• Choices for Memorializing Your Cremated Loved One

    Candles

    Many families have chosen cremation as the preferred method of laying their loved ones to rest. Cremation services offer great flexibility; your loved one can be memorialized in a number of ways in accordance with his or her personality and your family’s wishes. Many memorial options offer a permanent location for family members to visit and reflect quietly or to share their beloved memories of those that have passed on.

    In-Ground Burial

    Cremation does not preclude the possibility of an in-ground burial. Cremation with an in-ground burial to follow may be particularly ideal in cases in which the loved one did not specify his or her wishes as to a preference for cremation or burial. In these cases, family members may be unsure of which option to choose. A cremation with an in-ground burial to follow , including a headstone, combines both of these options and provides a permanent gathering place for family members.

    Memorial Tribute

    Some families choose cremation with a permanent memorialization. This permanent location may be adapted to the preferences of the family in a number of different ways. The urn may be committed to an indoor mausoleum or a private family estate. A memorial stone at the cemetery may be inscribed with the loved one’s name, dates of birth and death, and a loving statement.

    Scattering Ceremony

    Your family might choose to place the remains in sharing urns to enable each family member to keep the loved one close. A portion of the remains may then be released in a scattering ceremony, to be held in a place that held special meaning for the loved one.

    Jewelry Application

    Your funeral home may offer cremation jewelry. These tasteful pieces are designed to hold a small portion of your loved one’s remains in a sealed chamber. With this type of cremation memorial, you can always feel connected to your lost loved one.

    The professionals of Chapel of the Chimes are here to help you personalize your loved one’s final arrangements. We offer a wide array of customized cremation memorialization options; you could even choose to honor your loved one by inscribing his or her name and favorite saying on a tree plaque. Families in the Oakland area are encouraged to explore funeral and cremation options by calling (510) 654-0123.

  • Tips for Writing and Delivering a Compelling Eulogy

    Dark microphone

    A eulogy is a short speech offering praise and remembrance of the deceased during a funeral or memorial service . If you are asked to deliver a eulogy for a friend or loved one, you may feel worried or overwhelmed at the prospect. Taking some time to think about what you want to say and how you want to say it can help you to create a compelling eulogy of which you will be proud. Here are some more tips for writing and delivering a fond farewell to your friend or loved one.

    Be Brief

    One of the best tips to observe when writing a eulogy is to be brief. Although you may have many things you wish to say about your loved one, a eulogy that is too long will lose its effect and prolong the funeral service unnecessarily. It’s best to choose a few specific things you want to speak about and focus on those aspects of your loved one’s life during your speech.

    Use Structure

    A eulogy, like any speech, should have a beginning, middle, and end. Sticking to this structure can help you create a speech that flows naturally from one part to the next and guides your audience as they listen. Open by welcoming attendees to the service and speaking about the sadness you feel. Close your speech by summing up your feelings regarding your loved one and thanking your friends and family for sharing these memories with you.

    Consider Humor

    Laughter can be an incredibly healing experience. While your eulogy should be respectful, consider adding small bits of appropriate humor to put both yourself and your audience at ease. Speaking about happy, funny, or silly times in your loved one’s life will help those attending the funeral to remember that life is a collection of both sad and happy events.

    If you’d like help planning or holding a funeral or memorial service for a loved one in the Oakland area, contact Chapel of the Chimes today by calling (510) 654-0123. Our beautiful historic funeral home offers a variety of signature services including assistance with planning and pre-planning funeral services. Click through our website to learn more about our funeral, burial, and cremation options.