Hall Funeral Home

SERVING MIDCOAST MAINE 1

FUNERAL PLANNING GUIDE

Life Insurance

for Every Stage in Life

We can’t predict the future, but we can plan for it!

From children to seniors, we’re ready to help build the policy that best suites you and your
families needs to deliver reassurance when it is needed most. Customizable and a ordable
life insurance policies for every stage, budget, and household. We make it easier to plan for
unexpected life events that could cause financial hardship on those you love most.

We’ll help you EVERY step of the way
Comprehensive and confidential planning
Reassurance & peace of mind for you and those you love

John D. Heller, LUTCF

20 Vine Street | Damariscotta, ME 04543
2 (207) 563-5200 [email protected]

CELEBRATING LIFE

WELCOME

Offering Families Comfort
and Peace of Mind

When it’s time to say goodbye, our
family is here for you. We arrange your
services according to your personal
needs, wishes and budget.

Since 1958 families have come to Hall’s
for support on the most difficult days of
their lives. As a part of your community
we are committed to serving you with
care and compassion. Whatever your
need, count on us to arrange every
detail for you, so you can focus on
what’s most important.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Michael and Liz Hall

CONTENTS

Our History x When Death Occurs x

About Us x Obituaries x

Our Staff x Eulogies x

Pre-Planning x Funeral Etiquette x

Pre-Planning Forms x Cemetery Etiquette x

Burial Services x Helping a Friend x

Cremation Services x What is Grief? x

Veteran Services x Legal Issues x

Funeral Arrangements x

3

OUR
HISTORY

In 1958, Dick and Cynthia Hall purchased their The Hall’s have served the community in
own funeral home on Main Street in Waldoboro many forms whether it was supporting the
from the Flanders family opening for business Little League, volunteering for various town
as the Hall Funeral Home on July 15, 1958. Dick organizations, working with local High School
and Cynthia Hall and their five children: Carol, teachers to support their “Life and Death”
Nancy, Ricky, Becky, and Michael, lived in the classes, or providing a free Barbeque for
funeral home until 1974. The Hall family also veterans and their families on Memorial Day.
ran the Waldoboro Ambulance Service from
1958 until 1969. The Hall children grew up in the The family continued to grow their
home helping their parents by washing cars, family business by providing professional,
vacuuming, cleaning, arranging furniture, and compassionate service, and care with good
answering phones 24 hours a day, 365 days a taste to the families in Lincoln and Knox
year. Counties. The Hall family purchased the Bond
Funeral Home in Jefferson in 1962, and Waltz
Dick was always willing to listen, and kept Funeral Home in Waldoboro in 1965. Richard
abreast of the changing times in order to Hall centralized these two businesses into his
better serve the community. Supporting the Waldoboro location. In 1991, Richard Hall and
Community has always been important to the his son, Michael Hall purchased the Simmons &
Hall family. Harrington Funeral Home in Boothbay Harbor.

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CELEBRATING LIFE

In 1992 Michael Hall purchased the Hall Our firm is a member of the Maine
Funeral Home in Waldoboro and Simmons & Funeral Directors Association, The National
Harrington Funeral Home in Boothbay Harbor Funeral Directors Association, and Selected
from his father, Dick Hall. Independent Funeral Homes. Most notable
of these is The Selected Independent Funeral
Dick continued to work with his son, and in 1996, Homes. Membership in this organization is
Carol Hall Perry(Dick’s daughter) joined the firm by invitation only and is granted only to those
as a funeral director. Dick was proud to realize funeral directors who meet the requirements of
his dream of having his family continue the the rigid code of Good Funeral Practice.
family legacy at Hall Funeral Home. Michael
and Carol worked together with Dick providing Remaining active in these associations brings
“quality control” until he retired. new ideas back to our communities. Michael
has continued serving the community and
In 1998, Michael Hall built a new funeral profession, having past served as President
home for Simmons & Harrington Funeral of the Maine Funeral Directors Association,
Home in Boothbay, moving the funeral home Penobscot Bay Region Chamber of Commerce,
from Boothbay Harbor to Boothbay. The new and the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club.
location provided more space for services, Michael is also a member of King Solomon’s
a brand new showroom with central air Masonic Lodge, and Valley of Rockland Scottish
conditioning and more parking. Rite.

In 2004, Michael Hall purchased the Davis The company now operates three funeral
Funeral Home in Thomaston, Maine. The Hall homes with receptions available
family history in Thomaston goes back to Dick’s
grandparents, Allyn Hall and Estella French The Hall family is committed to continue their
Hall, who lived and worked in Thomaston, well-respected service over the coming years,
and are buried in the Village Cemetery in keeping abreast of the changing times, and
Thomaston. Davis Funeral Home was renamed to continue serving Midcoast Maine with
Hall Funeral Home and relocated from Knox professional and compassionate care.
Street to Main Street in Thomaston. The Hall’s
re-branded their three locations with the Hall
Funeral Home name with an identical logo.

Today, as from the beginning, Hall Funeral
Holmes & Cremation Service are known for
high standards of service and for pioneering in
professional practices. Michael Hall pledges
to continue the Hall tradition of providing
outstanding personalized funeral service for the
families of Mid Coast Maine.

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ABOUT
US

We take great pride in the care we provide Through the years, the entire family has worked
the families we serve, and invite you to learn diligently to meet the ever-changing needs
this simple truth for yourself: the experienced of our community. We’ve added convenient
staff of our funeral firm is committed to doing locations in Boothbay and Thomaston to better
everything we can to meet, and exceed, your serve you in Midcoast Maine.
expectations.
Celebrating a Life
We will help you in planning a funeral or
making pre-need arrangements for yourself When you lose someone you care deeply
or a loved one. Our experienced staff can also about, it can be very rewarding to take the time
assist those in need of bereavement support. to celebrate their life’s journey, their special
gifts, and all they did during their lifetime for all
Generations of Service those they met along the way.

Our legacy of service started in 1958 with We are here to help you commemorate the life
Dick and Cynthia Hall followed by their son, of your loved one, and promise to work closely
Michael, who purchased the family business with you, and within your budget, to ensure
in 1992. The Hall’s family legacy of professional your loved one’s memory lives on. Please take
compassionate care to the families they are the time to review our personalization services
privileged to serve continues today. below or contact us today to discuss the
possibilities.

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CELEBRATING LIFE

Digital Tribute Videos Letting the Public Know a Death
Has Occurred
Our professional editing software combines
your photos and videos with beautiful music It’s common, and unfortunate. Often, people
to create a DVD tribute for presentation at the don’t hear about a passing or learn about it
commemorative service, as well as for your too late to attend the service, send flowers, or a
family to treasure long into the future. sympathy gift to the family.

Personalized Printing Services But with Hall’s, it doesn’t have to be that way.
We will work hard to ensure everyone in your
You may wish to send your guests home loved one’s community gets a chance to say a
with a treasured keepsake to commemorate final goodbye and show their support through
your loved one’s life. Our memorial stationery both traditional newsprint obituaries and
includes bookmarks, service programs, prayer electronic media. Let us take a few minutes of
cards, and folders which can be customized your time to explain this service. Call a Hall’s
with a favorite photo, poem or a specially- professional to learn more at 207-832-5541.
written tribute to your loved one.
We are Here to Listen and Serve
One of our funeral professionals would love to
speak with you about this unique way to create The staff of Hall’s has years of experience
personalized print keepsakes. and many wonderful commemoration and
celebration of life ideas to share. If you would
like more information on any of our services, or
would like to discuss how we can work together
to create a moving memorable service in honor
of your loved one, please contact us.

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OUR STAFF

Michael J. Hall, LFD, CCSP Selected Independent Funeral Homes is
a worldwide professional organization of
President independent locally owned funeral homes.
Members operate under the strictest standards
Email: [email protected] and best practices to offer you confidence
and preserve your trust during times of need.
Michael was born in Rockland to Richard and By choosing Hall Funeral Home, a Selected
Cynthia Hall who established Hall Funeral Independent Funeral Home, you can be
Home in 1958. Michael grew up in Waldoboro confident that you and your family will receive
and graduated from Medomak Valley High the best care.
School. He graduated from Springfield
College in Springfield, MA with a BS degree in Michael is active in community affairs. He is
Business Management. He graduated from a Past President and active member of the
New England Institute in Boston, Summa Cum Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club, Past
Laude, with a degree in Funeral Service. President of the Penobscot Bay Regional
Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member of
In 1991 the Hall Funeral Home purchased the Boothbay Region Y.M.C.A., and a Member
the Simmons & Harrington Funeral Home in of the Waldoboro Business Association which
Boothbay Harbor. The following year Michael actively promotes Waldoboro. Michael is a
purchased the family business, Hall Funeral member of King Solomon’s Masonic Lodge
Home, from his father, Richard Hall. In 2004, #61 in Waldoboro, 32nd Degree Mason, and a
Michael purchased the former Davis Funeral member of the Midcoast Shrine Club. He is the
Home, now named Hall Funeral Home and founder of the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary
Cremation Services at 78 Main Street in Club’s “Karl’s Kids,” which helps less fortunate
Thomaston. Michael continues to run the children with sports equipment to be able to
family business splitting his time between the participate in sports and also to pursue outdoor
funeral home’s three locations in Boothbay, physical activities that will help them develop
Waldoboro, and Thomaston. healthy life long habits.

Michael served on the board of directors of the Michael enjoys spending time with his wife,
Maine Funeral Directors Association from 1997- Liz, and their daughter, Emma. He also enjoys
2006, and served as President from 2001-2002. playing golf, skiing and boating with his family.
Michael served on the National Policy Board
for the National Funeral Directors Association CELEBRATING LIFE
representing the State of Maine from 2002-
2006. The Hall family of Hall Funeral Home has
been a member by invitation of the Selected
Independent Funeral Homes since 1969.

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Jason Guest, Liz Hall,

Funeral Director CFO

Originally from Vacaville, California. Jason Email: [email protected]
moved to Maine in 1999. A 2006 Graduate of Office Phone: 207-832-5541
the University of Maine at Farmington with
a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a 2010 Liz grew up in Northern New Jersey and moved
Graduate of American Academy McAllister to California to attend UCLA. After her parents
Institute with an Associates in Mortuary retired to Maine she would visit and fell in love
Science, he has been a licensed funeral director with the State and met and fell in love with
in the state of Maine since 2011. Michael Hall.

His career in Funeral Service began as an She worked in Boothbay Harbor for St.
apprentice in 2008 with the Hall Funeral Andrews Hospital as the Community Relations
Homes. He was drawn to the Funeral service as and Development Director. She then became
he wanted to be able to go to work every day Marketing Director of St. Andrews Village
and have an opportunity to help people and to Retirement Community.
have each day be unique to the last. His goal
as a funeral director is to help families through Liz acts as Finance and Operations Manager
a difficult time by offering his experiences that and helps out as a tribute team member
he has gained by helping hundreds of families. whenever and wherever she is needed.

Each service he tries to personalize to the Liz married Michael Hall in 1996 and they had
individual, each service is unique and he prides their daughter, Emma, in 2001. They reside
himself on helping families begin their grief in Damariscotta with their daughter Emma,
journey. He currently lives in Rockland with his Bailey the dog and Peanut the cat.
wife Jenna and thier four daughters Danielle,
Lilac, Isabelle, and Noelle.

Lexi Hartford

Funeral Service
Practitioner Intern

Lexi is our apprentice here at Hall Funeral Homes. She is currently enrolled in online classes through
the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science to become a funeral director. Lexi graduated in 2018
from the Lincoln Academy and spent one year at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine before transferring.

Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, activities such as
snowmobiling, ice skating, camping, and swimming, and occasionally writing.

9

Lynn Martin, Harold Orne,

Tribute Team Member/ Tribute Team Member
Administrative Assistant
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected] Office Phone: 207-633-2171
Office Phone: 207-633-2171
Harold K. Orne was born and raised in
Lynn Gilley Martin was born in Augusta ME., Boothbay Harbor. Harold served three years
at the age of six moved to East Boothbay, in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. He returned to
attended and graduated from Boothbay Boothbay Harbor and worked for many years
Region High School. at Boothbay Region Greenhouse (his family
business). Harold’s passion for Horticulture
Lynn has been in the healthcare industry for and landscaping has been his main source of
over 30 years, working at St. Andrews Hospital, employment (self-employed) for over thirty
private practices, and for the past ten years years.
operates her own Safety Consulting Business;
assisting Municipalities with OSHA Standards During the 1970’s, Harold worked part time
(Bureau of Labor ) requirements. for Simmons and Harrington Funeral Home/
Ambulance Service.
Lynn has served as a Selectman and County
Commissioner for Lincoln County. She currently In 2015, Harold joined the Team at Hall Funeral
is the President of the Boothbay Region Alumni Home as an Attendant, maintenance man and
Association and Treasurer for the Lincoln landscape/gardener.
County Fire Chiefs Association.
Harold is compassionate, caring and has a very
Lynn joined the Tribute Team in 2015 and brings calming demeanor. He is a tremendous asset
with her years of experience in the healthcare to our Staff.
field. She enjoys working with families and
being a part of their healing process. She refers
to her work at Hall Funeral Home as her “Earth
Angel” contribution and we are so pleased to
have her a part of our team.

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CELEBRATING LIFE

Cyndy Hunt, Ron Gamage,

Tribute Team Member/ Tribute Team Member/
Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Office Phone: 207-832-5541 Office Phone: 207-354-6475

Cyndy was born and raised in Bristol, Maine Ron grew up in the Mid coast Maine area
and graduated from Lincoln Academy in coming to Hall’s in 2012 as a Licensed Funeral
1973. She married and moved to Jefferson and Attendant and has since added the role of
has lived there for 38 years. She is the proud managing the office at Hall’s in Thomaston
mother of two wonderful children, Stacy (who .He has always been proud of his Maritime
is married to Dan) and lives in Jefferson and heritage, having come from a large line of
is extremely talented and artistic. Her son, master shipbuilders. After graduating from
Justin, earned his PhD in England and lives and Rockland District High School, he embarked
teaches in London, England. Cyndy also owns on a career in retail, Real Estate and as owners
and operates a gravel/sand and construction of a convenience store for many years in
business. She is the former owner and operator Thomaston.
of Yuletide & Candles LLC in Damariscotta. She
has worked in the legal field for many years. In addition to his “work-life”, He has served as
Cyndy loves to read, quilt and walk in her spare a member of the school board representing
time. Thomaston for several years along with many
other town committees and boards. He is a
member of the Orient Lodge of Masons in
Thomaston having served as it’s Master for two
terms. He is currently its Treasurer as well as the
Treasurer of the Thomaston Historical Society.
Ron and his wife Jackie have two children. A
daughter, Krystal, A high school history teacher
in Charleston S.C. and a son, Dylan, who lives
and works in the Rockland area.

Ron is proud to work with the families in the
Mid Coast area representing Hall Funeral
Homes who have been caring for families for
over 60 years.

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PRE-PLANNING

Pre-planning protects your loved ones from Pre-planning gives you peace of mind knowing
making complex decisions at a difficult time everything is taken care of. You are guaranteed
and if you decide to prepay, you shield them the price and arrangements will be just as you
from unexpected expenses. Pre-planning also wanted. Everything is preset, allowing you to
gives you the time to think about your choices put your personal touch on the service and get
and select exactly how you wish to be honored. the best deal possible. The process is simple; in
fact, you can even pre-plan your funeral online.
We understand this can be an intimidating
process, so we encourage you to start today But the most important reason to pre-plan is it
by filling out the forms within this guide. You saves your loved ones the heartache of making
can plan as much or as little as you want. funeral arrangements during an extremely
You can pay for the funeral now or later. Our difficult time. You are giving them the gift of
trained professionals can help you arrange a quality time with loved ones when they will
personalized and affordable funeral service need it most.
your loved ones will find comforting and
memorable. Pre-planning your arrangements is the greatest
gift you can give your loved ones. When they
honor you at your service, they will have
serenity knowing your final tribute is being
done just the way you wanted.

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CELEBRATING LIFE

How to Pre-Plan Your Funeral • Tell your children or loved ones that because
you care for them so much, you don’t want
Pre-planning your funeral will make certain to burden them with difficult decisions
that your choices are respected and carried when you’re gone. Tell them you’ve made
out, without leaving your family to wonder your own final arrangements and give
what your wishes might have been. You also them a written record of what they are.
have the option of paying for your funeral in
advance; this locks-in the cost of the funeral at • Make your funeral and cemetery plans with
today’s prices. us and then wrap a copy of your contract
and wishes in a gift box and present it to
When you’re ready to make a real plan, send your children.
us an email and we will have one of our pre-
planning counselors call you to set up an • Make it a family affair. Schedule an
appointment. appointment with your chosen funeral
home or cemetery provider and invite your
There are many different ways to begin the children along to participate in the selection
planning ahead conversation. You know your of services, funeral merchandise, and
family and how your loved ones might best cemetery property.
respond to the topic. For some families, it might
be a casual conversation over dinner or another Whether you’re sharing plans for your own final
family gathering; for other families, a formal arrangements with loved ones or encouraging
meeting might be better suited. loved ones to make and share their plans with
you, the conversation about planning ahead
Regardless of your approach, the conversation is an important one that every family should
is much easier to have when death is not have. While no one wants to think about their
imminent. Bringing up the subject with loved death or the death of a loved one any sooner
ones earlier in life when they are younger and than they must, having the conversation in
most likely healthier, makes the topic easier to advance alleviates the need for potentially
discuss and keeps the focus on the celebration more unpleasant or difficult conversations in
of life rather than an impending loss. the future.

Here are some tips that may help you start 13
the advance planning conversation with your
loved ones:

• Set a time to have the conversation; schedule
it as an appointment with your loved ones,
whether you want to share your plans with
them or ask them to make their plans to
share with you.

• Tell your parent or loved one that you want
to ensure their final arrangements are done
according to their wishes and you need
their help to make that happen.

• Ease into the conversation. Questions such
as “Have you ever thought about where you
would like to be buried?” or “What type of
funeral would you like to have?” may open
the discussion to more details about your
loved one’s wishes.

• Take advantage of funeral-related
opportunities. Attending the funeral of a
friend, family member, or colleague, or
watching a movie or television show with
funeral scenes, may naturally prompt the
discussion with your own loved ones. Talk
about what you liked or didn’t like about
the services you saw or attended.

The Six Common Reasons for Pre-Planning Checklist
Pre-Planning a Funeral
Losing a loved one is devastating and
Today, more individuals and families are overwhelming. Remembering details and focusing
making the decision to prearrange their on arrangements can seem impossible. That’s
funerals than ever before. Because of the why we recommend getting organized ahead of
factors such as inflation, fewer extended family time. We have created a checklist of everything we
members living close by, and other changes will need from you during the funeral arrangement
in our society, planning your own funeral can process to make things as easy for you as possible.
make a lot of sense.
• Vital Statistics (including)
In a recent survey, these were the most F Name of Father, Place of Birth, Year
common reasons people gave for prearranging F Mother’s Maiden Name, Place of Birth, Year
their own funerals: F Education - Elementary, High School, College,

1. Communicates your wishes Graduate School
F Social Security Number
2. Reduces stress for friends and family at F Veteran Information
an already emotional time F Military Service
F Branch Rank
3. Saves money F Date of Enlistment
F Date of Discharge
4. It may guarantee your family will never F Name(s) of War/Conflict(s) Toured
have to pay more for your funeral — no F Serial Number
matter what happens with inflation
• Affiliations
5. Shows you care F Fraternal, Service and Union Memberships
F Special Recognitions
6. Relieves your loved ones of the financial
responsibility • Persons to Contact
F Children, Relatives and Friends to Notify
Any one of those reasons is good, but when you
take them all together, it’s easy to see why pre- • Funeral Preferences
planning your funeral is one of the smartest F Preferred Clergy/Celebrant
things you can do. F Names of Pallbearers and Honorary

Pallbearers
F Preferred Music, Bible Verses or Poetry
F Preferred Clothing or Jewelry
F Burial Property Information
F Special Instructions

• Location of Important Documents and
Passwords

14
CELEBRATING LIFE

15

To My Loved Ones:
I wanted to spare you as much anxiety, doubt, and confusion as possible at the time of my death, so in this section I have
suggested some arrangements in advance.
This section includes vital statistics, funeral service guidelines, and cemetery requests, which are all important to the
funeral director while assisting you to plan the details of my service.
The section also includes more personal material for eulogies, obituaries, and other remembrances.
Please accept these arrangements in the spirit they are given; with love, hoping to give you comfort and help you to
remember the times we shared.

Signature: Date:

Witness: Date:

First Person to Be Notified Upon My Death:

Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Relationship:

Notes:

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CELEBRATING LIFE

Vital Statistics About Me:
Name:
Address:
City:
State: Zip Code:
Social Security Number:
Date of Birth: Gender:
Place of Birth:
Occupation:
Employer:
Business/Industry:
Military Service:
Marital Status:
Maiden Name:
Name of Spouse:
Father's Name:
His Place of Birth:
Mother's Name:
Her Place of Birth:

My Preference for the Location of the Visitation,
Service, or Celebration of Life:

Hall Funeral Home

Place of Worship
Address of Place of Worship:
Other
Address of Other Location:

17

My Preferences for the Service:

Clergy or Officiant: or Funeral Home to Recommend
Name:
Contact Information:

Notes:

Personal Items:

Eyeglasses: Remove Leave On

Jewelry: Remove Leave On

Clothing: Purchase at the Time Selected

Pallbearers (six are required):

1. 4.

2. 5.

3. 6.

Musical Tributes:
Soloist:
Organist/Pianist:
Hymns:

Favorite Genre or Artist:
Community Organizations or Clubs That May Participate:

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CELEBRATING LIFE

Cemetery Instructions:
The following are my wishes regarding my final resting place.

Name of Cemetery:

Address:

City:

State:

Property, Crypt, or Niche Owned?
If yes, specify location written on cemetery purchase agreement:

Final Resting Place: Earth Burial Mausoleum/Niche

Interment Following Cremation Scattering at Sea or Land

Other

Marker or Monument:

Purchased: Yes No

Monument Company Name:

If No, Inscription Instructions:

Reception Location: Hall Funeral Home Reception Rooms

Place of Worship

Other

Reception to Follow Cemetery

Reception to Follow Service

Notes:

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Information for Newspapers - A Guideline:
Place of Death:
Date of Death:
Spouse, Widow, or Widower Of:
Married for Number of Years:
Children, Their Spouses, and Their Places of Residence:

Grandchildren, Their Spouses, and Their Places of Residence:

Siblings, Their Spouses, and Their Places of Residence:

Education:
Clubs and Lodges:
Military Service:
Special Interests, Hobbies and Pets, etc.:
Memorial Donations:
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CELEBRATING LIFE

Celebration of Life Service and Eulogy:
I would like the following religious beliefs expressed:
Favorite poem, verse, or scripture:
Some significant accomplishments in my life:
One of my fondest memories:
One of the greatest inspirations in my life:
If I could live my life over again, I would change:
Favorite places:
Favorite color, flower, food, etc.:
I want my family to remember me for:
A message to my family and friends:

Special notes:

21

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BURIAL • Religious or geographical preferences
SERVICES • An aversion to the cremation practice of

For thousands of years, burial has using flame to reduce the remains to ash
been a traditional means of caring for • You wish to erect a monument in honor of
the physical remains of a loved one.
your loved one
Historical precedence is one thing, but for you, • You wish to have a natural location where
burial may simply be the tradition of your
family. you can visit, graced with trees and open
spaces
When burial is chosen, your loved one may be:
CELEBRATING LIFE
• Interred in the ground in a regulated
cemetery, or private family cemetery

• Entombed in a crypt within a mausoleum

• Buried at sea

• Green burial

It’s a Deeply Personal Decision

Even if it isn’t what your family has commonly
done over the years, there are many personal
reasons you may have to choose burial over
cremation. These could include:

24

Decisions and Costs Most people are familiar with the concept of
burial, or “interment,” but may not be aware of
If you think that burial is the right choice for the variety of options that are often available.
your family, there are some important decisions Many cemeteries offer one or more of the
you must make. For example: following:

• Do you wish the body to be embalmed? • Ground Burial: Burial of the casket below
ground. A “vault” or “outer burial container”
• What kind of casket and burial vault is required at many cemeteries.
would you prefer?
• Mausoleum, or Community Mausoleum:
• Which cemetery would you select, and do A large building that provides above-
they have space available?
ground entombments.
• What type of monument, headstone or
grave marker would you like? • Private Family Mausoleum: A small
structure that provides above-ground
• What words would you like to put on the entombment of, on average, two to twelve
headstone, marker, or monument? decedents.

Remember that each of these decisions involve • Companion Crypt: Permits two interments
related costs which may impact your final or entombments side-by-side.
decision. These include:
• Private Family Cemetery: A small area
• Selection of the casket and protective less than quarter acre can be designated
burial vault required by the cemetery and recorded on your family’s land deed to
establish a family cemetery. Please consult
• The purchase of a cemetery plot, if your with Hall’s to assist with the establishment
family doesn’t already have the rights to of a private family cemetery.
one.

• The headstone or grave marker, and any
placement fees charged by the cemetery.

You should also know that each cemetery
is governed by their own board of directors
therefore prices and guidelines differ from one
cemetery to the next.

We know this is a lot to absorb – that’s
why we make ourselves available to you
and your family night or day. It is our
responsibility to guide you in
caring for your loved one.
Call us with any questions
you may have.

25

BURIAL
FAQs

What is opening and closing fee? Due to safety issues which arise around the
use of machinery on cemetery property and
Opening and closing fees can include up to and the protection of other grave sites, the actual
beyond 50 separate services provided by the opening and closing of the grave is conducted
cemetery. by cemetery grounds personnel only.

Typically, the opening and closing fee includes Most cemeteries require a gravedigger to
administration and permanent record keeping perform the actual opening and closing of
opening and closing the grave (locating the the grave to ensure proper placement of the
grave and laying out the boundaries, excavating deceased.
and filling the interment space); installation and
removal of the lowering device; placement and Why is having a place
removal of artificial grass dressing and coco- to visit so important?
matting at the gravesite, leveling, tamping, re-
grading and sodding the gravesite and leveling To remember and to be remembered
and re-sodding the grave if the earth settles. are natural human needs. A permanent
memorial in a cemetery provides a focal
Can we dig our own grave? point for remembrance and memorializing
the deceased. Throughout human history,
The actual opening and closing of the grave is memorialization of the dead has been a key
just one component of the opening and closing component of almost every culture.
fee.

26
CELEBRATING LIFE

Psychologists say that remembrance practices, Does a body have to be embalmed
from the funeral or memorial service to before it is buried?
permanent memorialization, serve an important
emotional function for survivors by helping No. Embalming is a choice which depends
them bring closure and allowing the healing on factors like if there is to be an open casket
process to begin. Providing a permanent resting viewing of the body or if there is to be an
place for the deceased is a dignified treatment extended time between death and interment.
for a loved one’s mortal remains, which fulfills Public health laws may require embalming if
the natural human desire for memorialization. the body is going to be transported by air or rail.

In a hundred years will this cemetery What are burial vaults and graveliners
still be there? with explanation.

We think of cemetery lands as being in Most cemeteries require a vault unless the
perpetuity. There are cemeteries throughout cemetery is a private family cemetery. The
the world that have been in existence for vault protects the casket, and the grave from
hundreds of years. sinking in over time.

How soon after or how long after a death
must an individual be buried?

There is no law that states a specific time
frame for burial. Considerations that will affect
timeline include the need to secure all permits
and authorizations, notification of family
and friends, preparation of cemetery site and
religious considerations. Public health laws in
Maine may have limitations on the maximum
length of time allowed to pass prior to final
disposition. Contact us for more details.

27

CREMATION
SERVICES

Cremation has been a part of the Our trained staff can show you all of our options
human experience for a very long time, and walk you through the cremation selections
and is the preferred method of caring process.
for a loved one in many parts of the
world. We have decorative urns to elegantly display in
your home as well as keepsake jewelry which
At Hall’s, we are dedicated to serving the needs preserve the remains in a beautiful pendant.
of our community. We listen to your needs and And lastly, if you choose scattering, we can help
record your wishes, so when the time comes you select a temporary container to protect the
everything is in place. remains before the disposition ceremony.

Many people think that by choosing cremation, Many people think choosing cremation limits
there is not much to arrange, but there is still a their choices, but at Hall’s that is not the case.
lot to decide. We can help you decide between
burial, scattering, and permanent possession. If you choose cremation, you still have all
the options available to you for a ceremony,
We can explain your service options and help memorialization, and final disposition. We offer
you plan a commemoration that reflects your personalized cremation service options to meet
personality and is meaningful to your loved your individual needs, and these programs
ones. are designed to combine simple choices with
a dignified, respectful memorial observance.
At Hall’s, we have options to meet every need There are as many ways as there are wishes.
and budget. Cremation requires the selection Visit any one of our three locations, and let us
of a cremation container and urn. help you plan a tribute that meets all of your
needs.
28
CELEBRATING LIFE

Decisions You Must Make • When ashes of a loved one are kept
with relatives, they can easily become
• What kind of remembrance ceremony misplaced or discarded through the years,
would you like to have? as future generations may not feel a
connection to the deceased.
• Should you purchase an urn?
• A permanent placement provides future
• What will you do with the cremated generations with a location to visit when
remains? researching heritage.

Many people overlook the importance of Some common methods of final
cemetery property for those who choose disposition of cremated remains are:
cremation, but permanent placement, or “final
disposition,” of the ashes or “cremated remains” • Burial in Cemetery
is an important part of final arrangements.
• Cremation Garden: A dedicated section
You may wish to keep the remains at your of a cemetery designed for the burial,
home for a time, until you feel ready to let go scattering, or other permanent placement
of them, or when all family members can be of ashes.
present for a scattering ceremony.
• Memorial Benches: Benches that either
Our professional Funeral Directors can advise simply memorialize a loved one scattered
you on unique ways to memorialize a loved or buried in a cremation garden, or
one using the cremated remains, including the actually contain the remains within.
creation of art glass objects. We also offer a
wide selection of cremation keepsake jewelry. • Headstones: Some cemeteries allow
upright headstones, called “monuments,”
We can also recommend resources that to be used with ground burials. Headstones
specialize in scattering the cremated remains that are flat against the ground are called
at sea, or in the air. “markers.” In some cemeteries or sections
of cemeteries, only flat markers are used
• A permanent site gives loved ones a to preserve the natural appearance of the
physical place for visitation and reflection. landscape.

• The ceremony accompanying the
placement of an urn in a cremation niche
or a cremation garden in a cemetery
provides family and friends with closure
after the loss of a loved one.

29

CREMATION
FAQs

Cremation is an alternative to earth They are then processed into finer fragments
burial as a form of disposition; it does and placed in a temporary container. The ashes
not limit the service of rememberance typically weigh between three and six pounds.
of celebration of life in any way. An urn may be selected for the final disposition
of the cremated remains.
Should you choose cremation, you will still
have the same options for memorialization Where does cremation take place?
that any other family has. Cremation can take
place before or after the memorial service. In Cremations occur at a crematorium in a special
this section, we’ve answered the most common furnace called a cremation chamber or retort.
questions we are asked about cremation. If you Regulations allow only one cremation at a time.
require further information, please contact us at
any time, by telephone or email. Do we need to buy a casket?

What is cremation? A casket is not required however, law states
that at a minimum, the deceased must be
Cremation is a process of reducing the body to placed into a rigid combustible container.
bone fragments by applying intense heat for Many options of caskets and containers are
a period of two to three hours. The cremated available to you.
remains, which are commonly referred to
as “ashes,” are removed from the cremation
chamber.

30
CELEBRATING LIFE

Can we place personal mementos What can we do with cremated
in the casket? remains?

Many personal items may be placed in the There are several options available including:
casket. However, some items may need to be
removed prior to the cremation process. All • Burial: The cremated remains may be
items left in the casket will be destroyed during buried in an existing cemetery plot or a
the cremation. Your funeral director can advise new plot may be purchased.
you on what items may stay and what items
must be removed from the casket. • Inurnment: The urn may be placed in a
niche in an above-ground structure called
Do we need to have a funeral a columbarium.
if we select cremation?
• Scattering: Some cemeteries have
Cremation does not limit the type of funeral scattering areas on their property.
service that may be chosen. The same options Cremated remains may be scattered on
that apply to earth burial are available with private or public property if authorization
cremation. Some of these choices include: is obtained. Properties may be bought and
casket type, location of the service and visitation, sold so it is important to know that once
music selection, open or closed casket, and the the scattering takes place, the cremated
display of personal mementos. Some families remains are irretrievable. Scattering on
elect to have a complete service at the funeral either public or private property may
home or place of worship. Others prefer to offend some people and there may be
have a private goodbye, or informal visiting or laws prohibiting such action. Scattering in
gathering prior to public cremation. the ocean can be done discreetly with a
bio degradable urn that naturally breaks
Is embalming required? down in the water with no environmental
impact.
Embalming is not mandatory however; some
circumstances may require it. If you prefer an • Shipping: You may wish for the cremated
open casket with a visitation prior to the service, remains to be shipped to another country.
embalming is highly recommended. We can look after these arrangements
for you. You may also be permitted to
What is an urn? take the cremated remains yourself to
another country. Check with us first and
An urn is a container designed to hold cremated we can assist you to obtain any additional
remains permanently. It may be constructed documentation that may be required.
from a variety of materials such as wood,
bronze, copper, steel, pewter, granite, marble, • Keeping: Some people still prefer to
clay pottery, or fine porcelain. We have a large keep the urn at home with them. We
selection of urns available designed to reflect recommend that after a period of time
the lifestyle of an individual. Urns may also the family should decide to either bury or
be personalized by engraving and come in a scatter to avoid remains being misplaced.
variety of keepsake sizes that allow more than
one member of the family to have a portion of Is cremation cheaper than burial?
the cremated remains.
Depending on the services chosen with
cremation, cremation can be similar in costs
to burial. Typically, it is less expensive than
earth burial. There are Medical Examiner fees
to authorize the cremation, an urn to purchase,
and possible transportation costs of delivering
the urn to its final destination.

31

Bringing your
healthcare Home...
where you belong!

|From birth through the end of life, we are here to help|

Our clinicians take pride in delivering nursing, rehabilitative therapies,
social work services, nutritional counseling, and specialty services-
including perinatal care, pediatrics, telehealth, population health and
wellness services, serious illness care, and hospice- to patients across
Southern and MidCoast Maine.

Serving Southern and MidCoast Maine
32 1-800-660-4867 | mainehealthcareathomCeE.oLrEgB R AT I N G L I F E

Our Facilities Are Here for You
During This Difficult Time

Are you looking for somewhere you can gather
your family to celebrate the life of a loved one?
At The Lakeside Barn you can host all of your
guests in one place and enjoy quality time
together with accommodation on-site.

The Lakeside Barn – Simple. Elegant. Rustic.
Our stunning rustic 1800s barn set on the grounds of Duck
Puddle Campground is located on a beautiful grassy field,
where rustic meets beauty. Easy to find and within reach of
nearby towns, like Damariscotta, New Harbor, Boothbay
Harbor and Camden/Rockland it is the ideal choice to gather
your loved ones and pay your respects.

• Accommodates up to 100 guests in the barn, and an
additional 75 – 100 more people with the newly added
27’x52’ deck, which wraps around back

• Round tables and white chairs for up to 100 guests

• Kitchen prep area with refrigerator and sink

• Outdoor fire pit area next to barn with Adirondack chairs

• Parking area

Accommodation Options
With the added benefit of having lodging on-site, you can
choose to stay together at The Lakehouse or one of our 6 cabins.

The Lakehouse
Sleeps 8-10. Private dock.

The Cabins
Sleeps 6. Water views.

“The Lakeside Barn at Duck Puddle Campground was the exact
spot to celebrate the lives of our mom and brother. The elegance
and simplicity of the location was enough to show respect while
the views of the fields and the lake gave us spaces to reflect and
remember those we loved. The Grimes family went over and
above to assure our comfort while allowing us all privacy at the
appropriate moments. They were there when we needed them .
We are glad we chose this perfect location to surround ourselves in
comfort and peace. The staff assured the rest.
Our appreciation goes out to the Grimes Family at the Lakeside
Barn and to the Duck Puddle Campground Staff”

Office: 207.563.5608 | Text: 508.245.3375 33

Email: [email protected]
www.duckpuddlecampground.com | www.thelakesidebarn.com

VETERAN
SERVICES

The basic Military Funeral Honors (MFH)
ceremony consists of the folding and
presentation of the United States flag
to the veterans’ family and the playing
of Taps. The ceremony is performed by
a funeral honors detail consisting of at
least two members of the Armed Forces.

34
CELEBRATING LIFE

The funeral honors rendered to you or your How do I establish veteran eligibility?
veteran will be determined by the status of the
veteran. The type of funeral honors may be Full The preferred method is the DD Form 214,
Military Honors, 7 Person Detail or a Standard Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active
Honors Team Detail. Duty. If the DD Form 214 is not available, any
discharge document showing other than
At least one of the funeral honors details will be dishonorable service can be used. The DD Form
from the Armed Force in which the deceased 214 may be obtained by filling out a Standard
veteran served. Taps may be played by a bugler Form 180 and sending it to:
or, if a bugler is not available, by using a quality National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
recorded version. Military Funeral Honor Teams 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132
may act as pallbearers if requested by the
veteran/family. The Standard Form 180 may be obtained from

Who is eligible for Military the National Records Center or via the following
Funeral Honors?
website: http://www.archives.gov/research/
• Military members on active duty or in the
Selected Reserve. order/standard-form-180.pdf

• Former military members who served on Is anyone else eligible to receive
active duty and departed under conditions funeral honors?
other than dishonorable.
Yes. Members of the Commissioned Officer
• Former military members who completed Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS)
at least one term of enlistment or period and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
of initial obligated service in the Selected Administration (NOAA), as members of a
Reserve and departed under conditions Uniformed Service, are also eligible to receive
other than dishonorable. funeral honors.

• Former military members discharged from For NOAA personnel, eligibility is established
the Selected Reserve due to a disability using NOAA Form 56-16, Report of Transfer or
incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Discharge. If the family does not have a copy
of the NOAA Form 56-16, it may be obtained by
Who is not eligible for Military contacting the Chief, Officer Services Division,
Funeral Honors? NOAA Commissioned Personnel Center at (301)
713-7715 or by writing:
• Any person separated from the Armed National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Forces under dishonorable conditions or Administration
whose character of service results in a bar Commissioned Personnel Center
to veteran’s benefits. Chief, Officer Services Division (CPC1)
1315 East-West Highway, Room 12100
• Any person who was ordered to report to Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
an induction station but was not actually
inducted into military service. For PHS personnel, funeral honors eligibility is
established using PHS Form 1867, Statement of
• Any person discharged from the Selected Service (equivalent to the DD Form 214). If the
Reserve prior to completing one term of family does not have a copy of the Statement
enlistment or period of initial obligated of Service, it may be obtained by contacting
service for reasons other than a disability the Privacy Coordinator for the Commissioned
incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Corps at (240) 453-6041 or by writing:
Division of Commissioned Personnel/HRS/PSC
• Any person convicted of a federal or state Attention: Privacy Act Coordinator
capital crime sentenced to death or life 5600 Fishers Lane, 4-36
imprisonment. Rockville, Maryland 20857

35

Veteran Headstones Veterans Burial Flags

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to
furnishes upon request, at no charge to the drape the casket or accompany the urn of a
applicant, a government headstone or marker deceased veteran who served honorably in
for the unmarked grave of any deceased the U.S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor
eligible veteran in any cemetery around the the memory of a veteran’s military service to
world, regardless of their date of death. For his or her country. VA will furnish a burial flag
eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, for memorialization for:
1990, VA may also provide a headstone or
marker for graves that are already marked • A veteran who served during wartime.
with a private headstone or marker. When
the grave is already marked, applicants will • A veteran who died on active duty after
have the option to apply for either a traditional May 27, 1941.
headstone or marker, or a medallion.
• A veteran who served after January 31,
Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and 1955.
upright headstones in granite and marble are
available. The style chosen must be consistent • A peacetime veteran who was discharged
with existing monuments at the place of burial. or released before June 27, 1950.
Niche markers are also available to mark
columbaria used for inurnment of cremated • Certain persons who served in the organized
remains. military forces of the Commonwealth of
the Philippines while in service of the U.S.
When burial or memorialization is in a national Armed Forces and who died on or after
cemetery, state veterans’ cemetery, or military April 25, 1951.
post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker
will be ordered by the cemetery officials based • Certain former members of the Selected
on inscription information provided by the next- Reserves.
of-kin or authorized representative.
Who is eligible to receive the burial flag?
Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a
government-furnished headstone or marker Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin,
unless they are buried in a national cemetery, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral
state veteran’s cemetery, or military post/base service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will
cemetery. furnish the flag to a friend making request for
it. For those VA national cemeteries with an
Note: There is no charge for the headstone Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried
or marker itself, however arrangements in these national cemeteries may donate the
for placing it in a private cemetery are the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on
applicant’s responsibility and all setting fees patriotic holidays.
are at private expense.

36
CELEBRATING LIFE

How can you apply?
You may apply for the flag by completing VA
Form 27-2008, Application for United States
Flag for Burial Purposes. You may get a flag
at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office.
Generally, the funeral director will help you
obtain the flag.
Can a burial flag be replaced?
The law allows us to issue one flag for a
veteran’s funeral. We cannot replace it if it is lost,
destroyed, or stolen. However, some veterans’
organizations or other community groups may
be able to help you get another flag.
How should the burial flag be displayed?
The proper way to display the flag depends
upon whether the casket is open or closed. VA
Form 27-2008 provides the correct method for
displaying and folding the flag. The burial flag
is not suitable for outside display because of
its size and fabric. It is made of cotton and can
easily be damaged by weather.
For more information call toll-free at
1-800-827-1000.

37

FLORAL
TRIBUTES

Flowers are a visual expression of love It is important to ensure that the funeral
and respect which have been a part of announcement leaves room for all kinds
demonstrating sympathy for the loss of remembrances. Many people prefer to
of a loved one in nearly every culture decide for themselves whether to attend a
throughout history. They not only bring service, send flowers, send a card, make a
beauty to ceremonies, they are also a donation, bring food, or lend a helping hand.
means of lending support and sharing Families can honor requests for charitable
the burden of grief. Flowers create a giving without demanding how mourners
background of splendor which adds to express themselves by using phrases like
the dignity and solemnity of the church “If desired, memorial contributions may be
funeral and an atmosphere of warmth made to…” Following the ceremony, you
and consolation at a memorial. The may take home any of the flowers and
role of flowers in these services is both plants that are sent, or you can request
symbolic and aesthetic, adding to the that they be brought to a local elder care
experience of everyone involved. facility, hospital, or community center.

Tradition is one of the ways that people Today the options for floral tributes are
cope with emotionally challenging more varied than ever before. The trend is
times. For many, the custom of giving toward creating highly personalized and
flowers shows their respect for the creative floral arrangements that capture
deceased, while for others it directly the spirit of the lost loved one. They may
expresses their care for the family incorporate photographs, keepsakes,
suffering the loss. People don’t all represent a meaningful profession or
mourn or grieve in the same way: they hobby, or include a memory box, religious
should be free to express themselves in symbol, patriotic expression, or inscription.
the manner which best conveys their Flowering and foliage plants and dish
feelings. When no flowers are present at gardens offer a lasting memorial and
a service, people often comment that it can also be personalized with keepsakes.
seemed impersonal, or that something Skilled floral designers today are trained to
was missing. Flowers provide a means create meaningful, individualized tributes.
of expression for those mourning a death The funeral or memorial service provides
who find it difficult to put their feelings a means by which people can share their
into words. suffering and give their support, each in
their own heartfelt way. For many, flowers
are the expression of choice.

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39
Servicing Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport, East Boothbay, Trevett, and Edgecomb.

FUNERAL
ARRANGEMENTS

Whether you’re planning for yourself So, what is a funeral? In general terms, a
or for a loved one, the funeral service is funeral is a gathering of family and friends
one of the most important elements of after the death of a loved one that allows them
a person’s final arrangements. the opportunity to mourn, support each other,
and pay tribute to the life of the deceased. It
With the opportunity for great personalization, often consists of one or more of the following
the funeral service can truly reflect the components:
uniqueness of the life it honors.
Burial Plans
Regardless of whether you or your loved one
have opted for burial or for cremation, the When considering final arrangements for
funeral or memorial service fills an important yourself or a loved one, one of the first decisions
role. It can: you might make is whether you prefer burial or
cremation. This decision often influences other
• Honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of important considerations such as elements
the deceased; of the funeral service and type of cemetery
property.
• Allow friends and family to say their last
goodbyes;

• Provide closure after the loss of a loved one;

• Allow friends to console the family of the
loved one.

40
CELEBRATING LIFE

Funeral Service Regardless of the service or services you
choose to include in your funeral plan, you
A formal or informal ceremony or ritual prior to can personalize them in almost any way
burial, a funeral service often provides a sense imaginable. For example, just consider the
of closure to family and friends. Although your following questions:
faith or culture may dictate some elements of
a funeral service, you may want to personalize • Where should the funeral be held?
other elements of the service. At a funeral At the funeral home? Place of worship?
service, a casket or urn is present, though you Special location?
may choose to have the casket open or closed.
• Who should officiate the service?
Visitation, Wake, or Viewing
• Will your service adhere to the traditions of
Held the night before or immediately prior to your faith or culture?
the funeral service, the visitation - also called a
wake or a viewing - provides a way for friends • Do you want a eulogy, and who should
and acquaintances to pay respects and offer deliver it?
condolences to your family. As with the funeral
service, you may want to decide if you want an • Would you like an open or closed casket?
open or closed casket should one be present.
• What music should be played?
Memorial or Tribute Service
• What readings would you like to have read?
At a memorial or tribute service, a casket or urn
is usually not present. Otherwise similar to a • Is there a special poem you’d like shared
funeral or visitation, a memorial service gives with the guests?
family and friends a time to come together in
your memory and celebrate your life. • Are there any special photographs or other
memorabilia would you like displayed?
Some families choose to have a family final
goodbye with their loved one present prior to • Should the décor reflect a particular
the cremation and memorial service. hobby or interest of yours, such as fishing,
gardening, or music?
Graveside Service
• Is there a particular emblem or engraving
As its name implies, a graveside service may you want on your headstone or marker?
be held at the gravesite just prior to burial of
a casket or urn and usually consists of final • Should there be refreshments served or a
remarks, prayers, or memories. The service may more elaborate party held after the service?
occur after or in place of a funeral service.
Cemetery Property
There’s no one, right way to plan a funeral
service, we believe that each funeral should be In addition to funeral services and the choice
as unique and memorable as the life it honors. of burial or cremation, cemetery property, or
“interment rights,” is another consideration
When planning your own funeral service in when you’re making final arrangements, either
advance, think about the way you want to be for yourself in advance, or for a loved one.
remembered. Perhaps you’d like a traditional
funeral aligned with certain religious or ethnic A common misconception that people often
customs? Or, a celebration focusing on great have when they purchase the right of interment
memories made with family and friends may in a cemetery is that they have purchased the
be your preference. Maybe it’s a combination land itself, when in fact what they have really
of both. You can have one service, or several, to purchased is the right to be interred (also referred
honor your life. to as buried, entombed, enniched or placed) on
or in that particular piece of property.

Some families will also choose to have a private
goodbye viewing for family and close friends,
or have an informal gathering at the funeral
home with special music, food, and personal
items displayed.

41

WHEN DEATH
OCCURS

When a death occurs, there are • Insurance agents (life, health, and
so many things to consider and accident).
decisions to make.
• Religious, fraternal, civic and veterans’
These lists can help you navigate through them organizations, and unions, if applicable.

.Notify these people as soon • Lawyer and accountant.
as possible:
Secure the vital statistics of deceased:
• Your doctor who may provide a medical • Full legal name - other names must be
certificate of death or request an autopsy identified by “Also Known As” (AKA)
to determine the cause of death. • Home address and telephone number
• Name of business or employer’s name,
• The funeral home to arrange for the address, and telephone number
transfer of the deceased (usually this can • Industry and occupation
be done within one to two hours although • Military service serial number
it may take longer to obtain a release from • Date and place of birth
the hospital) and set an appointment with • Citizenship
you to make further arrangements.

• Relatives, executor/executrix, and friends.

• Employers (the employer of the deceased
and relatives who will need time off).

42
CELEBRATING LIFE

• Father’s name and birthplace If cremation:

• Mother’s name, maiden name, and • Would you like to use our facility for
birthplace a service, private goodbye or informal
gathering prior to the cremation?
• Locate the will
• Would you like to protect your loved one’s
Meet with the funeral home and decide: urn and personal items with an urn vault.

• Clothing that the deceased will be buried • What type of urn would you prefer (metal,
or cremated in. wood, marble, ceramic, etc.)?

• Whether your loved one is to be buried in a • What type of final resting place would
casket or cremated you prefer for your loved one? Choice of
burial, above-ground niches, or scattering
• If you have a cemetery lot. If you have of cremated remains.
not done this, you will need to visit the
cemetery. • Would you like other members of the
family to be with your loved one in the
• Service details: Would you like a visitation, future? This determines the size of the
private goodbye, formal service, a resting place.
reception?
Decisions to be made regarding
• Whether a member of the clergy will be burial of urn:
engaged for the service.
• What type of memorial do you prefer?
• Pallbearers, music, pictures, flowers, Choice of bronze or granite marker set flush
scripture, or other readings. with the ground or an upright memorial
etc.
• Casket selection, burial vault, urn, urn vault.
• Would you like to protect your loved one’s
• If you would like a charity to receive urn with a concrete vault?
donations in memory of your loved one.

43

Decisions to be made Collect documents:
regarding scattering:
(Required to establish rights for insurance,
• Would you like to be present for the pensions, survivor benefits, ownership, etc.)
scattering?
• Will
• Would you like a memorial to be placed in
the area? • Legal proof of age or birth certificate

• Would you consider saving some cremains • Social Security card
for a keepsake or burial.
• Marriage license
If casket burial:
• Citizenship papers
• Would you like other members of the
family to be with your loved one in the • Insurance policies
future? This determines the size of the lot.
• Bank books
• What type of memorial do you prefer?
Choice of a marker set flush with the • Deeds
ground or an upright memorial.
• Car ownership papers
• What type of vault would you like to
protect your loved one’s casket • Income tax returns, receipts, or canceled
checks
• What type of presentation would you
prefer for the burial service? E.g. a tent • Military discharge papers
canopy, chairs, mats leading to the grave
etc. Transporting the Deceased to Another
Country for Burial
Pay for:
We have extensive experience shipping caskets
• Funeral arrangements, including clergy, to other countries for burial. If you require
florist, and transportation. international transportation, please advise
us as soon as the death has occurred so we
• Cemetery and memorialization services. can begin making arrangements with the
appropriate authorities. Please be advised
• Current and urgent bills (i.e. mortgage, that complying with the requirements of other
rent, taxes, telephone, etc.). jurisdictions takes time - a minimum of one
week, often longer.

44
CELEBRATING LIFE

OBITUARIES

Writing an obituary is a difficult and emotional task. First, you will need to gather
information from family and friends of the deceased about their childhood,
education, career, and hobbies and interests. As well, speak to the funeral
home to receive any important information on the date, time, and location of
any funeral service, or other funeral-related events. Using this template will
help make the process easier and will ensure you write a properly structured
obituary.

Instructions: Replace all items in CAPITALS below with the appropriate
information.

[GIVEN NAME] [MIDDLE NAME (AND NICKNAME)] [SURNAME], [AGE], of
[CITY], [STATE], passed away on [DATE OF DEATH] in [LOCATION OF DEATH].

[NAME] was born in [LOCATION OF BIRTH] to [PARENT’S NAMES] on [DATE
OF BIRTH]. He/she went to high school at [SCHOOL NAME] and graduated
in [YEAR]. He/she went on to earn a degree/certificate in [DEGREE TYPE] from
[SCHOOL NAME]. He/she worked as a [JOB TYPE] for [COMPANY] for [NUMBER
OF YEARS]. He/she enjoyed [ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES]. He/she received [AWARDS/
HONORS] and was involved in [CHARITIES/ORGANIZATIONS].

[NAME] is survived by his/her [RELATION], [NAME] of [CITY]. (List all survivors:
spouse children, siblings, parents, grandchildren, nieces and nephews). He/she
is preceded in death by his/her [RELATION], [NAME]. (List predeceased: spouse,
parents, children and siblings.)

Funeral service will be held at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME] with Reverend
[NAME] of [CHURCH] officiating. Burial will follow at [CEMETERY NAME],
[CEMETERY LOCATION]. Visitation will be held at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at
[TIME]. [NAME OF FUNERAL HOME] will be handling the funeral arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to [ORGANIZATION NAME], [MAILING
ADDRESS]. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to [ORGANIZATION/
NAME].

[FINAL WORDS].

Remember: Most newspapers charge by the word; this template is good for
getting all the information necessary in as few words possible. However, this
template can be changed based on what you feel is necessary.

 

45

EULOGIES

Giving a meaningful, moving eulogy
can be a nerve-wracking situation for
even the most accomplished public
speaker, but it need not be. How can
you summarize somebody’s life in a few
short minutes, while being both somber
and funny at the same time?

Writing and delivering a eulogy is a therapeutic
tool to help deal with your grief and being
chosen to give a eulogy is an honor and
should be treated that way. Here are some
tips for writing and delivering an eloquent and
memorable eulogy:

46
CELEBRATING LIFE

• Gather information. Talk with family • Practice, practice, practice. Read over your
members, close friends and co-workers to eulogy several times in order to become
get important information on the deceased. familiar with it. Practice in front of a mirror,
Some important information to include in read it over to some friends or family and
the eulogy is the person’s family and other have them give you feedback. Become
close relationships, their education/career, familiar with your speech so you can recite
hobbies or special interests, places the it without making it look like you’re reading
person lived or traveled to, and any special from a script. The more you practice the
accomplishments they had. more comfortable you will be.

• Organize your thoughts. Jot down your • Make them laugh but be respectful. A
ideas by whatever means are most funeral is not a roast, however, there is room
comfortable and familiar to you. Create for humor in your eulogy. Fondly remember
an outline of your speech and fill in the a story about the person that everyone can
information that you gathered about the relate to. Keep it appropriate; there will be
person. children and the elderly there that may not
share the same sense of humor. Laughter
• Write it down. This is not a toast at a is truly the best medicine, and some well-
wedding where you can make off-the- placed humor will help people cope, and
cuff remarks, and you should not ad-lib a will bring back fond memories of the
eulogy. Writing it all down allows you to deceased.
include and remember every detail you
wanted in your eulogy. • Don’t be afraid to show emotion. Funerals
are an extremely emotional event; nobody
When you bring a copy of your eulogy to expects you not to shed a few tears.
the podium make sure it is easy to read, print However, if you feel that you will be too
it out in a large font, or if it is handwritten strongly overcome by your emotions, have
leave a few spaces between the lines. Keep a back-up plan in place where someone
in mind your time constraints; it’s best to you trust can deliver the eulogy for you.
keep things on the short side, especially if Give them a copy well in advance if you feel
there are other speakers. this could be an issue. Have a glass of water
as well as tissues handy.
• Review and revise. Your first draft will not
be the last. When you think you are done,
sleep on it and look it over in the morning
when it is fresh again, that will be the
time to make any necessary revisions.

47

FUNERAL
ETIQUETTE

Like everything in society,
funeral etiquette and what is
expected of you has evolved
over time. As always common
sense and good discretion is
the best guide to proper funeral
etiquette. Here are a few
guidelines.

48
CELEBRATING LIFE

Do: Don’t:

• Express your condolences. It’s not easy to • Bring your cell phone. Your phone ringing
come up with the words to offer sympathy will be highly inappropriate and will
to someone who has just lost a loved one. cause a disturbance, so turn any ringers
You don’t need to be a poet, simply saying or notifications off. Even better, leave your
something like “I am sorry for your loss, phone at home or in your car, a funeral is
my thoughts and prayers are with you not the time to be texting or checking your
and your family” is enough. If you can’t messages.
be at a funeral service in person, sending a
card or leaving a message on a memorial • Allow your children to be a distraction.
website is a perfect way to express your From a very young age children are aware
sympathy. of death, and if the funeral is for someone
that was close to them (grandparent, aunt,
• Dress appropriately. Gone are the days uncle) they should be given the option to
of dressing up in all black for a funeral. attend. However, if it is not appropriate for
You should still dress to impress and avoid your child to be there, and if you feel they
any bright or flashy colors. Wearing what will cause a commotion, leave them with
you would wear for a wedding or a job a babysitter.
interview would be the most appropriate.
• Be afraid to remember the good times.
• Sign the register book. The family will Funerals are obviously a time of grieving
keep the register book as a memento for and mourning, but remembering the
years. Be sure to include your full name good times helps with the healing process.
and relationship to the deceased. Sharing a funny and appropriate story is
acceptable, and in some cases exactly
• Offer Help. You don’t need to go overboard what the deceased would have wanted.
with your gift, after all it is the thought
that counts. Suitable gifts include; flowers, • Overindulge. If food or drink is served,
a donation to the charity of the family’s do not overdo it. Have a bite to eat before
choice, or you can make a commitment you go to the service, you do not want to
of service to the family at a later date. A be that guy parked at the snack table. If
commitment of service can be something alcohol is served, limit yourself to one or
as simple as cooking them dinner, or two, do not become inebriated and risk
offering to clean up their house, any of the doing something inappropriate.
“little” things that may be neglected while
a family deals with death. Make sure you
provide a signed card so the family knows
who gave the gift.

• Keep in touch. You may feel that the family
needs their space and time to grieve, but a
simple phone call or note after the funeral
lets the family know you care. With social
networking leaving a quick note is as
simple as a click of a mouse. The months
following a death is when grieving friends
and family need the most support.

49

Offering our dearest condolences hampton.com 1 800 hampton
during this difficult time.

Hampton Inn & Suites Rockland is waiting to offer you a
comfortable bed, free hot breakfast and WiFi. Let us look
after you while you take care of your loved ones.

Hall’s Funeral Home discount available.

Hampton Inn & Suites Rockland
190 New County Road, Thomaston, ME 04861
207-594-6644