Types of Funerals

 
 
Since 1908 our family has come to learn that variations in funerals can be influenced by religious, cultural traditions, and personal preferences. What one family may consider to be the ideal funeral service – is not necessary acceptable to another family. Further to that, another could, easily view what one may consider a simple funeral service, as elaborate. For that very reason we at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes, treat each family we serve as unique. Our Funeral Directors are not just “order-takers” – they are trained to listen and to respond to each family’s unique needs and wishes.
At times you may hear a term used by some funeral providers “Traditional Funeral Service”, referring to a service, which includes a casket, visitation, a funeral service followed by burial in a cemetery. In reality this term should not be used, as already stated - what is tradition to one family may not be tradition to another family.

Remember this: whether you or your loved one request a Funeral with a casket, church service, burial or cremation, visitation or no visitation, or a memorial service, a graveside service or simply a gathering of friends in one of Connelly-McKinley’s reception banquet rooms. It is still a Funeral Service. The objective and purpose is still the same: To recognize that a life has been lived, to provide an environment to express our loss and grief, to allow our family and friends to remember and honor the life that was lived, while having the support of others.
 
If we stop to think for a moment this is the very reason why a National Memorial Service was held in Edmonton for the four R.C.M.P officers who lost their lives in 2005. The family, friends, and community and the entire Nation whether actually present or by watching on television needed a time and a place to gather, to take note, to remember, to grieve, and to move on.
 
Below we have listed just a sample of options available in regards to funeral services, remember at Connelly-McKinley we are uniquely qualified to help with your family's specific needs - and handle your wishes flawlessly, down to smallest detail. The information listed below is only an outline of types of funerals, the personalization of each funeral is made possible by meeting with one of our Advance Planning Directors (contact us) or when a death has occurred with one of our Funeral Directors at one of our three chapel locations.
 
The options available in personalizing any funeral service are endless and one of our Advance Planning Directors and/or Funeral Directors would be pleased to explain the many options available.
 
 
Casket Present at Funeral Service with Burial or Cremation to follow

The body is present at the service in a casket; there may be a viewing for those who wish in a private side room, or the viewing may only be for the family, the casket may even remain closed at all times. The funeral service may take place at your place of worship, a private facility, or at one of our three chapel locations (click here for our chapel locations). Flowers, personal music, picture collages, personal items that speak of the life that was lived, may all be used to personalize the Funeral Service. Burial or cremation usually follows the service. An informal gathering of family and friends may take place afterwards at a private facility or in one of Connelly-McKinley’s Reception Centres, here a time of visiting and refreshments may be shared by all in attendance.
 

Memorial Service
 
Usually this type of Service is selected when Cremation has taken place immediately following a death. The Service can be held at your place of worship, a private facility, or at one of our three Chapel locations (click here for our Chapel locations). Some families choose to have the Urn, which contains the cremated remains, present for the funeral service, others may choose not to. In most cases a memory table is placed at the front of the church, chapel, or room where the gathering will take place. On this table one may place the urn, a picture, and personal items that speak of who the person was, what was important to them, what did they enjoy doing, i.e.: fishing rod, gardening tools, home-made crafts, a collage of pictures that show a summary of important events throughout the persons life.
 

Graveside Service following the Funeral Service
 
Family and Friends gather together at the grave following the Funeral Service. A minister, family member or friend may offer scripture, poems, or personal tributes. The length of service can be determined by how much or how little you wish to include. Some families allow for those gathered to have an opportunity to express stories, memories, and their loss. You may wish to have Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes arrange for Dove(s) or balloons to be released at the grave. Again, the options available are endless – we encourage you to contact one of our Advance Planning Directors to learn more.