Below are some of the frequently asked questions that people have regarding funerals and memorial services. If you have additional questions we are more than happy to assist you and encourage you to call us anytime at (905) 655-3662.
What is the purpose of a funeral?
A funeral allows the bereaved to express emotions and in some cases assists in the grieving process. A public service allows the community to pay their respects and share in the celebration of life. A funeral is often a time when the family chooses to honour their loved one with the hopes of one day finding closure.
Who is a funeral director?
A Funeral Director is a caregiver and administrator, they serve the deceased and the bereaved by making the arrangements for the transportation, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the deceased.
We seek to be listeners, advisors and supporters. We have decades of experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. We understand the sensitivity of death and how it affects the survivors. At Barnes Memorial Funeral Home our Funeral Directors are caring advocates deserving of your confidence.
What types of funeral services exist?
Every person is unique and so is every funeral. At our facility in Whitby, Ontario many funerals have been performed of varying religious and cultural traditions.
We have held very simple and more elaborate proceedings, both religious or secular in nature and those held privately or open to the public.
We believe in serving the unique needs of each family and accommodate the needs and wishes of the deceased and their loved ones.
How much does a funeral cost?
Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, is pleased to say that we offer competitive pricing for all of our services.
Our funeral home offers immediate cremation for the lowest cost in our area. We invite you to come in or call us to receive a no cost, no obligation quote for services. We are a non-commission based firm, there will be no sales pressure. Call us first, we will be here to help if you have any question about pricing.
What is the benefit of having a public viewing?
Many different religious and cultural and ethnic traditions have embraced public viewing of the deceased. Grief specialists believe that viewing the deceased aids in the grief recovery process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death and process the feelings associated with it.
What is embalming and is it required?
Embalming is an ancient practice that has been modernized with the technical advancements of recent times. The process sanitizes and preserves the body allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.
The process of embalming is preformed to temporarily preserve, restore and sanitize the deceased to bestow the family with a more comforting memory picture of their loved one and allow time for family members to arrange and participate in the services.
Embalming is not legally required, however; embalming does enable loved ones to commemorate through and open casket. We will encourage embalming if there is to be and open casket or if the remains will be held for several days.
Embalming is required by law if the deceased is being shipped out of province. Individual consulates may have specific guidelines and regulations that will need to be met by the funeral home regarding preparation of the deceased.
Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?
Cremation is increasing in demand and is usually combined with a memorial service that is uniquely created to reflect the life of the deceased individual.
Special music, readings, ceremonies and rituals can take place at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, at the family's place of worship or a different off-site location.
I am interested in more information, where can I find it?
If you are interested in receiving more information about any of our services, we will gladly assist you with all the information you require for you to make these difficult decisions for yourself or your loved ones, we invite you to call or come in and we will sit down with you and walk you through the process at no cost. (905) 655-3662.
