Frequent Questions

Funerals fill an important role for those mourning the loss of a loved one. By providing surviving family and friends with an atmosphere of care and support in which to share thoughts and feelings about death, funerals are the first step in the healing process. It is the traditional way to recognize the finality of death. Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show their respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grieving process.

You can have a full funeral service even for those choosing cremation. Planning a personalized ceremony or service will help begin the healing process. Overcoming the pain is never easy, but a meaningful funeral or tribute will help.

The funeral home will help coordinate arrangements with the cemetery.

• Bring the following information to complete the State vital statistic requirements:
  • Birth Date
  • Birthplace
  • Father's Name
  • Mother's Name
  • Social Security Number
  • Veteran's Discharge or Claim Number
  • Education
  • Marital Status
• Contact your clergy. Decide on time and place of funeral or memorial service. This can be done at the funeral home.
• The funeral home will assist you in determining the number of copies of the death certificates you will be needing and can order them for you.
• Make a list of immediate family, close friends and employer or business colleagues. Notify each by phone.
• Decide on appropriate memorial to which gifts may be made (church, hospice, library, charity or school).
• Gather obituary information you want to include such as age, place of birth, cause of death, occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military service , outstanding work, list of survivors in immediate family. Include time and place of services. The funeral home will normally write article and submit to newspapers (newspaper will accept picture and they will be returned intact).
• Arrange for members of family or close friends to take turns answering door or phone, keeping careful record of calls. If Social Security checks are automatic deposit, notify the bank of the death.

Serenity Memorial Gardens does not allow the scattering of cremated remains.  If you wish to have your ashes scattered somewhere, it is important to discuss your wishes to be scattered ahead of time with your funeral home professional. Again, it is advisable to check for local laws and regulations regarding scattering in a public place.

Yes, fees apply —  You may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her There are some specific burial spaces within the gardens that allow for spousal cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.

There are several options available, including:

• Review all insurance policies the deceased person has, including life insurance. Some life insurance policies have coverage clauses for funeral-related costs.  Please note, when using and insurance policy, there is a verification period usually about 3 to 4 business days.
• Find local charities providing financial help for funeral expenses. Search for non profit organizations and for churches in your area.
• Talk to your funeral director about cremation options - these can be much less expensive depending on your choices.