Category Archives: Funeral Home

funeral homes in Laconia, NH

Dos and Do Nots of Finding a Funeral Home

After a death, you want to be able to depend on the right providers for the funerary services you want for the person. This is essential and it can have a huge impact on the quality of services that you get for the person. To be sure that you choose the best provider, there are some dos and do nots that you want to remember when you decide on the right funeral home in Laconia, NH.

Do ask for recommendations. You likely know someone who had to make this decision recently, too, so it can help to ask people for recommendations. You can narrow choices down by asking for this, since you will have a better idea of what you can expect from the provider.

Do not skip reading up on the company’s history. You have to be able to trust that they will be able to offer the quality options you need and that can only happen if they have been in the industry for a long time and have the right experience. Take the time to ask if they have a website, since this can tell you a lot about the company. You will want to check how long they have been working in the area, as well.

Do ask for a list of services from the company. You need to be sure that they can offer exactly what you want for your loved one. If you want to give them a traditional burial or a direct cremation, this is not as crucial, but if you are looking for a service that is less common, like bio cremation, it can make a big difference to ask about this before making a choice.

Do not forget to ask about rates. Many times, people do not do this and it can mean paying more than you need to for the services you want. You want to be sure that the provider is charging standard rates and that you will not have to pay more than is normal for the services you want for your loved one.

funeral home in Laconia, NHDo visit the location. You want to be sure that the provider has quality facilities and that the people who work there are the right ones for you and for your family to deal with. It is not enough to see pictures online or to speak over the phone with people in charge. You want to be certain that you visit, as well.

These dos and do nots can make it much easier for you to choose the right kind of funeral home for your loved one. Look for someone who has lots of experience as well as the right kind of services. You can learn more about choosing a funeral home or you can get started making arrangements by reaching out to a Laconia, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We have years of experience and we can offer the services you need. Give us a call right now or stop by our location today.

funeral homes in Meredith, NH

Should Your Child go to a Funeral?

Children can be affected by a death just as much as an adult, and many times, this can leave the parents wondering what they can do to help. For some parents, one of the questions that can be crucial is whether the child should go to a service or not. Every child is different so what may be the best option for one may not be the right one for another. Here are some things that directors of funeral homes in Meredith, NH want you to keep in mind as you decide whether they should attend or not.

How Close Was Your Child to the Person?

If the person was very close to your child, it can be beneficial for the child to attend. You want them to get the kind of closure they need so that they can start healing, and a memorial or funeral service can help with this. You can see just how much the person meant by how they react to the news of the person’s death. It can give you’re a good indication if your child will benefit from attending.

Do They Want to Go?

A child who does not want to go to a funeral service will usually let you know that, but some children may not be sure. You want to ask them and to give them a choice. If the child wants to go, you definitely should allow them to do so, but if they do not, you never want to force them to attend. That can cause more harm than good. On the day of the service, you will want to ask once again, to make sure they have not changed their minds. Lots of children do change their minds and are hesitant to let the adults know, so asking them can help.

Do They Understand What a Service is?

A child that does not really grasp the concept of death will not benefit from attending a funeral service. That is something that can be important to keep in mind. When you let your child know what has happened, you want to gauge their understanding. Very small children will not usually be able to understand and can only get more confused by a service.funeral homes in Meredith, NH

All of these tips can make it easier for you to decide on whether or not your child can benefit from going to a funeral service. Attending can definitely offer the kind of closure your child needs, but if they are too young, they may not be able to understand what the service means. Be sure to ask them and to give them the option of going or not. You never want to push a child into this. If you want to know more about attending a service, you want to consider reaching out to a Meredith, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have. Stop by our location right now.

funeral homes in Gilford, NH

What to Know About Virtual Services

Attending a virtual service can be a great way of coming to terms with the death of a loved one and it can offer the chance to say goodbye. Many people have never been to one of these services, so it can be tough to know what to expect. This can be something that can worry you. If you want to know more about attending a virtual service, here are some things that directors of funeral homes in Gilford, NH want you to keep in mind before attending.

A virtual service requires you to get dressed up just as much as a regular service. This is not something that people sometimes consider. Even though you are not leaving your home to attend, you still need to dress appropriately. Wear somber colors and nothing that is too casual or too revealing. You do not want to offend anyone with what you choose to wear.

You want to also remember to get there on time. Sometimes people think that just because they are attending a virtual service, it does not matter whether they get there on time or not, but that is not the case. It can still be really distracting to have people arriving late, even on screen. If you are worried about forgetting about the service, you can set up an alarm to remind you.

Download or install the platform on which the service will take place at least a day before the service. This will give you the chance to see how it works and get a sense of what the program is like. You do not want to leave this to the last minute, since it can mean not being able to access the service when it starts.

You also want to mute your microphone. It can be disruptive to have all manner of noises during the service and that can happen when many cameras’ mikes are on. Unless you are planning on giving a eulogy or doing some kind of reading, you do not want to have to worry about this, so mute the mike before the service starts. You may not know how to do this, but you can always ask a friend or family member for assistance.funeral homes in Gilford, NH

All of these things can help you prepare to attend a virtual service. You want to remember to dress as you would for a regular service and to be sure to turn your mike off. You want to download the program on which the service will happen to get a good sense of how to use it. All of this can make a difference when attending a virtual service. If you have more questions, you can ask a Gilford, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We are here to help you with all of your funerary needs. You can give us a call today or you can stop by our location to ask about the services you want.

funeral homes in Laconia, NH

What to Expect from Veteran Benefits

As a member of the armed forces, people are entitled to veteran benefits when they die. If you have a loved one who has died recently and who is a veteran, the best thing you can do before making any arrangements is to learn about the options that the VA has. Here are some things that directors of funeral homes in Laconia, NH want you to keep in mind about veteran benefits.

The first thing you have to do is make sure that the person is eligible for the benefits. They had to be a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guards, and they had to have received a general discharge. They could not have received a dishonorable one. That is important. If your loved one was also a member of the National Guard and they died while on duty, they are also eligible for benefits. Dependent children and spouses can also receive benefits. Sometimes, even parents may be able to get these benefits, as well, so it can be a good idea to speak about this to the VA.

You then want to remember what the benefits include. You can have your loved one buried in a national cemetery at no cost to you. This includes the opening and closing of the gravesite, as well as perpetual care, a grave marker, and some other tributes. Keep in mind that you cannot reserve a space in a cemetery in advance when the VA is the one making the arrangements, so they may not be able to bury your loved one where you prefer. There are state cemeteries that can also offer these services, so do consider that as you choose.

Do remember that the VA will not pay for the costs of the actual funeral or cremation service. They will not pay for the casket, the flowers, the rental of the space, or the transportation of the casket to its resting place. You may be able to get reimbursed for these things, however, so do keep that in mind as you decide on the kind of funeral or memorial service you want to have for the person.

funeral homes in Laconia, NHThese are all crucial things you want to know when making funerary arrangements for a loved one who has passed away and who was a veteran. There are lots of options that can make a difference and you want to always be sure that you keep these things in mind. The VA can help you make the best choice for your loved one, so do reach out to them before making any kind of decision. You can learn more about all of these options by reaching out to a Laconia, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We are ready to help you and to guide you through all of the funerary arrangements you want to make. Give us a call right now or stop by our location today to learn more.

funeral homes in Meredith, NH

How to Find the Right Casket

If you are starting to plan the arrangements that you want for a loved one who has passed away and you want to be certain that you get all of the options you need, one of the things you will want to know about is the casket. Deciding on the right casket is something that you want to carefully think about because of all of the options out there. To help you with this purchase, there are some things that directors of funeral homes in Meredith, NH want you to keep in mind.

You want to have a clear idea of the kind of budget you will need for the funerary services. This can mean taking some time to read up on the options and on their average costs. By doing this, you will be able to make the right arrangements for your loved one without spending more than you want to. This is an important thing to remember so do not skip this step.

You then want to think about the material the casket will be made of. There are different options, include metal caskets that can be made of steel, stainless steel, bronze, and copper. You can also choose caskets that are made of wood, including affordable options like those made of pine, poplar, or willow. There are more expensive options that can include walnut, mahogany, and cherry. If you want to offer your loved one a green service, you may be thinking of a biodegradable casket, which is usually made of soft woods. If that is what you want, you will want to ask the cemetery if they allow this option, since not all of them do.

Another thing that you want to remember is that there are different sizes of caskets. Lots of times, people think that all caskets are the same size but that is not the case. A person who weighed more than two hundred pounds and who was taller than average will need a casket that is a bit larger. There are also caskets that are made for children and infants. All of this can make a difference in the one that you choose. If you are not certain about the size you need, it can be a good idea to ask the provider you have hired.

funeral homes in Meredith, NH

These are all important things to remember when you decide to purchase a casket for a loved one. You want to remember that there are many options, and that there are lots of styles and sizes to consider. By taking the time to speak with an expert about the options you have, you will be able to find the option that best suits your needs. Get started right now by reaching out to a Meredith, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We are ready to help you with the arrangements that you need for your loved one. You can call us right now to learn more about what we can offer.

funeral homes in Gilford, NH

Letting a Child Know About a Death

Having a loss in the family is something that affects everyone, including children. If you are going through this now and you want to let your child know the truth about what has happened, you may not be sure of where to begin. There are some tips that can help you tell your child about what has happened. Here are the ones that directors of funeral homes in Gilford, NH want you to know about.

It is important to remember to let your child know about the death in an honest manner and without using euphemisms to try to soften the truth. Children can get confused by some terms and you do not want to make this more complicated than it has to be for them to understand. You want to be honest without being too offhand. If you are not sure how to do this, there are many resources online that can help you find the right words.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the child is likely to have questions. You want to let them be able to ask them. Be honest in the answers that you give your child, and if you are not sure about the answer to something, you want to let them know that you will try to find out for them. This can all help your child understand what is going on.

You want to let the child know how you are feeling, too. This is another important thing to do, since it can show the child that you are going through the loss just as they are. You do not want your child to feel alone with their grief, and letting them know that you are also struggling can help do this.

You need to also remember to include the child in the funerary services that you will have for the person who died. Let them know what services are planned and ask them if they want to attend. It is important to remember not to force the child to attend if they do not want to, since that can be worse. Ask them a few times as the date of the service arrives to be sure that they are ready for it.

funeral homes in Gilford, NHWhen getting ready to let your child know about the death of a loved one, these are all important things to remember. You do not want to leave your loved one wondering what the truth is, so be as honest as possible. Allow them to ask questions and tell them what you are feeling about the loss, as well. All of that can help. If you want to learn more about all of this, you can reach out to a Gilford, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We have years of experience helping people manage the death of loved one, so let us help you, too. Give us a call today to learn more.

funeral homes in Laconia, NH

Planning a Service for a Child

If you have suffered the loss of a child, it can be exhausting to think about making the arrangements for the service. No one wants to have to focus on this when they are dealing with the grief, so it can be important to consider some tips to help you make these plans. Here are the things that directors of funeral homes in Laconia, NH providers want you to know about planning a service for your child.

The first thing you have to do is to decide on the kind of service that you want for your child. A funeral or memorial is not always what you may want. For lots of families, a celebration of life can be a better choice. A celebration of life allows you to honor the life of your child without focusing only on their passing. A celebration of life can be a great way of honoring who your child was.

You also want to think about where you will have the service. A funeral or memorial at a church or a religious location can always be appropriate, but you can also have a service somewhere that meant something to your child. This is especially the case if you have chosen to have your child cremated, since you can transport the urn without problems. If your child loved being outdoors, for example, you can think about having a service at a park or even at the beach.

Another thing you want to think about is the kind of music that you have for the service. There are a lot of options, but you may not want to have religious or classical music for your child. If that is the case, then you can ask the funeral home director for recommendations of options that can work well for a child’s service.

The decorations you choose are another thing that you want to think about with care. Flowers are always beautiful, so consider them for the service. You may think that funeral wreaths are not the best option, however. If that is the case, you can consider asking people to donate flower arrangements. You may also think about adding balloons as decorations, especially if your child loved them.

funeral homes in Laconia, NHWhen you start planning the service for your child, you want to consider all of the options that you have. This can include the location of the service, the kind of service, and even the options that you have for decorations and music. There are lots of ways of honoring your child and you can turn to an expert to help you with this. If you want to start this process, you can learn more by reaching out to a Laconia, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We are ready to help you find the best options for your loved one and for your family. You can give us a call now or you can stop by our location today.

funeral homes in Meredith, NH

Important Funerary Terms You May Not Know

One important thing you need to do when getting ready to make arrangements for a loved one who has passed away is to know what the different terms you may hear mean. There are some common terms you may have come across many times, but there are also other ones that you may not have heard before. If that is the case, you will want to know as much as you can about them. Here are some important funerary terms you may not be sure of and that directors of funeral homes in Meredith, NH want you to keep in mind.

If your loved one chose to preplan their arrangements, you may hear terms like burial insurance, which can cover the cost of the burial. You may also hear revocable trust, which is when the person can make changes to the arrangements they made, while an irrevocable trust is one in which changes cannot be made. You may also hear about lump-sum benefits, which involve a one-time payoff for the family of the deceased if they can provide the right documentation. By knowing all of these terms, you will know what the person would have wanted for their services.

You may also hear terms related to the casket or the urn. One such term is innument, which is the actual process of placing the cremated remains into the urns. If the provider says this word, you will want to know exactly what it means. Another one you may hear is catafalque. This word refers to the stand where the casket is placed. You may also hear the word columbarium, which is the location in a cemetery where urns can be placed.

funeral homes in Meredith, NHThere are also service terms you may not be aware of. Visitations are a service where people have the chance of greeting the family of the deceased, while a viewing has the casket present and it makes it possible for you to say your goodbyes to the person. You may also have come across a celebration of life. This kind of service is one that more people are choosing to have for their loved ones. It honors the person’s life and not just their death. It can be a good option for lots of families, so be sure to consider it.

These are all important things that you will want to know about so that you can make the best possible decision for your loved one. If you hear any words that you are not sure about, it is always important to ask about them. The right provider of these services will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. To learn more about the terms you may hear, you can reach out to a Meredith, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We are here to make this process just a bit easier. You can visit us or you can give us a call today to speak with one of our experts.

funeral home in Gilford, NH

How to Honor a Loved One During a Pandemic

If you have lost a loved one recently, it can be difficult to know what to do to honor their memory. With the pandemic which has limited options, it can be even more difficult to do this. You will want to consider a number of different options that are possible during these unusual times. To help you with this decision, you can turn to a director of a funeral home in Gilford, NH for more information. 

One great option you have when trying to offer your loved one the kind of tribute they deserve is to have a service online. There are lots of funeral homes these days that make this possible and that will help you make all of the necessary arrangements. You can even be present at the funeral home with one or two other people while the rest of the guests are there virtually. This can allow you to still have the kind of service that you wanted for your loved one, including one that has eulogies, music, and readings. It can be a great way of ensuring that people get the kind of closure they need after a death.  

Another option you have is to do something outdoors. If your loved one enjoyed going to a park or to the beach, you may want to consider doing something there. Think about locations the person would have appreciated and see if you can arrange to have some kind of tribute there.  

You can also do some things on your own and at home. If your loved one liked a particular movie or show, why not watch it in their honor. This can allow you to bring the person to mind and to also get a bit of closure after the loss. Something as simple as cooking one of their favorite meals can be a great option.  

Think about donating money or time to a charity the person would have wanted. For people who were interested in helping animals, for example, you can go to a shelter to help or you can donate money. This is something that can allow you to give your loved one the kind of honor that they would have wanted.  

funeral home in Gilford, NH

If you are looking for ways of honoring the memory of your loved one, you will want to consider all of these options. You can plan a virtual service, which the funeral home can help you with, and you can do other things, like donate to a favorite charity, in their name. If you want to know more about ways of honoring the memory of a loved one during a pandemic, you can reach out to a Gilford, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Our team is here to help you find exactly the options you need for your loved one. You can stop by our location or you can give us a call right now to learn more about the options available.

funeral homes in Laconia, NH

Reasons to Have a Service

It can be difficult to think beyond the loss of a loved one, but it is important to do so. You want to be able to honor their memory and get the closure that you need to start healing. This can all be done by having a funeral or memorial service. Yes, it can be an expense and you may not want to have to make all of the arrangements, but it is important to do so. Here are some of the many reasons why directors of funeral homes in Laconia, NH want you to consider this.  

 

A service will allow you to gather everyone together. This is something that people need after a loss, since it lets people know that they have the support they need to get through the loss. By having a funeral or memorial service, you will be ensuring that people are there for each other and that they all come together to honor their loved one.  

 

Another reason to have a service is that it can let you get the closure you need after the loss. After the death, you may have to make lots of arrangements and this does not leave you with the time you need to really face the death and come to terms with it. The service can allow for this time. You can think about what happened and get the closure that you need while knowing that you are not alone. 

 

You also give the chance to everyone to be able to say goodbye. Unless you were there when the person died and you were able to speak with them, you will have many things that you want to tell them. The same thing applies for other relatives and friends, so you want to provide a chance for them to do this. A funeral or memorial service can be the perfect moment to say goodbye in the way that you want to.  

 

A funeral or memorial service will allow you to really honor the person you lost. You can let everyone know what they meant to you and what they accomplished in life, which is essential. The service provides exactly what you need to make this a possibility.  

 

funeral homes in Laconia, NH

These are some of the most important reasons to consider planning a funeral or memorial service. You want to be able to get closure and you want to also give this closure to other people who are struggling through the loss. You can also offer a chance for people to say goodbye and to honor the person’s life. All of these reasons are essential and they can make a huge difference. If you want to get started making arrangements for the service, you can reach out to a Laconia, NH funeral home like us at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We are ready to help you make all of the necessary arrangements for your loved one. Give us a call right now or stop by our location to speak with an expert.