
Funeral Service
Q. I currently reside
in Connecticut. Can Valentine Funeral Home still serve my family?
A. Yes we can.
Q. Why have a funeral
service?
A. Funeral Services offer an opportunity
to say goodbye to a loved one as well as pay tribute to a life well lived. It also offers an opportunity for friends
and family to support one another going into the trying times at the end of a life. Funeral services are also a time to reflect
on your loved one's life and in many cases helps to facilitate the mourner's own emotional needs.
Q. Are the Services
of a Licensed Funeral Director Required in NY?
A. Yes. This is also true of most other
states as well.
Q.
Are there any social customs that are an absolute for funerals?
A. No. Each person grieves their own way.
Some people laugh, some cry, some seem to do nothing, and others get angry at the time of death. Seeing as such, there are
no steadfast rules or customs associated with funerals. The best rule we can think of is to be yourself and grieve your loss
in your own way.
