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Funeral Talk

Each week, our funeral home directors share helpful answers, practical guidance, and real-world advice on funeral planning, cremation, grief support, veterans benefits, and more.

Understanding Your Funeral Options: Burial, Cremation, and More

Buffy Johnston • July 30, 2026

When planning ahead, many families want to understand the differences between burial, cremation, and other meaningful options. Traditional burial offers a permanent place to visit, reflect, and honor a loved one.


Cremation provides flexibility, allowing families to hold a service first and choose a final resting place later, such as a cemetery, columbarium niche, or memorial garden.


Some families also choose to keep a portion of the ashes in a keepsake urn or share them among loved ones.


Each option carries its own traditions, level of personalization, and cost considerations. Learning about these choices in advance helps families make decisions that reflect their values and wishes, bringing peace of mind and ensuring arrangements truly honor a life well lived.

Honoring Remembrance During the Halloween Season

By Buffy Johnston • October 29, 2026
Halloween often brings thoughts of costumes, pumpkins, and playful frights, but it also reminds us of how communities have long used this season to reflect on life, loss, and remembrance. For many families, October can stir memories of loved ones who have passed, making compassion and connection especially important. In death care, we understand that grief does not follow a calendar, and moments of reflection can appear even during lighthearted celebrations. Taking time to honor memories, share stories, or visit a resting place can bring comfort during a season centered on tradition. Halloween encourages us to acknowledge both joy and remembrance, reminding us that honoring those we love is a meaningful part of every season.

Preparing for the Holidays While Honoring Your Grief

By Buffy Johnston • October 22, 2026
The holiday season often brings a mix of anticipation and heartache, especially when you’re carrying grief into a time that’s meant to feel joyful. As the celebrations approach, it’s important to prepare both practically and emotionally. Grief can surface in unexpected ways—through memories, traditions, or the quiet moments between gatherings. Allow yourself to acknowledge these feelings rather than push them aside. Create space for what comforts you, whether that’s simplifying plans, honoring a loved one with a small ritual, or leaning on supportive friends and family. Preparing for the holidays isn’t about avoiding grief; it’s about giving yourself permission to feel, remember, and move gently through the season with compassion for your own heart.

Honoring Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

By Buffy Johnston • October 15, 2026
October honors Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, a time to acknowledge the deep grief carried by parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby. These losses, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death, leave lasting emotional impacts that are often felt quietly and privately. Creating space for remembrance allows families to share their stories, find support, and know they are not alone. Simple acts of compassion, such as lighting a candle or speaking a child’s name, can bring comfort and connection. This month reminds us to extend kindness, listen without judgment, and support families as they navigate a grief that deserves recognition and gentle understanding.