What to Expect

What to Expect Before the Funeral

It's a common enough experience; a loved one dies and now you have to face something you've never ever done before. You've got to go to a funeral home to make their final arrangements. Now, not only are you emotionally affected by their death, you're anxious and really need to know what to expect when you arrive. So, let's talk about that for a bit.

You should know that we care to make your experience with us as easy as possible. Here's how:
  • We've put a lot of work into making our funeral home a peaceful place to be. That means our interior design is calming, the rooms are spacious yet cozy, and the furniture is comfortable.
  • Our staff is both professional yet personable. We believe that when you leave, you'll consider us more than funeral directors; we'll be well-on-our-way to being friends. Friends you can really trust to compassionately care for your loved one... and for your family.
  • We've streamlined the funeral arrangement process. Since we've been making funeral arrangements with families for a very long time, we've had ample opportunity to learn the easiest, most efficient way to get through the process. Believe us when we say; it won't take as long as you think.
  • Our team is trained to handle all the details. And we do mean all of them. From filing insurance, government and other pensions, administration paperwork; to greeting and bidding farewell to your guests—and everything in between.
    • Exactly What Happens at the Funeral Home?

      While we can't speak to every situation, we can tell you the bare basics of what to expect on your first visit to our funeral home.


      When you come through the front door, you will be greeted by a funeral director, and taken to our arrangement office.


      The funeral director will then ask you a number of questions. Think about it this way: your conversation is intended to do two things:

      1. Share accurate biographical details of the deceased to assist the funeral director in completing relevant paperwork; and
      2. Come to an agreement about the plans for the funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life.
    • Clearly State the Facts

      When it comes to properly completing required paperwork and writing a detailed obituary, accuracy is everything. So, when it comes to the first task, that of sharing your loved one's biographical details, you'll want to know:

      • The deceased's full name
      • Their Social Insurance Number
      • The deceased's birth date and place of birth
      • Parent's names and birthplaces
      • Spouse and children's names
      • Marital status
      • Work, volunteer, and/or family history
      • Hobbies and interests
      • Church affiliation
      • A list of organizational and club memberships
      • A recent photograph

      Naturally, if you're unable to bring any of this information, you can always call us later to share whatever is missing.

    • Planning for the Funeral Event

      The second step in the funeral arrangement conference, that of planning a meaningful ceremony to pay tribute and celebrate the life of your loved one is really at the heart of what you'll be doing that day. In order to facilitate things, we ask that you bring:

      • Clothes in which to bury or cremate your loved one 
      • Cemetery property information, if applicable (if it's not easy to locate the cemetery's paperwork, we can usually find the records for you)
      • A list of preferred charities for memorial donations, if applicable
      • A list of pallbearers, if applicable
      • Desired musical and readings selections

      There are really two more things to bring: your memories, and your heart-driven thinking. After all, we will be guided in planning your loved one's funeral, memorial service, or celebration-of-life by your stories, personal perceptions, and insights into their character and lifestyle.

    • In the End

      Our time together will take only as long as you need it to take. Not only that, while the time you spend with us in your first visit can be very intense and emotionally-draining; you'll be among people who really care about your welfare.  We'll support you throughout the funeral arrangement process, in any way you need us to; and we believe you'll find that when you leave, you've really had very little to be anxious about. But if you still have any questions or concerns, call us today at to learn more about what to expect when you come to our funeral home.

    What to Expect During the Funeral

    Much like any other social event, a funeral service can present us with unique challenges–especially if we don't know what to expect. Here's a short list of things you can expect during a funeral:
    • We do our best to provide adequate parking facilities. Yet, parking may be hard to find, so do your best to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
    • Remember that the front seats are usually intended for immediate family members, so choose a seat near the middle; or if you didn't know the deceased well, sit near the back of the room or ask a funeral attendant.
    • You may receive a funeral bulletin, which details what will happen during the ceremony. It will tell you exactly which hymns will be sung, and specifically names the prayers to be read. It's like a program at a theater or symphony performance.
    • Depending on what's in the funeral bulletin, you will have the opportunity to participate in various activities. You may be asked to stand to sing a hymn or kneel in prayer; only participate to the degree you feel comfortable.
    • If the service is less traditional and more a celebration-of-life, you may be asked to close the service with a release of a balloon. Or you may find yourself requested to place a flower in the casket. Some families ask their guests to write a note to the deceased and place it in the casket. We suggest doing only as much as you feel comfortable doing.
    • Will People Cry?

      Even at weddings and baptisms, people cry. Just like at a funeral, these pivotal life moments are very emotionally-charged. That means you can certainly expect to find people crying at a funeral.   


      But, here's something you should also know: people laugh at funerals too. A funeral is a rich bittersweet mixture of sorrow and joy. In fact, when we're at a funeral (which is fairly often) the behaviours of guests remind us of the well-known remark from Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss: “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”


      You'll see tears, and you may hear some laughter. Without doubt, emotions run high at funerals; sometimes there's even a demonstration of anger.   Our best advice to offer your support to a grieving person is, "Just show up".

    • How to Leave the Funeral

      The funeral officiant will conclude the service, and then our staff will invite the immediate family and close friends to leave the building first. Unlike at the end of a theater performance, people don't simply stand up and walk out. Instead, they wait for the rows in front of them to empty before stepping out into the aisle.


      Guests and family may collect outside the location for some quiet conversation. If you are now ready to leave, do your best to say a sincere good-bye to the bereaved family.


      If you choose to follow the hearse and casket to the cemetery, you'll be given clear directions by members of the funeral home staff.


      If you choose to leave at this point in the funeral, make a quiet, discreet exit. Make a note to yourself to contact the bereaved family by phone in the next week or so. Offer them some time to for them to talk about their loss; and if you're willing, make a few suggestions about chores and other things you could do for them. Know that even if they decline your offer, they'll be delighted to know you're thinking of them enough to call.

    • Call Us to Learn More

      Whether this is your first funeral service, or your 100th; it can be an unnerving experience. If you've got specific questions about what to expect during a funeral service, give us a call. We'll be privileged to assist you.

    What to Expect After the Funeral

    After a funeral, grieving family members often ask us, "What happens next? Here's what happens after a funeral.
    • The Early Days After Loss

      The funeral service is over. Things have begun to grow quiet; maybe the phone isn't ringing as much as it was, or fewer people are stopping by to check in on you. Your loved one's death continues to become more of a reality. And the very thought of facing your life over the next few weeks and months fills you both with loneliness and a sense of dread.  It all feels like way too much to deal with, and we'd like you to know that right now it's okay to take care of yourself first.


      You've got two important things to do in the coming weeks and months. As much as possible, you need to practice exquisite self-care. You also need to spend some time focused on completing the paperwork which will officially change the status of your loved one with banks and creditors; employers, insurance companies, and mortgage holders. This can be a slow process, so be prepared for the "long haul".

    • What is Your Relationship Status?

      Let's be honest here; the degree to which your grief disempowers you, as well as the amount of flotsam and jetsam (let's just call it "paperwork") you will have to deal with both depend on the relationship you shared with the deceased. If you are the surviving spouse, a daughter or son, or have been declared as the designated executor, the responsibilities you have over the death paperwork will be much more extensive than if you were merely a loving niece, nephew or friend.

    • The Paperwork

      The Eaton Funeral Home will provide you with a booklet and checklist of the tasks you may be facing in the coming weeks. It's time to get organized. Locate and safeguard as many of the documents listed below (be sure to keep them organized and within easy reach).  Please know we are only a phone call away, and don't hesitate to call if you have any questions.

      • Birth certificate
      • Driver's License
      • Passport (if applicable)
      • Marriage certificates
      • Deeds and Titles to real and personal property
      • Recent Income Tax Forms
      • Insurance documents: Life, Health, Automobile (there may be more than one policy in each category)

    Do You Have Any Questions?

    We've had the privilege of serving many families over the years, and during that time we've found that the time after the funeral is different for everyone involved. If we can be of assistance to you during this challenging time of change and adjustment, simply pick up the phone and call us. We'll do our very best to support you.