Funerals and Cremations – The Importance of Saying Goodbye

Funerals, wakes and interment ceremonies are much more than a formality or obligation when a loved one passes away. No matter how you say goodbye to a loved one, it is always hard to do. But formally saying goodbye, during a time specifically intended for that purpose, is incredibly important for healing.

It might seem easier to avoid a ceremony, and just try to move past the hurt and sadness and grief. Immediate family members who have already had the chance to say goodbye at hospice, or who have been dealing with a long drawn out illness may just be ready to move on and not draw out the grieving process any longer, but it’s important to remember that other friends and extended family may not have had that chance.

Plus, a celebration of life ceremony is also a wonderful place for those friends, colleagues and extended family members to share happy memories with the immediate family and let them know just how much their loved one impacted the lives of others. Meaningful conversations and sharing of memories can help ease grief for everyone - it’s a reminder that even though your loved one has physically left this Earth their memory will long live on.

As you remember your loved one, it’s also important to do so in a way that is right for them, and right for your family. A ceremony should be reflective of their personality and wishes. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or lengthy. It can be religious or secular, short or long, formal or casual. The most important thing is that everyone has the time and space to say goodbye and offer support to each other. Our team at Conroy-Tully Walker is always willing to work with you to figure out a ceremony that best fits your family’s needs, or that fulfills the wishes the deceased had for their farewell ceremony.

In planning services, we often get asked about the options for services if a loved one opts for cremation. Cremation is growing in popularity as an option, and we can certainly customize a ceremony as much as needed to make it appropriate. You can focus on saying goodbye and sharing memories, and we’ll work to make it as comfortable as possible for everyone that is grieving.

Final farewells are incredibly hard, but the Conroy-Tully Walker team is here to support you and help you figure out the best way for you and your family to say a final goodbye to your loved one.