Planning for Peace of Mind
Planning Ahead
Estate planning can sometimes be a difficult subject, especially when it comes time to decide the details about one’s own passing. However, as anyone knows who has been responsible for a loved one’s funeral arrangements, it is an exceptionally stressful time. Therefore, when we consider what we can do ahead of time that alleviates stress for those who will be in charge of our arrangements, it gives us courage to proceed.
Not all cemeteries offer the option of what is called Pre-Need Arrangements, but Mt. Whitney Cemetery does. Whether it is a full casket burial, cremation burial in the Serenity Garden, ashes buried with a previously deceased relative, or a green burial, we can accommodate your wishes. By making these arrangements, your family members will not only be spared having to decide among them where you will be interred, but they will also know the type of burial you prefer. It will also spare them that initial expense for the plot.
All that is required is payment for the grave site and the endowment care fee. We also accept burials at our cemetery purchased by those other than the immediate community, so there may be a non-residency fee involved that also must be paid at the time of purchase. There are various fees for this, depending on where you live, if you have a relative already buried at the cemetery, or if neither of these apply. The Manager of the cemetery can assist you with pricing and fees.
When the purchase has been made, and a few forms signed, you will receive a receipt for monies paid and an Indenture Certificate. Both together serve as proof of your right to be buried in the grave you have purchased. It will be held in your name until used, signed over to someone else at your request, or sold back to your family if you are buried somewhere else and they request this rather than keeping it for their own future use.
Celebration of Life
Planning Considerations
Whether or not you decide to be buried at Mt. Whitney Cemetery, here are a few things you might consider while debating this topic. The answer to these questions and decisions written down and kept with your other estate planning paperwork, can be of great value to your loved ones.
Planning Your Ceremony
The first consideration is what should be done with your remains. Do you want to be buried, cremated, or have a green burial? If buried in either a casket or an urn, where do you want to be buried? If you want your ashes scattered, do you have a preference where that should be done? If you choose a green burial, you will need to find a funeral home that does this as well as a cemetery that has a section set aside for this type of burial.
Who do you want to be responsible for seeing that your wishes are carried out, and who will manage your service? Think about whether to use the funeral home closest to your current residence, or in the same town as the cemetery. You may want a cemetery near my childhood home, where you raised a family, or where you vacationed. Prices can vary greatly between funeral homes and cemeteries, as can the services that are offered. Proper planning will ensure your family is prepared.
Celebrating A Life Well Lived
A great deal of planning goes into a Celebration of Life. If you plan your celebration while you can, it will take the burden off your family in their time of need. Think about the songs, hymns, or poems you would like to share. Perhaps, there are awards, degrees, or other achievements that were a part of your life that are worth sharing. There may also be organizations you want to recognize with donations, in lieu of guests sending flowers. What organizations would you like to support? Decide who you want to attend your funeral or memorial. You may want a small funeral with close family, or you might decide on a more public event. Think about who will need help grieving and who will most need closure following your death. Leaving a list of people to inform of your passing is also helpful to family.
Obituaries and Eulogies
When planning your funeral or celebration you will need to decide if you want an officiant to lead your service or perhaps a family member would be more personal to you. Would you want to let anybody who has something to say stand up and speak or are there specific people you want to ask to remember you at this public event?
Give some thought to what you want in your obituary. An obituary is published and will be a lasting history of your life. What do you want people to read about your life? Remember, this is an important tool for ancestry tracking for future generations. What do you consider are your most noteworthy accomplishments and interests? Who are the people closest to you whose loss should be recognized? These are the accomplishments and people you will list in your obituary.
Sharing Memories of a Lifetime
Put together a file of photos and memorabilia of important times in your life, These are the events worth sharing. Find photos or items that will help describe your creative interests and passions.
Think about how else you want to personalize your service in advance. Decide important choices such as if you want a viewing, whether you want a wake, and if you would prefer a slideshow of favorite photos or a video celebration.
Meaningful Memorial Choices
An important choice to make is who will officiate at your memorial. If you have a family priest, minister, or rabbi, they may be a option. Is it important to you to know the officiant or are you comfortable with one chosen by your church or temple? If you want a secular service, you can choose a responsible person to lead the service for your family and loved ones.
Where will the service be held? You may want a church or synagogue service However, if you don’t belong to a religious community, what other locations would be most meaningful? There may be a park, private home, or other setting that is particularly meaningful to you.