What to Expect

What to Expect Before the Funeral

It's a common enough experience; a loved one dies and now you've got to face something you've never ever done before. You've got to go to a funeral home to make their funeral arrangements. Now, not only are you emotionally affected by their death, you're anxious and really need to know what to expect when you arrive. So, let's talk about that for a bit.

You should know that we've taken great pains to make your experience with us as easy as possible. Here's how:
  • We've put a lot of work into making our funeral home a pleasant place to spend time. Our interior design is easy-on-the-eye, the rooms are spacious yet cozy, and the furniture is comfortable.
  • Our staff is both professional yet personable. They are very good at meeting with the family and making them feel comfortable while you discuss and plan the next steps. 
  • We've streamlined the funeral arrangement process. Since we've been making funeral arrangements with families for a very long time, we've had ample opportunity to learn the easiest, most efficient way to get through the process.  
  • Our team is trained to handle all the details. We assist with the notification of Old Age Security and CPP as well as make application for the CPP Death Benefit. We will also set up any CPP pensions for the survivors. 
  • We assist with the writing and submissions of obituaries, should that be something wanted by the family. 
  • We take care of everything for you, whether it be a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, memorial service or a direct cremation or burial we are here to assist you.  

    • Exactly What Happens at the Funeral Home?

      While we can't speak to every situation, we can tell you the bare basics of what to expect on your first visit to our funeral home.

      • When you come through the front door, you will be greeted warmly by a staff member and taken to the arrangement area.  

      The funeral director will then ask you a number of questions. Think about it this way: your conversation is intended to do two things:

      1. Share accurate biographical details of the deceased to assist the funeral director in completing relevant paperwork; and
      2. Come to an agreement about the plans for the funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life.

    • Clearly State the Facts

      When it comes to properly completing death paperwork, and writing a detailed obituary, accuracy is everything. So, when it comes to the first task, that of sharing your loved one's biographical details, you'll want to bring as much documentation of the following as possible:

      • The deceased's full name
      • Their Social Insurance Number
      • Parent's names
      • Spouse and children's names
      • Maiden name of mother
      • Marital status
      • History of military service
      • Work history
      • Hobbies and interests
      • Church affiliation
      • A list of organizational and club memberships
      • A recent photograph
      • The deceased's Will
      • Survivors's Social Insurance Number
      • Marriage certificate

      Naturally, if you're unable to bring any of this information, you can always call us later to share whatever is missing.

    • Planning for the Funeral Event

      The second step in the funeral arrangement conference, that of planning a meaningful ceremony to pay tribute and celebrate the life of your loved one is really at the heart of what you'll be doing that day. In order to facilitate things, we ask that you bring:

      • Pre-arrangement papers, or funeral insurance papers, if applicable
      • Clothes in which to bury or cremate your loved one
      • Cemetery property information, if applicable
      • A list of preferred charities for memorial donations, if applicable
      • A list of pallbearers, if applicable
      • Desired musical and readings selections

      We will guide you in planning your loved one's funeral, memorial service, or celebration-of-life by your stories, personal perceptions, and insights into their character and lifestyle.

    • In the End

      Our time together will take only as long as you need it to take. Not only that, while the time you spend with us in your first visit can be very intense and emotionally-draining; you'll be among people who really care about your welfare.  We'll support you throughout the funeral arrangement process, in any way you need us to; and we believe you'll find that when you leave, you've really had very little to be anxious about. But if you still have any questions or concerns, call us to learn more about what to expect when you come to our funeral home.

    What to Expect During the Funeral

    Much like any other social event, a funeral service can present us with unique challenges–especially if we don't know what to expect. Here's a short list of things you can expect during a funeral:
    • We do our best to provide adequate parking facilities. Yet, parking may be hard to find, so do your best to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
    • Depending on the location of the funeral, your entrance may be governed by protocol. Often, guests are asked to remain unseated until the family has taken their seats. Sometimes ushers are provided to escort you to your seat. If you're unclear as to what's expected, just watch others for your cues--or ask the funeral attendant.
    • Again, depending on the location, the ceremony may be officiated by a pastor, minister pr a celebrant.
    • Remember that the front seats are intended for immediate family members. There are usually "reserved" signs placed for family member seating.
    • You may receive a copy of the funeral order-of-service, which details what will happen during the ceremony. It will tell you exactly which hymns will be sung.    
    • Depending on what's in the order-of-service, you will have the opportunity to participate in various activities. You may be asked to stand to sing a hymn or kneel in prayer; only participate to the degree you feel comfortable.

    • How to Leave the Funeral

      The funeral officiant will make it very clear that the funeral service is over. They will invite the the immediate family and close friends to leave the building first.  


      Guests and family may collect outside the location for some quiet conversation. If you are now ready to leave, do your best to say a sincere good-bye to the bereaved family.


      If you choose to follow the hearse and casket to the cemetery or crematory, you'll be given clear directions by members of the funeral home staff.

    • Call Us to Learn More

      Whether this is your first funeral service, or your 100th; it can be an unnerving experience. If you've got specific questions about what to expect during a funeral service, give us a call. We'll be privileged to assist you.

    What to Expect After the Funeral

    After a funeral, grieving family members often ask us, "What happens next? Here's what happens after a funeral.

    • The Early Days After Loss

      The funeral or memorial service is over. Things have begun to grow quiet; maybe the phone isn't ringing as much as it was, or fewer people are stopping by to check in on you. Your loved one's death continues to become more of a reality. And the very thought of facing your life over the next few weeks and months fills you both with loneliness and a sense of dread.  It all feels like way too much to deal with, and we'd like you to know that right now it's okay to take care of yourself first.


      You've got two important things to do in the coming weeks and months. As much as possible, please take care of self-care. You also may need to spend some time focused on completing the paperwork which will officially change the status of your loved one with banks and creditors; employers, insurance companies, and mortgage holders. This can be a slow process, so be prepared for the "long haul".

    • What is Your Relationship Status?

      If you are the surviving spouse, a daughter or son, or have been declared as the designated executor, the responsibilities you have over the death paperwork will be much more extensive than if you were merely a loving niece, nephew or friend.

    • The Paperwork

      We can provide you with a Personal Checklist of the tasks you may be facing in the coming weeks.  

    Do You Have Any Questions?

    We've had the privilege of serving many families over  the years, and during that time we've found that the time after the funeral is different for everyone involved. If we can be of assistance to you during this challenging time of change and adjustment, simply pick up the phone and call us. We'll do our very best to support you.