Final Arrangements

PAGE 10 • JUNE 2013 Final Arrangements T raditions change with the times, but death will always be a fact of life. Whether it's through a funeral, memorial or celebration of life, it's important to grieve the loss of a loved one. "All three are designed to honour the memory of the life that was lived," says Douglas Maughan of Cropo Funeral Chapel. "They bring the family, the friends and the community together to mourn and to grieve the loss. They all play an important role in the cycle of one's grief." In general, the difference between a funeral and memorial service is the presence of the body. "A funeral service by definition has a physical presence of the body. It could be in terms of the deceased in a casket or in an urn," Maughan explains. "Meanwhile, a memorial service would be when the cremation has already taken place or perhaps there was already a private burial. After the burial, they have a memorial service to remember the life that was lived and the loved one that passed away." Celebrations of life, also called services of remembrance, are an entirely different option. "The celebration of life can really transcend a funeral or memorial service. It's usually held at a later date," Maughan says. "It can take place in a formal format or it could be simply held at a park or in one's backyard. It still brings the community of family and friends together to acknowledge that a significant person has died and also to grieve and mourn together." In recent years, burial traditions have changed due to a growing acceptance of cremation. "Previously, religion was more prevalent in our lives, and now there's been some change regarding that," Maughan says. "The Catholic Church now accepts cremation as a form of burial. Once the churches change in terms of what they accept and what they permit their parishioners to do, then you see people in society will change along with that." Regardless of the type of service, families can add personal touches through music, tribute albums, video collages and eulogies. "If a person's favourite colour was red, you'll find that some families might invite those attending to wear red," Maughan says. "In other cases, they might ask everyone to pay forward an act of kindness." Some families might choose cremation without any service at all. "It's dignified and simple," Maughan says. By Jennifer McFee For the Free Press Services and celebrations change with the times Cropo Funeral Chapel's Douglas Maughan says there are many ways to honour a loved one's memory. Photo: Darcy Finley "Previously, religion was more prevalent in our lives, and now there's been some change regarding that." – Douglas Maughan Modern Family Traditions If you were to die today, who would follow through with your final wishes? Preplan today for peace of mind tomorrow. LovedOnes If you were to die today who would follow deserveonlythebest! 220HespelerAve. 204-688-3151 1577PembinaHwy. 204-284-7500 1073St.Mary'sRd. 204-284-7500 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

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