Telling Their Story

Funerals and celebrations-of-life have a lot in common; each is a ceremony with a gathering of people who share a common loss. Both serve to do two things:

• Help the family and community acknowledge the death.
• Support the family by surrounding them with caring friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

Yet, despite their similarities, a funeral is far different from its more personalized "cousin", the celebration-of-life. 

We've all come to know the traditional funeral, which is composed of three activities: the visitation, the funeral service, and the committal service which is performed at the graveside. A celebration-of-life is often less structured, offering your family a unique opportunity to get creative. 

In her book, The Poisonwood Bible, author Barbara Kingsolver wrote, “To live is to be marked. To live is to change, to acquire the words of a story, and that is the only celebration we mortals really know.”

A celebration-of-life tells the story of the deceased. It is a time for family and friends to come together to celebrate the unique personality and achievements of the deceased.

There's more room for creativity in a celebration-of-life than a funeral. Since they are commonly held after the burial or cremation, there is more time to plan the event.

Turn to Us

We have years of experience listening to and advising families how they can best pay tribute to a beloved family member. We'll help you discover all funeral service options. Call our funeral home at 502-863-3550 to speak with a member of our staff.

Online Sources:

Than, Ken, "Neanderthal Burials Confirmed as Ancient Ritual", National Geographic, 2013.