Barrett Funeral Home Reviews 2022/2023

Barrett Funeral Home

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, Georgia’s only locally owned and operated funeral home, is in its 46th year of providing funeral services. The owner, Ricky Barrett, and staff are dedicated to the families we serve and to our local community. The funeral home offers traditional cremation and cremation services.

Kim and Ricky 2

When Ricky Barrett graduated from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service, he came home to the people he loved in Cleveland and Helen, Georgia. He wanted to open a funeral home in the Cleveland area. Predeceased by his father, Clarence E. Barrett Sr. With the help of , his dream came true and in May 1976 Barrett Funeral Home opened in Cleveland. Along with his wife Kim and their four children and support staff, Barrett Funeral Home is proud to serve our community to the best of its ability.

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Today, Barrett Funeral Home sits atop a hill overlooking Cleveland, Georgia, the “Gateway to the Mountains.” And it has three visiting rooms, a chapel, and two lounges.

At Barrett Funeral Home, we have four full-time licensed funeral directors who can meet with you to discuss arrangements: Ricky Barrett, Brandon Hester, Brian Alexander, and Patrick Ward. We also have a full-time pre-need insurance agent, Jim Etheridge, to assist you with your insurance needs.

Directors

Their friendly and caring staff is here to help you whenever you need them, day or night. For more information about their advance or as-needed services, just call (706) 865-3101 or send an email to info@barrettfh.com.

Arrangements can be made for convenience in our office, over the phone or at your home.

The group

The funeral home’s cemetery, Una View Memorial Gardens, provides a peaceful final resting place in the foothills of Una Mountain. More than five acres of meadows make up the first phase, which includes a mausoleum, 2,200 interment spaces, and an intimate garden at the center that offers visitors a place of quiet meditation amidst the beauty of the North Georgia mountains.

Barrett’s Funeral Home and the Fight Against COVID-19

Their promise to you:

* Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout the funeral home. Sanitizing hand soap is provided in each restroom and masks are available at both entrances for your convenience.

*All of their team members are following CDC hand washing and sanitation guidelines, maintaining proper social distancing when possible and staying home when showing symptoms of illness.

Your promise to them:

*If you have recently been exposed to CoVID-19 or have symptoms of CoVID-19, please help them keep everyone safe by not coming to a visitation, graveside service or funeral.

*If you have underlying health conditions or are concerned about contracting Covid-19, feel free to stay home.

Location: They are located just off the square in downtown Cleveland behind the White County Chamber of Commerce (US Hwy 129 North) and United Community Bank (US Hwy. 115).

Facilities

They are pride of themselves on making their facility feel like a second home—a true place of peace, tranquility, and warmth. Their facility is equipped to provide you and your family with only the best and we invite you to explore all that we have to offer.

St. John’s Chapel

Our St. John location has been serving families since 1929. It is a spacious facility with five visiting rooms, a large chapel, a modern reception facility, advance management facilities, and many other full-service amenities.

Visiting rooms

Their visiting rooms are tastefully decorated to ensure comfort and relaxation at the time of loss. Designed to be flexible in their use, their visiting rooms can accommodate everything from a traditional round of visitation to a private family service – to a more contemporary memorial visit.

The chapel

The chapel provides a church like setting for funerals and memorial services but with the convenience of not having to leave the comfort of the funeral home. The chapel seats 150 family and friends who wish to pay their respects to a loved one. Beret offers religious services for all faiths and non-religious services can also be arranged.

Reception Lounge

Their reception lounge can provide a convenient setting for a time of fellowship and light refreshments following the funeral service. This is a particularly thoughtful gesture for those who must travel some distance after the funeral.

Main lobby

Their spacious entryway and lobby provide space for family and friends to meet and relax in front of the fireplace or in one of the comfortable armchairs.

Mount Pearl-The chapel

Visiting rooms

Coffee lounge

The coffee lounge provides a welcome break to collect your thoughts, or reminisce with others. There is always hot coffee and refreshments waiting for you. They would like to feel comfortable receiving friends and family in times of loss. Their house is yours. Their staff will ensure that your family and friends are treated with hospitality as you grow in your home during a less difficult and emotional time.

Experience the difference.

They invite you to discover what makes Barrett Leber Funeral Home the ultimate provider of creating healing experiences in the community. This section includes the people behind the legacy, vision and Barrett Lieber Funeral Home’s reputation for quality, sincerity and reliability.

Testimonials

Their goal is to provide memorable memorial experiences to our client’s families. Celebrations of your loved one’s life, and the times they shared. So who will talk about our success? It is easy; Whom they have served. Their words are expected, while genuinely share the feelings about their services.

Community events

They provide every family in our Tenafly, NJ community with unique opportunities to learn, share and remember. Each of their educational, grief support or memorial events is designed to appeal to a wide age range, including adults and children. Their mission is to enrich lives, educate minds and alleviate suffering.

Support for grief

In addition to bereavement services for the families they serve, they have provided some helpful support links below:

Crisis, grief and healing

Webhealing.com, the first interactive grief website on the Internet, offers discussion boards, articles, book recommendations, and advice for men and women dealing with all aspects of grief. The site’s founder, Tom Golden LCSW, has provided book excerpts and contact information to help those healing from loss.

Willow Green

Willowgreen offers support and information for people dealing with life transitions and aging, illness and caregiving, loss and grief, and hope and spirituality. The site offers advice, products, and inspirational content.

Grief and loss

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) website has a grief and loss section with articles and information about grief.

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s website provides many information and resources for people and their caregivers facing a life-limiting illness or injury.

When death occurs.

The feelings of despair, disbelief, shock and apathy that arise from the death of a loved one cannot be described in mere words. Even when death is expected, the pain the loss brings can still be devastating. The truth is that no one is fully prepared for the death of someone close to their heart.

During this difficult time, there are urgent decisions to be made, arrangements to be coordinated, and many things to consider for the final farewell of your loved ones. We understand how it can feel, especially with the grief you are feeling over the loss. Please know that we are here to help and support you.

On this page, we have collected useful information to guide you through the process.

Notify the appropriate authorities.

If your loved one dies while in the care of a facility — such as a nursing home or hospital — staff at the facility will contact you and notify the appropriate authorities themselves.

If the death occurred at work or at home, you will need to contact the physician or emergency medical personnel, as the cause of death must be identified and identified in legal documents.

In the event that no one was present at the time of death, you must contact the police before moving the body to another location.

Call the funeral home.

Their caring funeral directors can assist with your funeral arrangements. They will collect information from you to facilitate the transfer of your loved one’s remains to our facility. You will also be asked if the deceased has made arrangements in advance and if you would like them to be embalmed. While you can certainly ask any questions you have during this call, remember that once you visit the funeral home, they can discuss the arrangements in more detail.

During this call, you will also be informed about the things you need to bring with you, such as the clothes your deceased loved one will use for the burial. Feel free to call them whenever you need. Remember that they are here to listen, support and guide you through this difficult and trying time.

Meet with the funeral director/staff.

At your first appointment with them, they will discuss your loved one’s funeral arrangements. You will be shown a list of their packages/services so you can decide what suits your family’s preferences and budget. You will be asked if you would prefer cremation or cremation arrangements and optionally you will choose a casket, set a time and date for services, decide on a place of burial, death. Will draft notices, arrange vehicle services, and make selections.

They will also use this opportunity to inquire about your loved one so that they can better understand the person whose services will be honored. It would be very helpful if you could take some memorabilia—photos, videos, valuables, letters—that would give them a clear picture of how you envision paying tribute to your loved one.

File for death certificate

A death certificate is a legal document indicating the cause of death, including other vital statistics about the deceased, signed by the attending physician. If your loved one died due to an accident, a coroner or county medical examiner can prepare the form. If you feel you need help filing this legal document with the state, they can help you. Certified copies of death certificates can also be purchased at the same time. These certified copies are important when accessing bank accounts and safety deposit boxes, claiming benefits for family (such as veteran’s benefits or insurance claims), and transferring or selling properties.

Funeral Etiquette

When someone you know dies, your first instinct is to offer encouragement, help, and support to those affected—but you may not be sure what to say or do. It’s okay to feel that way.

Does it matter what I wear? Can I bring children? What should I say to the family of the deceased? When should I visit? Barrett Funeral Home offers guidance on proper visitation and funeral etiquette, so you’ll feel more comfortable and ready to attend services.

· what to say

It can be difficult to know what to say to a grieving family to express sympathy. To begin, offer your condolences to the family. If you are satisfied, share it in memory of the deceased. Sharing the joys of the deceased’s life can comfort the bereaved during this difficult time. For example, “I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was always such a good friend of mine.”

· what to wear

When attending a memorial service or funeral, wear dark and subdued colors such as dark blues, grays, browns and blacks. Be sure to dress simple and conservative. Men are encouraged to wear a jacket and tie with dress shoes, while women should opt for a dress or suit. Any jewelry should be subtle and traditional.

· When is arriving

When attending a funeral or service, do your best to arrive on time. Try to enter the facility as quietly as possible. If there is no usher, remember that the first few rows of seats are usually reserved for close family and close friends. Acquaintances should seat themselves properly in the middle or towards the back.

· When to visit

Immediately after learning of a death, it is appropriate for family and close friends to visit the bereaved home to offer sympathy and support. This can be a huge time for the family. Offering help with childcare, meal preparation, receiving guests, or service preparation can provide immense comfort during this difficult process.

A funeral home is the best place to meet family to pay your respects, as they are prepared for those attending the services.

· The flower

Sending flowers is a wonderful way to express your sympathy to the family of the deceased, and can bring comfort during difficult times. Flowers are a meaningful gift that can be enjoyed during and after the funeral.

Floral arrangements and plants may be sent to the funeral home to accompany the services, or sent directly to the family home.

· What not to say

Try not to make comments that minimize the damage, such as “It’s probably for the best, because he was in so much pain” or “I’ve been in your shoes.” It will not comfort the bereaved.

Wait for the family to discuss the cause of death. Don’t bring it up yourself.

· Keep the line moving

Meetings can be very emotional, especially when talking to the victim’s family. If there is a line to talk with mourners and see the casket, take care to keep the line moving. After going through the line, be sure to stand aside to continue the conversation, or allow a family member to continue greeting guests. The family will often be more available to talk after the service is over.

· Use of mobile phones

Smartphones should be completely switched off or silenced during service. Checking your phone is noticeable and a distraction for those trying to pay their respects. If you need to return a message or receive a call, silently exit the service.

· Children

Allowing a child to attend a memorial or funeral service can help them say goodbye to a friend or loved one. It is important not to force the child to go, but to encourage him to share in this tribute with the rest of the family. Before attending, help them prepare by explaining what they can expect at the service.

· Gifts

This can be a very difficult time for the family. A gift of food is a kind gesture that the family will deeply appreciate and will help ease the stress of funeral planning and bereavement.

Remembering the children in the family is a thoughtful gesture, as this is often a difficult time for them as well. A small gift like a stuffed animal or book is perfect.

Time is precious. Helping with household chores reduces the burden on the family. Taking care of pets, taking the kids to school, running errands, or helping around the house are wonderful ways to support a family.

Making arrangements

At Barrett Funeral Home, they want to make arrangements easy for you. They offer a large variety of containers and traditional boxes designed to meet your specifications but they would be happy to walk you through them and answer any questions you may have. If you are looking for something in particular, please let them know. They will do their best to meet your needs.

If you would like to review any of their product catalogs, call them at 1-814-948-6363.

Burial coffins

They offer a wide selection of cremation caskets made of various woods, metal and steel. You can choose from many different styles and they offer a range of price points. If you want to pay a unique tribute to your loved one, ask them about their customization options.

Burial vaults

This is a common requirement by cemeteries to ensure the safety of caskets and proper foundation maintenance. Today, many families choose to preserve their loved one’s remains by choosing to bury them.

Memorial marker

A memorial marker stands the test of time and serves as a physical reminder of a life to be celebrated and remembered. It provides a place for friends and family to meet and cherish for years to come.

urns

To accommodate the growing number of families who choose cremation, their urn collection includes biodegradable urns for scattering as well as traditional urns made of marble, wood, bronze or ceramic. Styles range from understated and classic to ornate and ornate.

Urn Vaults

Like a burial vault, many cemeteries require a vault to protect the urn and surrounding land if you plan to bury the urn.

Funeral coffins

For those who choose to be cremated with a traditional funeral service, they offer custom-made caskets for cremation.

The flower

They work with local florists to offer a beautiful selection of flowers for a funeral, memorial, memorial or graveside service. Flowers can be freestanding or specially arranged for a casket or urn. Select flowers for current service.

Social Security Benefits

Some family members of the deceased may be able to receive Social Security benefits if the deceased worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits. You should contact Social Security as soon as possible to ensure that the family receives all the benefits they may be entitled to. Please read the following information carefully to find out what benefits may be available.

A one-time payment of $255 may be made to the surviving spouse if he or she is living with the deceased. or, if living separately, were receiving some Social Security benefits on the decedent’s record. If there is no surviving spouse, payments are made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the decedent’s record in the month of death.

Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including:

A widow or widower age 60 or older (age 50 or older if disabled);
A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for a child under the age of 16 or disabled;
an unmarried child of the deceased under the age of 18 (or 18 or 19 if a full-time student in elementary or secondary school); or age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.
Parents, age 62 or older, who were dependent on the deceased for at least half of the support. And
A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances.

The Social Security website is a valuable resource for information about all Social Security programs. There are many things you can do online.

In addition to using the Social Security website, you can call them toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Staff can answer specific questions from 7am to 7pm, Monday through Friday. They can also provide information through a 24-hour automated phone service. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

How to plan a Barrett funeral

Funeral is one of the most important rites of life. A time of mourning and celebration, a funeral provides an opportunity for family and community to come together to say goodbye and pay tribute to one of their own. Whether you’re in urgent need of a dignified and traditional service, or you’re planning a unique, individual memorial, these checklists will guide you through the steps of funeral planning.

Browse all funeral planning articles below :

Plan a funeral or memorial service
Know your options.
Make it meaningful
Plan a funeral or memorial service
How to plan a funeral after death

A loved one has died and now it’s up to you to plan the funeral. Although it’s difficult to plan a service and grieve at the same time, know that you don’t have to do it alone—Legacy and our partner funeral homes are available to help. Our detailed funeral planning checklist will guide you through the steps of finding a funeral home and planning a meaningful funeral.

How to Plan a Funeral in Advance

As with any big decision in life, it’s helpful to take the time to research and consider options — and funeral planning is no exception. Planning your funeral in advance can save your family from making stressful decisions while grieving, as well as reduce the financial burden on surviving family members. Use Legacy’s pre-planning checklist to help you plan your or a loved one’s funeral in advance.

What is the average cost of a funeral?

The average funeral with burial costs $8,755. But what does it include, what doesn’t, and how much difference can it make?

How much does a funeral cost?

Cremation is generally less expensive than burial. But how much does it cost?

How Funeral Directors Can Help the Family

A funeral director can be one of your most important allies in the days and weeks following the death of a loved one.

How to Plan a Memorial Service

“I am organizing a memorial service for my brother. How can I make it appropriate for all the attendees who have many views and religious beliefs?”

How to Plan a Memorial Service for a Child

Losing a child in infancy or during pregnancy can be traumatic for parents and other loved ones. Here are ways to honor a child’s life and mourn their death.

How to Plan an Ashes Scattering Ceremony

If you want to plan a cremation ceremony for a loved one, here’s a checklist to help you get it right.

Funeral, cremation and burial options

Should I plan my funeral in advance?

Deciding on your funeral arrangements in advance can give your family peace of mind when the time comes.

Should I have a traditional funeral service?

A funeral is a powerful thing: a ritual that simultaneously acknowledges death publicly. Through countless variations, the classic funeral motif remains. But is it right for you and your family?

Cremation or Cremation: Which is Right for My Family?

For many people, the tradition of burying the dead provides comfort after a loss. But this is a complex issue with many factors to consider.

How does a funeral work?

If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one who wishes to be cremated, or are already planning a cremation for yourself, take a look at what’s involved in the process.

What is a green funeral or natural burial?

The idea of a green funeral is gaining a lot of momentum these days. While it may seem like a “next big thing” topic these days, the reality is that natural burial isn’t really a new phenomenon, it’s the way we’ve buried our dead for most of human history.

Cremation and alternatives to burial

A guide to the most common alternatives to standard burial or cremation, plus basic information about cremation and cremation to help you decide which of the many options is right for you.

Ways to make it meaningful

· What makes a good funeral?

A good funeral is the kind of funeral that you remember years later, because it was the perfect tribute to someone special.

11 Unique Funeral Places

Have you ever attended a funeral or memorial service that took place somewhere other than a church, funeral home, or cemetery? Many did not, as the traditional funeral format has been culturally dominant for the past century. And while many people find it comforting to know what to expect—a meeting, followed by a religious service, followed by a graveside service—more and more people plan something unique for themselves or their loved ones.

One way to break out of the traditional mold is to choose an unconventional location for a memorial service or celebration of life. What if, instead of sitting in a pew at church, friends and family gathered under an umbrella on a sunny beach to celebrate life? What if a baseball addict could be memorialized at his favorite ballpark, or an astronomy nut celebrated with a star show at the local planetarium?

If these ideas don’t sound right for you or your loved one, here are some more ideas for non-traditional funeral locations:

1. Movie theater

Celebrate the life of a movie buff by renting a movie theater for a private screening. Plan some time before the movie for one or more people to say a few words about their loved one, then watch the movie together. It may be one of the deceased’s old favorites, or it may be the latest box office hit.

2. College or University

Some of us have deep emotional ties to our alma mater, and a service in that beloved hall of learning can be perfect. Most colleges have many possible locations—a classroom, a theater, a gymnasium, a chapel. Think about what would be best for your loved one and work with university officials to make it happen.

3. Bowling Alley

If your loved one never missed a league night, honor their memory with a bowling memorial service. Rent the alley for an afternoon and spend some time sharing memories before playing some games together.

4. National, state, or city parks

Bring the majesty of nature to a funeral service in one of our world’s most beautiful outdoor settings. Whether you gather at a picnic area or head off the beaten path for a hike or climb, you’ve got a great way to remember nature lovers.

5. Winery or tavern

If your loved one was a home brewer or brewer – or just a connoisseur – remember them with a memorial service at their favorite local brewery or brewery. Most will also serve soft drinks, so non-drinkers can be included.

6. Boat

Rent a boat for a sunset cruise or afternoon sightseeing in memory of your loved one. Sometimes this idea is combined with the ash-scattering ceremony for “burial at sea”.

7. Museum

A history or art lover may be best remembered in a favorite museum. Many museums have a hall or other meeting room that you can rent or reserve, and visitors can visit the exhibit before or after the service.

8. Botanical garden or conservatory

One way to get a beautiful service for nature lovers despite the cold weather is to gather in a conservatory, where plants thrive in the warmth of a greenhouse. A botanical garden is the beautiful outdoor equivalent.

9. Restaurants

A memorial service at a restaurant can be a five-star favorite, a casual meal at a casual diner, or anything in between. Reserve a side room or rent out the entire space to suit your group’s needs.

10. Zoo

Planning a memorial service for an animal lover? Many zoos have meeting rooms that can be rented out for service, and sometimes these rooms have views of some of the animal exhibits. Schedule a walking or bus tour of the zoo to follow the service so guests can share in the deceased’s love for animals.

11. Historic Mansion

Many cities have a historic mansion that has been converted into an event venue. It can be a beautiful and dignified place to remember a loved one.

Some of these ideas can be pulled together on a very slim budget, while others would be too expensive to scrap. And some will require more advance planning than others—room rentals in some popular spots can be booked for months.

It’s not always a bad idea to wait a bit after a death before holding a memorial service. These spaces are usually places where you won’t be able to hold your loved one’s body in a funeral, so they are better suited for a post-cremation service where ashes will be present, or a place where the deceased will simply lie in state. be Remembered with a favorite photo in a special frame. Although it is still more common to hold a funeral service within about a week of death, it is not unheard of to gather after a month or two. If you’re looking for an unconventional space, this might work best.

On the other hand, a place like a park or movie theater is more likely to be available on short notice. If it’s important for you to gather friends and family for support while your grief is still fresh, consider places where you can make reservations quickly. Or look into holding the gathering on a weekday instead of the weekend, as those are less busy times for special event venues. And remember that a funeral director can be a huge help in booking a venue, even an unconventional one. They will do what it takes to help you plan the funeral you envision.

10 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Commemorative Balloon Launches

Balloon releases have become an increasingly popular way to remember a loved one in recent decades. Friends and family gather and attach messages to loved ones with colorful, helium-filled balloons. Then on cue, everyone releases their balloons, watching them fly into the sky together.

It is a tradition that many people find uplifting and comforting. But there is a dark side to the balloon release. There are consequences to releasing a piece of plastic or latex into the air, every time it’s done – because, of course, what goes up must come down, and then the balloons are dirty. Balloons can catch on tree branches. They can land on power lines and cause an outage. They can wrap around birds’ necks or legs and get stuck in their beaks.

Most destructive are balloons that fall into the ocean — which many do, even when they are released hundreds of miles inland. They look so similar to jellyfish – the staple food of sea turtles – that the turtles eat them, causing injury and death. What sea turtles don’t eat becomes part of the growing mass of plastic waste in the ocean.

Even latex balloons, which are said to be biodegradable, are a problem. They don’t break down quickly, giving them plenty of time to injure and kill wildlife – they’re the type of balloon often found in the stomachs of dead animals. And helium, which floats balloons, is a non-renewable resource that is lost when the balloon is released. There is no balloon release that is environmentally friendly. Sky lanterns, seen as an alternative, are no less problematic. They also create litter that can harm wildlife, and they are a fire hazard.

So what can you do, instead of releasing balloons, to give a beautiful, meaningful tribute to a lost loved one? Here are ten eco-friendly alternatives to commemorative balloon releases.

1. Floating flowers on water

A mass release of beautiful flowers into a river, lake or ocean will create a photo-worthy moment that is a touching tribute to the dead. For maximum eco-friendliness, choose locally grown flowers instead of imported flowers. Friends and family can drop flowers into the water from the beach or from a boat. Sometimes this tradition is combined with the scattering of ashes.

Add an extra layer of meaning to the ritual by writing notes to your loved one on instant-dissolving paper (such as rice paper) and leaving the notes in the water with the flowers. They will float around for a while before dissipating harmlessly. To be truly eco-friendly, you should choose a completely biodegradable ink for writing messages, such as ink made from algae.

2. Blow the bubbles.

One of the great appeals of balloon releases is that the balloons get smaller and smaller as they rise. You can replicate the effect in an eco-friendly way by blowing bubbles. One person blowing bubbles is fun, but gather a crowd, all blowing bubbles, and you can create a magical experience. For even more impact, add a few large bubble sticks to the mix.

3. Monitor the candle light

The sight of dozens or hundreds of candles lit just after sunset is a memorable way to commemorate a loved one. To make your candlelight truly eco-friendly, use candles made from beeswax or soy wax rather than the petroleum-based waxes that are common in the candle industry. You may also want to provide drip guards for the candles. You can make it fit the candle by cutting a circle out of recycled paper or cardboard and cutting an X in the middle.

4. Write in the sand.

Here’s a completely harmless and durable way to write a temporary message to a lost loved one: Take a stick and write in wet sand by a lake or beach. It can be part of a larger memorial service on the beach, and everyone who attends can write their words of love to the dead. The waves will wash them away, symbolically sending a message.

5. Build a ceremonial bonfire.

Gather your loved ones in the evening to light a bonfire in memory of someone special. Everyone can receive a piece of paper on which to write a message that they will be attached to a helium balloon. Everyone can then take turns putting their messages into the fire. As the notes burn, the rising flames and sparks will spread upward, giving the effect of sending messages skyward. As with the floral release idea, it’s best to use a fully biodegradable ink, such as one made from algae.

6. Plant trees.

One way to create a sustainable and eco-friendly memorial is to plant a tree, which will beautify the landscape and sequester carbon for years to come. If space is available, mourners may gather together to plant a tree—or a grove of trees. Not everyone can afford it.

But you don’t have to do the tree planting yourself. You can make a variety of environmental impacts by planting trees by certified arborists in a state or national forest that requires reforestation. Learn more at legacy.com/trees.

Another option is to plant perennials, creating a memorial garden in honor of your loved one. To benefit the earth in addition to adding beauty, choose flowers that are native to your area as well as pollinator-friendly. Some favorites of bees and butterflies include butterfly weed, bee balm, coneflower, aster and milkweed.

7. Create a fundraising plan

Instead of a visual memorial like a balloon release, you can create a lasting impact by organizing a memorial fundraiser for your loved one’s favorite cause. It could be a hike or 5k, a trivia night, a pancake breakfast, or another favorite fundraising activity. Add a layer of environmental impact by choosing an earth-supporting organization like the Environmental Defense Fund or the Sierra Club Foundation. It will be an opportunity to gather with others who loved the deceased and help a worthy cause.

8. Write a message on the seed paper and stick it.

Seed paper is a type of paper you can buy or make that is embedded with seeds, which germinate after being placed on soil and watered. It may contain wild flower seeds, vegetables, or herbs. Gather friends and family to write their messages to the deceased on seed paper. Then, you can plant them anywhere you want to beautify — or you can all take them home and plant them for your own personal celebrations. Here are instructions on how to make seed paper.

9. Release the ladybugs.

You may find it suggested to release doves or butterflies instead of balloons. However, both of these are problematic events that often result in the brutal death of birds and butterflies. Butterflies sometimes fly away dead or very stunned and may be crushed upon release. Released pigeons can easily fall prey to hawks or be hit by cars. But one way to safely release a live object is to release the ladybug into the garden.

Ladybugs offer natural pest control, making them a beautiful and practical tribute to the gardening lover. They can’t soar in symbolic aerial flight like butterflies—ladybugs tend to crawl out of their container rather than fly. But you can take comfort in knowing you’re not harming the insects you’re releasing. If possible, it’s best to look for farmed ladybugs rather than wild-caught ladybugs, and remember to release ladybugs in the evening and after watering the garden. You may also choose to release green lacewings as an alternative beneficial insect.

10. Blow out a candle (and put it back in)

Another type of candlelight is the one over the calm waters of a river, lake or pond. A candle floats in a boat or cup, glowing as it floats. You can buy or make small wooden or paper boats, or you can place candles in shallow bowls or cups. Here’s what it looks like in a traditional Indian ceremony, and here’s a different method used in Japan. For maximum eco-friendliness, attach a long string to each boat, so they can be hauled back instead of leaving to litter the waterway.

What kind of flowers should I buy for a funeral?

Funeral flowers are a beautiful reminder of the deceased’s life and legacy.

Some flowers symbolize special relationships, honoring the bond between best friends, mother and child or a married couple. Below, we’ve compiled a guide to the sympathy flowers most often used to remember the most important people in our lives.

For mother (or mother figure): carnation

Many people wear a carnation on their shirt on Mother’s Day, showing their love for the woman who raised them. The carnation has a maternal connection to funeral flower arrangements. Carnations come in many colors but pink carnations are most commonly associated with mothers (due in large part to the Catholic belief that they were first born from the tears shed by the Virgin Mary).

For father (or father figure): gladiolus

If you’re honoring someone who has provided fatherly guidance in your life, gladiolus is a natural choice. These flowers express the strong character and integrity of the deceased. The connection to strength can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the flowers were associated with gladiators (the pointed leaves are reminiscent of a sword, “gladius” in Latin).

For Best Friend: Iris

Iris is a symbol of admiration and friendship. Gardeners know that irises can grow in unexpected and unexpected places…a fact that reminds us that the sweetest friendships often grow out of unexpected circumstances.

For spouse or significant other: Rose

All over the world, roses are associated with love. And while rose petals come in many colors, red petals are most closely associated with romance. Joe DiMaggio famously sent roses to ex-wife Marilyn Monroe’s grave twice a week for more than 20 years.

For a baby: baby’s breath

Baby’s breath represents purity and innocence. Small white flowers are used to honor loved ones of all ages, but are especially appropriate when honoring a young person who has been taken too soon.

For someone you’ll remember forever: Orchid or Forget-me-Nots

Forget-Me-Nots are a symbol of true and everlasting love. A spouse may choose to include them in the funeral rites as a mark of respect for their deceased partner.

Orchids are prized not only for their striking beauty, but also because they continue to bloom long after other arrangements have withered. Because of this longevity, they are associated with undying love—the kind that stays strong even after someone is gone.

For loved ones left behind: azaleas or hydrangea.

Funeral flowers aren’t just for the deceased – they’re also meant to show support for those who are grieving. Eternities in particular are given as a symbolic message to “take care of yourself”, an important sentiment to convey to the bereaved.

Hydrangeas are also a thoughtful gift for the bereaved. It blooms seasonally, so if planted it can serve as a constant reminder of the giver’s love and support.

Frequent Questions

Should I Choose Cremation or Cremation?

Burial in a casket is the most common method of disposing of remains in the United States, although cremation also occurs. Cremation is increasingly being chosen because it can be less expensive and it allows memorial services to be held at a more convenient time in the future when relatives and friends can be together.

A funeral service followed by burial is not necessarily different from a funeral service followed by burial. Usually, cremated remains are placed in an urn before being taken to the final resting place. The urn may be buried, placed in an indoor or outdoor mausoleum or columbarium, or buried in a special urn garden that many cemeteries provide for cremation. Remains may also be scattered according to state law.

Why is there public viewing?

Watching is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief experts believe that viewing helps the bereaved to recognize the reality of death. Watching for children is encouraged, as long as the process is explained and the activity is voluntary.

What is the purpose of embalming?

Embalming keeps the body sterile and safe. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and final disposition, giving family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service that is most comforting to them.

If I choose cremation, do I have to make different funeral arrangements?

A memorial service at the time of the cremation or after the cremation with an urn; or a committed service at a cremation funeral. Funeral or memorial services may be held in a place of worship, funeral home or cemetery chapel.

What can be done with cremation?

With cremation, your options are numerous. Cremains may be buried in a cemetery plot, that is, a ground burial, placed by a family member, usually in an urn, scattered on private property, or in a location significant to the deceased. (It is always advisable to check local regulations regarding scattering in a public place – your funeral director can help you with this.

Today, there are many different types of memorial options to choose from. Remembrance is an ancient tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A monument pays tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembering, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision.

If I choose cremation, do I have to make different funeral arrangements?

It really depends on how you want to commemorate life. One of the benefits of cremation is that it gives you more flexibility when making your funeral and cremation arrangements. For example, you can choose to have a cremation before a cremation. A memorial service at the time of the cremation or after the cremation with an urn; or a committed service at a cremation funeral. Funeral or memorial services may be held in a place of worship, funeral home or cemetery chapel.

What do I need to know about income tax when I lose a spouse?

Uncertainty about income tax issues can add to the stress caused by the death of a spouse. You should meet with your family attorney and/or tax advisor as soon as possible to review your specific tax and estate circumstances. Bring a detailed list of your questions to the meeting. If you don’t have an attorney or tax advisor, call the IRS toll-free at 800-829-1040 for answers to specific tax questions.

What is a memorial for a funeral?

You can choose to have the urn buried in the ground. If so, you can usually choose either a bronze monument or a monument. Columbarium cremation niches are also available in many cemeteries. They offer the beauty of a shrine setting with the advantages of ground space above the remains. Many cemeteries also offer scattered gardens. This area of the cemetery offers the serenity of a tranquil garden where family and friends can come and reflect.

Is there financial help if I need it?

Many options are available, including:

Determine if the deceased is eligible for any benefits. Check with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and your estate fund. Many people are eligible to receive financial assistance with their funeral expenses from these agencies if they qualify.
Review all insurance policies the deceased had, including life insurance. Some life insurance policies have coverage clauses for funeral expenses.
Find local charities offering financial assistance for funeral expenses. Find nonprofits and churches in your area.
Talk to your funeral director about burial options – these can be much less expensive depending on what you choose.