Crafting Memories: Creative Ways to Honour a Loved One During the Holidays

The Christmas season can be particularly challenging for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Engaging in creative activities can provide a therapeutic outlet and a meaningful way to honour their memory. Here are some craft ideas to help keep their spirit alive during the festive season.

  1. Memory Ornaments

Create personalised ornaments that reflect your loved one’s personality or interests. Use clear baubles to insert small mementoes, photographs, or handwritten notes. Each ornament can serve as a tangible reminder of cherished memories.

  1. Remembrance Wreaths

Design a wreath incorporating items that symbolise your loved one. This could include their favourite colours, flowers, or small trinkets. Hanging the wreath in a prominent place can serve as a comforting presence throughout the holidays.

  1. Memory Candles

Decorate candles with images or words that remind you of your loved one. Lighting these candles during family gatherings can create a sense of connection and remembrance.

  1. Photo Albums or Scrapbooks

Compile photographs, letters, and other memorabilia into an album or scrapbook. This activity can be a healing process, allowing you to reflect on shared experiences and preserve them for future generations.

  1. Memory Jars

Invite family members to write down their favourite memories and place them in a jar. Reading these notes together can be a comforting way to remember and celebrate your loved one’s life.

  1. Handmade Gifts

Create gifts inspired by your loved one to share with others. This could be a recipe they loved, a craft they enjoyed, or something that symbolises their passions. Sharing these gifts can spread their joy and keep their memory alive.

  1. Plant a Memorial Garden

If your loved one had a green thumb or a favourite flower, consider planting a small garden in their honour. Tending to the garden can be a therapeutic activity and a living tribute to their memory.

  1. Create a Memory Quilt

Use pieces of their clothing or fabrics that remind you of them to create a quilt. This can be a comforting keepsake that provides warmth and a tangible connection to your loved one.

  1. Host a Virtual Craft Night

Gather friends and family online to create crafts in memory of your loved one.

At Rowley Funerals, we are committed to helping families by offering compassionate guidance throughout this Christmas season. For more information or to discuss your needs, please contact us at +64 9 445 9800 or send us an email here.

Supporting a Bereaved Loved One: Tips and Resources

Grieving the loss of a loved one is an intensely personal and emotional experience, and knowing how to support someone going through it can be challenging. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to helping someone cope with bereavement, there are several approaches that can provide emotional comfort and practical help during this difficult time.

Understanding Grief Reactions

Grief can manifest in many different ways, and it’s important to understand that everyone grieves differently. While some people may openly express their sadness, others may internalise their feelings, making it harder to recognise their pain. Common reactions to grief include:

Shock and disbelief: Even when a loss is expected, the reality can be difficult to accept. A bereaved person may struggle to come to terms with the loss, experiencing a sense of numbness or detachment.

Sadness and despair: Deep feelings of sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness are often central to the grieving process. This sadness may ebb and flow, appearing stronger on certain days, like birthdays or anniversaries.

Anger and frustration: Some people may experience anger, either directed at themselves, others, or the circumstances surrounding the loss. This is a natural part of grief, as it often accompanies feelings of helplessness.

Guilt: The bereaved may have feelings of guilt, wondering if they could have done something differently to prevent the loss, or if they didn’t spend enough time with the person who has passed.

Fear and anxiety: Losing someone close can provoke fears about the future, such as anxiety over their own mortality or the changes to their life without their loved one.

Tips for Offering Emotional Support

Providing support for a grieving loved one is about being present and offering a non-judgmental space for them to express their feelings. Here are some ways you can help:

  • Listen without offering solutions: One of the most valuable things you can do is listen. Let your loved one talk about their feelings, memories, and thoughts without trying to fix the situation. Avoid clichés like “They’re in a better place” or “It was their time,” as these can often feel dismissive.
  • Acknowledge their pain: Grief is a natural response to loss, and acknowledging their feelings can be validating. Say things like, “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I’m here for you,” or “It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused.”
  • Be patient: Grieving is a process that doesn’t follow a linear timeline. Your loved one may experience intense grief one day and appear more at peace the next. Patience and understanding are key.
  • Offer practical help: Grief can be overwhelming, and everyday tasks can feel impossible. Offer to help with specific tasks, such as cooking meals, picking up groceries, or running errands. Don’t simply say, “Let me know if you need anything,” as the bereaved may find it difficult to ask for help.
  • Encourage self-care: While grieving, many people forget to take care of their physical and emotional well-being. Gently remind your loved one to eat, rest, and take breaks when needed. You can even offer to join them for a walk or other low-pressure activities that promote self-care.

Coping Strategies for Grief

There are several coping strategies that can help those who are grieving manage their emotions over time. As a supportive friend or family member, you can suggest these techniques while offering your ongoing assistance:

Create a memory ritual: Suggest that they create a memory book or engage in a ritual that honours their loved one’s memory. This could include lighting a candle, writing letters to the deceased, or visiting places that were special to them.

Join a support group: Encouraging your loved one to join a bereavement support group can provide a sense of community. Being with others who are also experiencing loss can offer emotional validation and reduce feelings of isolation.

Seek professional help: In some cases, grief can lead to prolonged periods of depression or anxiety. If your loved one seems stuck in their grief or is struggling to cope, suggest professional counselling. Grief counsellors can offer targeted strategies to help navigate difficult emotions.

Local Bereavement Support in New Zealand

For those grieving in New Zealand, there are several resources and support services available:

Grief Centre: These organisations provide counselling, therapy, and group support for those dealing with loss. Many services are available across New Zealand and can be accessed locally or online.

Skylight Trust: Offering nationwide support, Skylight Trust provides resources for people affected by grief, trauma, and loss. They offer counselling and helpful resources that can be accessed online.

Seasons for Growth: This organisation offers programmes specifically designed to help people of all ages process loss, change, and grief.

Hospice New Zealand: Many hospices in New Zealand offer bereavement support for families who have lost a loved one, including counselling and support groups.

Griefline NZ: A helpline for individuals struggling with loss. The organisation offers a free and confidential service, connecting callers with trained counsellors who provide emotional support.

Supporting a loved one through bereavement requires patience, empathy, and understanding. By offering emotional and practical help, acknowledging their grief, and connecting them with local resources, you can provide the support they need during this challenging time. At Rowley Funerals, we are committed to helping families navigate the complexities of grief and offer compassionate guidance throughout the process. Please visit our bereavement page here for more information.

Handling Digital Inheritance: Managing Your Online Presence After You Pass

In today’s digital age, managing digital assets after death has become an essential part of estate planning. At Rowley Funerals, we encourage families to consider digital inheritance, ensuring that online accounts and assets are handled according to their wishes.

Creating a Digital Inventory is a critical first step. List all online accounts, from social media profiles to cloud storage and online banking. Ensure that usernames, passwords, and any two-factor authentication details are documented to help your executor manage these accounts effectively. By maintaining a comprehensive digital inventory, you make it easier for your loved ones to manage, close, or memorialise accounts after your passing.

Appointing a Digital Executor is equally important. Much like an executor for your will, a digital executor will be responsible for managing your digital assets. They will follow your instructions regarding which accounts to close and which to memorialise, ensuring your online presence is managed with care.

Many social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google, now offer legacy options where you can designate a contact to manage your account after death. Facebook, for instance, allows users to assign a legacy contact to memorialise the account and manage tributes. This step helps loved ones manage your social media presence, ensuring it reflects your wishes.

Further information can be found below:

Google: Plan your digital afterlife with Inactive Account Manager

Facebook: What happens to your Facebook account if you pass way

Instagram: Memorialise an Instagram account

Managing Financial and Subscription Accounts is another practical consideration. Online banking accounts, services like PayPal, and subscription services such as Netflix and Spotify may continue to charge fees if left unmanaged. By providing access to these accounts, your digital executor can efficiently cancel or transfer ownership, preventing unnecessary costs.

It’s also important to leave Clear Instructions for Personal Data, such as cloud-stored documents, photos, or other sensitive information. You may want to preserve certain files while ensuring others are deleted for privacy. Providing these instructions ensures that your digital legacy aligns with your wishes.

If you have digital assets related to a business, such as websites or intellectual property, you’ll also need to include Closing or Transferring Business Assets in your plan. Whether you choose to continue your business or close it, ensure your executor has access to login details and knows how to manage or transfer ownership.

Security and privacy are paramount when managing digital inheritance. Use of a Password Manager can help you securely store passwords and other sensitive information, ensuring they are safely passed to your executor without compromising your privacy. Additionally, encrypting files or securing sensitive data can help prevent identity theft and protect your personal information.

Finally, it’s important to discuss your digital inheritance plan with a legal professional. Many now recommend incorporating digital inheritance into a formal estate plan to ensure your digital assets are protected under the law. This ensures your digital legacy is handled properly, with the same care as your physical estate.

Conclusion
Managing your online presence after death is as important as handling physical assets. By creating a digital inventory, appointing a digital executor, and taking advantage of legacy features on social media, you ensure that your digital assets are managed according to your wishes. For more information on funeral pre-planning, please click here.

Memorial Garden Design: Ideas for Creating Beautiful and Reflective Memorial Gardens in Honour of Loved Ones

A memorial garden is a beautiful and serene way to honour and remember a loved one who has passed away. These gardens provide a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance, offering a living tribute that can bring comfort and solace. At Rowley Funerals, we understand the importance of creating meaningful memorials and offer these ideas for designing a memorial garden that is both beautiful and reflective.

Choosing the Right Location

Finding a Tranquil Spot: Select a location that offers peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This could be a secluded corner of your yard, a dedicated space in a community garden, or even a balcony or terrace if you have limited space.

Considering Accessibility: Ensure that the garden is easily accessible so that you can visit it regularly. If you plan to invite others to share in the space, consider the accessibility needs of your family and friends.

Selecting Plants and Flowers

Meaningful Plants: Choose plants that have special significance to your loved one. This could include their favourite flowers, plants that represent qualities they embodied, or those that symbolise remembrance, such as forget-me-nots or rosemary.

Seasonal Interest: Plan for a garden that offers beauty throughout the year. Select a mix of perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees to ensure continuous bloom and interest in every season.

Low-Maintenance Options: Opt for plants that are easy to care for and maintain. This will ensure that the garden remains beautiful and vibrant without requiring extensive upkeep.

Personal Touches and Decorations

Memorial Plaques and Stones: Incorporate personalised elements such as engraved plaques or memorial stones with your loved one’s name and a meaningful quote. These can serve as focal points in the garden and add a personal touch.

Seating Areas: Adding a bench or seating area allows you to spend time in the garden, reflecting and remembering your loved one. Choose comfortable and weather-resistant seating that complements the overall design.

Water Features: Consider adding a small water feature, such as a fountain or birdbath. The sound of flowing water can be soothing and enhance the peaceful atmosphere of the garden.

Wind Chimes and Ornaments: Decorate the garden with wind chimes, lanterns, or other ornaments that add to the tranquil ambiance. These elements can also serve as gentle reminders of your loved one.

Creating Pathways and Structures

Garden Pathways: Design pathways that guide visitors through the garden, allowing them to explore different areas and enjoy the variety of plants and features. Use natural materials like gravel, stone, or wood to create harmonious paths.

Arches and Trellises: Incorporate structures like arches and trellises to add height and dimension to the garden. These can be used to support climbing plants or to frame entrances and focal points.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Regular Visits: Spending time in the garden can be a therapeutic activity that helps you stay connected to your loved one. Regular visits for watering, weeding, and tending to the plants can provide a sense of purpose and continuity.

Seasonal Updates: Refresh the garden with seasonal plantings and decorations. This keeps the space vibrant and allows you to mark significant dates or anniversaries with special additions.

Community Involvement: If your memorial garden is in a shared or public space, consider involving the community in its care and maintenance. This can foster a sense of collective remembrance and support.

Conclusion

Creating a memorial garden is a heartfelt and lasting way to honour a loved one’s memory. By carefully selecting plants, incorporating personal touches, and maintaining the space with care, you can create a beautiful and reflective sanctuary. At Rowley Funerals, we are dedicated to helping you design meaningful memorials that celebrate the lives of those you cherish.

Anniversary of Loss: Ideas for Commemorating the Anniversary of a Loved One’s Passing

The anniversary of a loved one’s passing is a poignant time that often brings a mix of emotions, from sorrow and longing to fond memories and gratitude. Commemorating this day can help keep their memory alive and provide a sense of connection. At Rowley Funerals, we understand the significance of these anniversaries and offer compassionate support to help you honour your loved ones in meaningful ways. Here are some ideas for commemorating the anniversary of a loved one’s passing, including special gatherings, memorial events, and creating a memorial garden at home.

Special Gatherings

Family Reunions: Gathering family and friends can be a powerful way to remember and honour your loved one. Organise a reunion where everyone can share stories, look through photo albums, and reminisce about cherished memories. This collective remembrance can provide emotional support and strengthen familial bonds.

Memorial Services: Holding a memorial service on the anniversary can offer a formal opportunity to reflect and pay tribute. Include readings, music, and speeches that celebrate the life and legacy of your loved one. This service can be held at a significant location such as a family home, a favourite park, or a place of worship.

Picnics or Dinners: A more informal way to commemorate the anniversary is to organise a picnic or dinner. Choose a location that was meaningful to your loved one and serve their favourite foods. This can turn the day into a celebration of their life and the joy they brought to others.

Memorial Events

Charity Events: Hosting a charity event in your loved one’s name can be a fulfilling way to honour their legacy. Organise a fundraising walk, run, or another event to support a cause they cared about. This not only honours their memory but also makes a positive impact on the community.

Tree Planting: Planting a tree in memory of your loved one creates a living tribute that grows and flourishes over time. Choose a location that was significant to them, such as their garden, a local park, or another cherished spot. Watching the tree grow can bring comfort and a sense of ongoing connection.

Memorial Run or Walk: Organise a memorial run or walk to honour your loved one. This can be an annual event that raises awareness or funds for a cause that was important to them, while also bringing people together in remembrance.

Creating a Memorial Garden

Planning the Garden: Creating a memorial garden can be a beautiful and lasting way to remember a loved one. Start by selecting a tranquil spot in your yard or a community space where you can plant flowers, shrubs, and trees that remind you of them.

Plant Selection: Choose plants that were significant to your loved one or that have special meanings. For example, roses for love, forget-me-nots for remembrance, or their favourite flowers. Incorporate a variety of plants to ensure year-round beauty and interest.

Personal Touches: Add personal touches to the garden to make it uniquely theirs. This can include garden stones with engraved messages, wind chimes, or a bench where you can sit and reflect. Consider placing a small plaque or memorial stone with their name and a meaningful quote.

Maintenance and Care: Caring for the memorial garden can be a therapeutic activity. Spend time tending to the plants, weeding, and making seasonal updates. This ongoing care can provide a sense of purpose and a way to stay connected to your loved one.

Commemorating the anniversary of a loved one’s passing can be a deeply meaningful experience. Whether through special gatherings, memorial events, or creating a memorial garden, these acts of remembrance can bring comfort and help you feel connected to your loved one. At Rowley Funerals, we are here to support you in creating a tribute that reflects the unique and cherished memories of your loved one.

 

Navigating Childhood Grief: A Curated List of Books to Help Young Minds Understand Loss

The journey through grief is a path no one wishes to walk, especially for children who face the bewildering terrain of loss for the first time. At Rowley Funerals, we understand the profound impact the death of a loved one can have on a young soul. To aid in this delicate time, literature can serve as both a guide and a solace, providing a gentle means to explore and express feelings of sadness and confusion. This article offers a carefully selected list of books, each chosen for its ability to help children navigate the complex emotions associated with losing someone dear.

1. “The Heart and the Bottle” by Oliver Jeffers Oliver Jeffers tenderly explores the themes of love, loss, and the protective barriers we build around our hearts to avoid pain. Through its poignant narrative and illustrations, this book offers a gateway for children to understand the process of grief and the importance of keeping memories alive.

2. “Goodbye Mog” by Judith Kerr Judith Kerr’s beloved character Mog the cat takes her final journey, providing a gentle introduction to the concept of death for young readers. Kerr handles the subject with sensitivity and grace, making it an excellent tool for parents to discuss loss with their children, reassuring them of the continuing presence of loved ones in our memories.

3. “Michael Rosen’s Sad Book” by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Quentin Blake This powerful book delves into the depth of Michael Rosen’s sadness following the death of his son Eddie. Rosen’s honest and straightforward narrative, combined with Blake’s expressive illustrations, captures the essence of grief in a way that resonates with both children and adults, encouraging the expression of feelings often hard to articulate.

4. “Badger’s Parting Gifts” by Susan Varley Susan Varley’s classic tale addresses the impact of a loved one’s life through the gifts they leave behind. Badger’s friends remember him through the precious memories and lessons he imparted, teaching young readers about the positive legacy of those who have passed and the healing power of remembrance.

5. “Water Bugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children” by Doris Stickney Using the metaphor of water bugs’ transformation into dragonflies, this book offers a simple yet profound way to explain the concept of death to children. It’s a comforting narrative that helps demystify death, presenting it as a natural part of life and a transition to a beautiful state of being.

6. “Grandad’s Island” by Benji Davies With warmth and imagination, Benji Davies tells the story of a young boy and his grandad, exploring themes of loss and the eternal bond of love. The vibrant illustrations and adventurous tale provide a heartwarming approach to discussing the departure of a loved one with children.

The Role of Books in Grieving and Healing

Books like these serve multiple roles in a child’s grieving process. They act as mirrors reflecting the child’s own experiences, validating their feelings of sadness, confusion, or even anger. They also serve as windows into the experiences of others, showing that they are not alone in their feelings. Perhaps most importantly, they open doors to conversations about death and loss, topics often difficult to broach.

In choosing books to share with a grieving child, it’s essential to consider their age, maturity level, and the nature of their relationship with the deceased. Encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings after reading, whether through discussion, drawing, or other creative outlets, facilitating a healthy grieving process.

Conclusion

At Rowley Funerals, we recognise the crucial role that understanding and compassion play in supporting children through the loss of a loved one. By offering a handpicked selection of books, we aim to provide resources that comfort, enlighten, and encourage healing dialogue. Each story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering hope and understanding to young readers navigating through their grief. In sharing these narratives, we hope to not only ease the burden of loss but also to celebrate the enduring power of love and memory.

Healing Through Memory: Crafting Enduring Tributes to Cherished Ones

In the journey of grief, memories serve as a balm for the soul, a way to hold onto the essence of those we’ve lost. At Rowley Funerals, we understand the profound significance of commemorating loved ones in a manner that reflects their unique life and legacy. Creating lasting tributes is not only a pathway to healing but also a celebration of the impact they’ve had on our lives. This article explores the importance of such memorials and offers inspiration for those seeking to honour their loved ones in enduring ways.

The Importance of Tribute

For many, the act of creating a tribute can be a deeply cathartic process, providing a tangible connection to the loved one lost. It’s a way to express love, respect, and admiration, crystallising their memories into something that can be shared and appreciated by others. Tributes serve as a testament to the deceased’s influence, embodying their virtues, passions, and the indelible mark they’ve left on the world.

Personalised Memorials

The beauty of memorials lies in their versatility and personal nature. They can take various forms, each reflecting the unique personality, interests, and life story of the deceased. Here are a few ideas to inspire:

1. Memorial Gardens

A memorial garden, whether in a public space or a corner of your backyard, is a living tribute that grows and changes with time, much like our memories. Planting their favourite flowers, installing a bench with a commemorative plaque, or creating a stone pathway lined with meaningful quotes can transform a space into a serene spot for reflection and remembrance.

2. Commemorative Art

Art has a profound capacity to evoke emotion and commemorate life. Commissioning a piece of art—be it a sculpture, painting, or mural—that captures the essence of your loved one can be a beautiful way to keep their memory alive. This artwork can reside in a place of significance, offering a visual reminder of their spirit and presence.

3. Digital Tributes

In our digital age, creating a virtual space for memories offers a way to share the story of your loved one with a broader community. Online memorials, social media pages, or dedicated websites can host photos, stories, and messages, allowing friends and family from around the world to contribute and remember together.

4. Charitable Foundations

For those whose loved ones were passionate about a cause or charity, establishing a foundation or scholarship in their name can be a lasting legacy that impacts others positively. This type of tribute ensures their values and passions continue to make a difference in the world.

5. Personalised Keepsakes

Small, personalised items such as engraved jewellery, customised photo books, or even quilts made from their clothing can be comforting keepsakes for family and friends. These items serve as daily reminders of the love and connection shared.

The Healing Power of Remembrance

Engaging in the creation of these tributes can be a healing process in itself, providing an outlet for grief and a focus for the love that remains. At Rowley Funerals, we’ve seen firsthand how memorialising a loved one can bring comfort, offering a sense of continuity and connection that transcends death.

Conclusion

The process of crafting lasting tributes for loved ones is a deeply personal and meaningful journey. It allows us to encapsulate the essence of those we’ve lost in ways that resonate with their life story and our memories of them. At Rowley Funerals, we encourage individuals and families to explore these expressions of love and remembrance, finding solace in the knowledge that while our loved ones may be gone, their legacy lives on. In these acts of tribute, we find not only a path to healing but a celebration of life that endures beyond death.

Embracing Sustainability: The Rise of Eco Funerals with Rowley Funerals

At Rowley Funerals in Devonport, we recognise the growing importance of environmentally friendly choices in funeral services. Eco funerals are not just a trend; they represent a commitment to environmental stewardship even in times of grief.

 

  • What is an Eco Funeral?: An eco funeral focuses on minimising environmental impact. This involves considering every aspect of the funeral process, from the preparation of the deceased to the final disposition.
  • Sustainable Caskets: We offer a range of caskets made from sustainable materials, produced through environmentally friendly processes. These caskets are not only elegant but also leave a lighter footprint on the Earth.
  • Preparation and Embalming: Eco funerals often involve alternative methods for caring for the deceased. This ranges from full embalming using eco-friendly chemicals to opting for no embalming at all, depending on the family’s preference.
  • Reduced Travel and Venue Choices: Hosting the entire funeral at one location, such as our Anne Street Chapel, significantly reduces travel and carbon emissions. We support families in making these environmentally conscious decisions.
  • Burial or Cremation: Families can choose between traditional burial and cremation. We also offer information on natural burials, a practice that promotes the return of the body to the earth in a natural manner.
  • Personalisation and Respect for Nature: Eco funerals are not only about respecting the environment but also about personalising the farewell in a way that aligns with the deceased’s values and lifestyle.
  • Rowley Funerals’ Commitment: At Rowley Funerals, we are dedicated to providing families with sustainable funeral options. We guide and support families through each step, ensuring choices that reflect both respect for the deceased and the environment.

 

Choosing an eco funeral with Rowley Funerals, your trusted funeral directors in Devonport, means choosing a farewell that honours your loved one while also honouring the planet. We are here to help you make informed and meaningful choices during this significant time. For more information about eco funeral options visit www.ecofunerals.co.nz

Trends in Funeral Services: Keeping Up with Changing Traditions

Funeral trends are ever-evolving. We are continually adding new values, as well as traditions and individual preferences, for how to best honour a loved one who has passed. With this in mind, the funeral industry has been willing to adapt to keep up with new trends. These adoptions will continue as funeral services try to support their customer’s individual preferences. 

Moving Away From Tradition 

Funeral services in Hauraki have been moving away from more formal and sad ceremonies towards more light-hearted celebrations of life, for many years now. This enables families to celebrate the life of their loved one, more joyfully and less formally. Hosting a celebration of remembrance as opposed to a traditional memorial service can better reflect the deceased’s personality, interests and passions. 

Despite this, whilst funeral services have developed in a distinctive Kiwi manner, the legal rules around burial and cremation were written around fifty years ago in 1968, and these have pretty much remained unchanged. 

Growing Trends in Funeral Services

Direct cremations paired with celebratory memorial services are becoming more popular as more people move away from traditional burial services. There has been a big boost in direct cremations in the most recent five years in particular. 

Whilst less traditional funerals have decreased in popularity, funeral homes are still encouraging families to host some type of service because these services can help with the grieving process. 

In our current day and age, there are a multitude of funeral options available. Unfortunately, despite there being a range of options available it is the lack of planning in advance which means that loved ones cannot afford the funeral they would have hoped for their deceased loved one. 

In New Zealand, only 5% of people pre-plan their funerals, compared to 15% in Australia. If Kiwis planned for their funeral the same way they planned to save for cars, weddings and retirement then this could solve many problems. 

As the Kiwi culture continues to diversify to reflect the change in society, so do our types of funeral services Here at Rowley Funerals, we offer a full range of funeral services in Hauraki for your consideration. We promise to work with you to create an experience tailored to your specific requirements. Get in touch with us today.

Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Funeral Director

There are many things that go on behind the scenes in the life of a Funeral Director to make sure everything is ready to go and runs smoothly on the day of the funeral.

A funeral director will assit friends and families in planning the funeral; this includes deciding on the time, date and location.

Once the funeral director has met with the loved ones of the deceased to find out what type of funeral they wish to have, the funeral director can begin co-ordinating the funeral arrangements. Usually, the funeral director will ask personal questions about the deceased to get to know their character so that they can be remembered in a meaningful manner on the day of the funeral.

Next, it is the responsibility of the funeral director to prepare the paperwork, and venue for the funeral, hire a celebrant or minister and order the coffin. A big part of a funeral director’s role includes dealing with coroners, filing death certificates, submitting death notices to newspapers, editing obituaries, putting together orders of service, organising services like flowers or transport and liaising with churches or crematoriums.

Most importantly, arrangements will be made for the collection and care of the deceased’s body until the day of the funeral.

The main duty of the funeral director is to care for the friends, family and colleagues of the deceased by offering support and a listening ear during this grieving time in the lead-up to the funeral.

Despite the funeral itself being the main focus of a funeral director’s job, a lot goes on beforehand to bring the ceremony together.

Looking for funeral directors in North Shore? Here at Rowley Funerals, we provide a wide range of funeral services in Auckland to help you create the perfect funeral ceremony for the deceased. Our team of highly experienced funeral directors are readily available to support and guide you through the funeral process, gladly at your side throughout it all. So, you can rest assured that we are always on hand to help you through this difficult time. Get in touch with us today.