FAQ

Why have a funeral?
Funerals are a customary way to recognize death and its finality. Just as important events are celebrated (birthday, graduation, wedding anniversary etc) so funerals are a time to remember and celebrate the life and accomplishments of a loved one. The funeral gives family, friends and community an opportunity to gather for support, to reminisce and share memories. There are people beyond the immediate family who have a right to grieve. It gives a chance to say good bye. It helps give closure to survivors, helps adjust to the loss that has occurred and it helps the healing process to begin.

Can we still have a funeral if we have no Church?
Services can be held in a Church, the Funeral Chapel, or a Community Centre. They can be presided by clergy or a Master of Ceremonies and be religious, or non religious in nature. Sunset Funeral Service can assist in these arrangements.

Embalming: what is it and is it necessary?
Embalming sanitizes and temporarily preserves the deceased. It enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by trauma or illness. It lengthens the time between the time of death and final disposition and allows time for family and friends to gather. When a body is present at a gathering, it would be customary to embalm. Embalming is required if the body is transported by common carrier or if final disposition does not happen within the prescribed time.

What is cremation?
Cremation is simply mode of final disposition alternate to burial. It is simply reducing the body to bone fragments by intense heat in a cremation chamber.

Why have a public viewing?
Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Grief specialists tell us that viewing aids the grief
process by helping the bereaved realize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children as long as the process is explained and it is voluntary.

Can we have a viewing if we choose cremation?
It is important to remember that cremation is simply a step to final disposition. All services including embalming, casket selection, viewing and funeral service are available even if cremation is chosen. Cremation families can choose from a variety of opportunities that will be meaningful to family and friends. Burial of cremated remains in an urn is often chosen as final disposition.

Is cremation cheaper than burial?
Choosing cremation allows for a variety of choices concerning services and final disposition of cremated remains. Cremation may be cheaper than burial but family choices will ultimately determine costs.

Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die?
Yes. Let’s face it. No one wants to talk about what will happen when we die or someone else dies. There are several reasons why to preplan.
Most people would say that it is easier to make decisions ahead of time than when death occurs. It gives a certain peace of mind that these decisions are made.
It gives comfort to know your funeral will be done according to your wishes and preferences.
It relieves emotional stress and the responsibility of decision-making by loved ones left behind.
It gives more time to review options.
You also have the option to prepay what you have arranged. Payment can be made in instalments or the full amount. The financial burden to the survivors can be diminished by prepaying arrangements. The interest earned on payment will offset price increases from time of deposit to time of death.

What do we at time of death?
If your loved one’s death occurs in a care facility such as a hospital, nursing home or hospice, the nursing staff will advise you what to do. If you have chosen a funeral service provider, the nurse will call the Funeral Home. If the death occurs at another location, chances are that emergency services will have been called. They too, will give guidance. If the death occurs at home, and your loved one has been in the care of Home Care, they will tell you what to do. If the death is unexpected, you might instinctively call 911. Depending on circumstances, emergency services personal might initiate treatment and transport to the hospital or call the police if further investigation is required. The medical examiner’s office will give direction as to who will provide transportation. Whether the death occurs day or night, or if you have any questions, give Sunset Funeral Service a call.

What does a funeral cost?
There are three types of costs associate with funerals: the services that the funeral home provides; the merchandise that is selected (the casket or urn, grave liner or vault, flowers); and disbursements such as newspaper notices, cemetery fees, honoraria (clergy, organist, musicians, sound personal, etc) and catering.