The few days, even weeks, following the death of a loved one can sometimes seem to pass in a thick fog. In fact, grief tinges each thought and action of the person affected, complicating every decision he or she has to make about the funeral and the estate.

But you don't have to go through this stage alone. Our caring team is available to help you through this difficult time and ease your burden, in a respectful and attentive manner. We will help you plan every detail of the ceremony so that it perfectly reflects the deceased's last wishes as well as your own wishes and beliefs.

Your loved one does not need to have made funeral pre-arrangements in order for you to meet with us. One of our funeral advisors will guide you through each step of the planning process and can answer any questions you may have.

If you would like to prepare for the first meeting at the funeral home, here are five questions you can expect to be asked...

 

Did the deceased have a family or children?

If you have been designated to organize the funeral, you will need to notify the family and children of the deceased. We will help you decide on a date that will allow everyone to say a final good-bye to their loved one.

 

Will you be choosing burial or cremation?

In either case, we can precede it with a period of mourning at the funeral parlour in the presence of the remains of the deceased, and with a farewell ceremony. If the loved one did not indicate any particular wishes in his or her will, the choice is left to the next of kin. It's important to remember that no one method is preferable to another, and that it's a personal decision.

 

Have you ever planned a burial in a particular cemetery?

For the deceased to be buried in a cemetery, he or she or his or her family must own a plot. You will then need to obtain permission from the owner of those grounds to proceed with the burial. Otherwise, you also have the option of purchasing a plot.

Please note that in some cemeteries, burials take place on specific dates or at specific times, and must be reserved several days in advance. If you want the burial to immediately follow the ceremony at the funeral parlour, it therefore needs to be planned and we can help you with these arrangements. 

 

Are you planning a funeral ceremony in a church or other place of worship?

If so, the church or place of worship must be contacted as soon as possible to reserve a date that's convenient for you. We can then coordinate transportation of the remains from the funeral parlour to the church, and then to the final resting place.

After we have the answers to these questions, we can draw up a contract that fully meets your specific needs and the wishes of the deceased. We can also prepare and distribute the obituary notice to inform those around you of the location of the ceremony.

 

Listening at the heart of the conversation

Once we have discussed these points with you, we will turn to you for your comments. In fact, most of this meeting is based on listening. We're here to offer support and advice, but above all, we're here to listen.

For us at the Aeterna Complex, it's of the utmost importance to listen to your feelings, impressions and requests. We know that this ordeal often raises many new thoughts, and we're here to listen and guide you.