There are two facets of the design process. First, we ask you to consider how you wish to honor and celebrate the life. When those important decisions are made, we’ll turn to the issue of how you wish to care for the physical remains. So what exactly does "designing your own funeral mean? To all of us at the Kevin M. Mason Funeral Home it means listening to you, and executing your wishes exactly as you prescribed. Whether you select our concierge cremation, a traditional viewing, a direct burial or service in between we will promise to listen, offer ideas, record your wishes and when the time comes we will orchestrate your wishes as you requested making sure even the tiniest details are meticulously attended to. There is no time like the present to make your pre-arrangements or at the least record your arrangements, gather your personal data and let your family know exactly what your wishes are. We are always here for you if you need help in this process. We offer a funeral/cremation book that you can record your wishes exactly as you want and list all pertinent vital information.
How to Honor a Life
It’s about bringing those you love together, at a time of loss. It’s a natural thing to do, and over time, has become a socially-expected practice. More importantly, a funeral or memorial service, whether traditional, or contemporary, is the first step in healing.
You can have your service anywhere, and any way, you want. Your choices include the place of celebration, day of the week, and time of day; the musical selection, what prayers will be said or songs you’d like sung. We can arrange to have doves, butterflies, or balloons released at the close of the service. Keepsake gifts of wildflower seeds or a tree seedling can be given. We’re here to help you create the most memorable and meaningful service to honor your loved one.
Burial or Cremation?
Your next consideration focuses on choosing between burial and cremation. Usually, people are clear on this point. In fact, your loved one may have told you, or someone else, exactly how they wish to be cared for. But it can be a hard decision for some families, especially when the wishes of the deceased were never clearly stated. If that's the case, please know we're able to help you come to the perfect decision for your loved one, and for you.
Once you decide, the finer details come into focus. If you've chosen burial, then selection of the casket, vault, and desired cemetery follows. Naturally, we’re here to help you.
If cremation is your choice, then you'll need to make the next decision: whether the cremated remains will be placed in a mausoleum niche, or buried on the cemetery grounds.
In some communities, there's the option for a 'green burial.' If that's what your loved one would prefer, we'll help you select an environmentally-friendly choice.
What's Next?
Now that we've given you the basics, it's time to reflect more on exactly what is appropriate for you and your family. If possible, gather everyone together to speak of their feelings and desires.
Still looking for inspiration? Speaking with a professional funeral planner will help to clarify your thinking. Reach us at (716) 362-0199.
Choosing any type of service is a highly personal choice. Death and dying are conversations most of us avoid at all cost until a death has occurred and now decisions must be made. Even if you choose not to pre-arrange for your services, at the very least, make your wishes known. Write everything down on paper, gather your personal information; (social security number, insurance policies, bank account information, Veterans information, etc.) and put in a safe place. Let your family know exactly where these items are for easy access. Or, simply call the Kevin M. Mason Funeral Home at (716) 362-0199 and we will send you or email you a helpful packet to record all your wishes. Whether a traditional funeral, cremation, direct burial, memorial service or celebration of life is selected, we will provide your family with a myriad of affordable options.It is also important to record WHAT YOU DO NOT WANT as well. The more precise you are with your wishes, the easier it will be to help your family honor your wishes exactly as you instructed. Please, take the time to record your final wishes and discuss with your family. Preparing for the inevitable provides peace of mind for all of you.
