Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1039904
Who's Who Special Edition BBB MAGAZINE 19 very life is unique, and Chapel Lawn Funeral Home encourages families to remember loved ones in a manner that reflects the way they lived their life. A traditional service isn't for everyone. That's why Chapel Lawn's new funeral home, opening in November, is specifically designed to meet the personal needs of each family it serves. "Hobbies and interests are symbolic of individuality. If your loved one followed a specific interest that fulfilled them and made them feel happy, celebrate their passion with your final tribute," says manager Perry Curtis. The new funeral home is at the same location as the previous facility, on the site of Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens at 4000 Portage Avenue. Having the funeral home, cemetery and reception centres at one location makes the planning process much easier, and since there is no need for a procession, family and guests have more quality time to connect with their memories and with one another. "We can hold services for 500 or more with ease, but we can also make an intimate gathering of five-30 feel comfortable and welcoming. We have designed two chapels and two reception centres that will meet these needs." For the past 25 years, Curtis has been part of Arbor Memorial Inc., a family-owned business that owns and operates 96 funeral homes across Canada. He has seen a growing demand for Chapel Lawn's 'Time to Remember,' a personalized package designed to help families celebrate the life of their loved one in more meaningful ways. "Your loved one was unique. How you choose to celebrate that special life must be equally unique," he says. "Regardless of the style of service, whether cremation or casket burial, whether interment is in ground or in a niche or columbarium, it is so very important to take the time to remember the life of the people we love." Center for Loss and Life Transition educator Dr. Alan Wolfelt explains that a funeral service fills several important needs. It provides for the dignified and respectful care of the deceased and a special tribute to their life. It also helps survivors face the reality of death — the first big step in taking grief from the inside and allowing us to express it outwardly through mourning. "The funeral provides a safe place to affirm the worth of our relationship with the person who died and express our feelings of loss." Curtis takes pride in working with a company that is sensitive to the changing needs of families, and that provides the assurance of Better Business Bureau accreditation. "Having the BBB accreditation for Chapel Lawn is one important way that we can let people in need of our services understand that we are an ethical and trustworthy company that adheres to high standards." ❙ Learn more about Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home at Chapellawn.ca E CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME Personalized Services NEW FUNERAL HOME DESIGNED TO CELEBRATE UNIQUE LIVES Two new chapels and reception centres are designed to accommodate services of every size and style. Photos by Darcy Finley