• What to Do After a Death

    Funeral Planning Oakland

    When a death occurs, it can be a trying time for your family and friends. Whether the death was expected after a long illness or more sudden, there are a number of things that must be done soon after the deceased passes. In addition to planning a funeral , other details such as deciding between cremation and burial and writing an obituary must also be considered. Since a death can happen at any time, it’s a good idea to educate yourself about what you should do after someone passes away. Read on to learn what steps you should take after a death.

    Notify the Authorities
    Once a death happens, you must let the proper authorities know so that the death certification process can begin. Death certification is done by either a doctor or a coroner, along with a funeral director. You’ll need multiple copies of the death certificate to put all of the deceased’s affairs in order, including the estate and insurance. A funeral director will need to claim the body for it to be buried or cremated, so it’s often a good idea to have a funeral home in mind before a death occurs.

    Work with Others
    In most cases, the deceased’s body must be removed within a few hours after death. That’s why you’ll need to work with a funeral director to make sure that the body is transported properly and the remains are stored. As you speak with the funeral director, you’ll discuss the deceased’s wishes as to whether he wanted traditional burial or cremation. If the deceased didn’t leave instructions, it may be up to you or your family to decide what to do with the body.

    Plan a Service
    After a death, you will have to decide what type of service to hold. A funeral takes place before the body is buried, while a memorial service takes place after the body has already been cremated or buried. You can choose to hold a service at a funeral home, a place of worship, or even the cemetery.

    When someone you care about passes away, let Chapel of the Chimes Oakland guide you through the funeral and memorialization process. Contact us at (510) 654-0123 to learn more about how we can help you and your family with funeral pre-planning near Oakland. We offer caring, compassionate service to help ease the burden during a challenging time.

  • Reasons to Consider Mausoleum Entombment

    Mausoleum Oakland

    Though death is a topic that many people try not to think about, it is a reality that must be addressed at some point. Pre-planning your own funeral can help ease the burden on your friends and family when you pass away, and ensures that your wishes will be followed. When you are funeral pre-planning, you’ll have to decide between burial and cremation. If you choose burial, you’ll then need to choose where you want to be buried. A mausoleum is a building that houses the bodies of the deceased, providing a final resting place that is safe from the elements. Instead of being buried underground, bodies are kept in crypts above ground. This method of entombment has been in use since Ancient Egypt, and is a choice of many people today since it is comparable in cost and also saves land from being used for burial.

    Contact Chapel of the Chimes Oakland at (510) 654-0123 for assistance with pre-planning your funeral, and to discuss your options for mausoleum entombment. We are a full-service cemetery offering memorialization, burial, and cremation services near Oakland for you and the people you care about. Our friendly staff members will help you with all aspects of planning ahead.

  • A Guide to Arranging Funeral Services

    Funeral Planning Services Oakland

    When the loss of a loved one occurs, arranging a funeral service can seem daunting. There are many decisions you will have to consider. Working with a trusted funeral home in Oakland can help you sort through all of your options. Having the proper information and know-how ahead of time can help to make funeral planning an easier process to go through. Read on to learn about how to arrange a funeral service.

    Burial Method
    Each individual and family has a unique preference about the internment method. The first step to arranging a funeral is deciding whether the deceased will be cremated, entombed, or buried. If the decision to be cremated is chosen, it is a good idea to consider what will be done with the cremains. In some cases, they are buried or entombed, while other times, they are scatted at a location that has meaning to the family or the deceased. Cost can be a deciding factor when considering burial methods , but it is important to also remember the deceased’s personal preference.

    Ceremony Type
    Once the burial method has been chosen, it is pertinent to think about how you and your family would like the ceremony to go. At this time, you will decide whether to have an open viewing of the casket or a memorial service in honor of your loved one. Deciding where to hold the ceremony is crucial to planning the rest of the funeral. Oftentimes, the ceremony is held at a family member’s home, a funeral home, at the graveside, or at a religious institution. Once you know where the funeral or memorial service will be held, deciding who will take part in the ceremony and adding your personal touches to pay tribute to your loved one will be simpler.

    If you have decided that cremation is the best burial method for your loved one, call Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland at (510) 654-0123. We have been serving the Bay Area as a columbarium and crematorium since 1909. We also have a cemetery and offer funeral planning services.

  • Choosing a Cemetery

    cemetery oakland - chapel of the chimes While thinking about where one will be placed to rest is not always an easy task, planning ahead is a great gift to leave to your loved ones. If you are pre-planning your funeral near Oakland with a funeral home, read on to learn about how to choose a cemetery.

    There are four cemetery types to choose from: religious cemeteries, district cemeteries, veterans’ cemeteries, and green cemeteries. Some cemeteries may combine these different features. Finding the right cemetery for you will depend on your lifestyle and your personal preferences. Religious cemeteries are often run by religious organizations, while local municipalities run district cemeteries. The federal government runs veterans’ cemeteries. If you are interested in a green cemetery, it is best to discuss your options with a funeral director.

    If you are planning ahead for your funeral service , contact Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland at (510) 654-0123. Our expert staff can help inform you about your funeral pre-planning options.