Page 19 - Berg Mortuary - Planning Guide
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Questions
What is a funeral? Why have a viewing?
A funeral is a ceremony for celebrating, A viewing—also known as “visitation,” a
honoring, and remembering the life of a “wake,” or “calling hours”—can involve an
person who has passed away. While specific open or closed casket, and is seen as a vital
customs, traditions, and practices differ part of the grieving process. Having your
across different cultures and religions, all loved one present often helps family and
funerals serve the key purpose of giving the friends to accept the reality of their loss,
bereaved a special time and place to say especially for those who may not have seen
goodbye and find comfort and healing in one him or her in a while. The opportunity to
another. come to terms with the death and say a final
farewell is an important step on the road to
What do funeral directors do? closure and healing.
A funeral director is a licensed professional
who specializes in all aspects of funerals and What is the purpose of embalming?
related services. They provide support to the Embalming is a process used to sanitize
family, guide the arrangement of visitations and temporarily preserve the body of a
and funeral ceremonies, prepare the person who has passed away. It can also
deceased according to the family’s wishes, enhance the appearance of a person that has
and ensure that everything goes according to suffered damage from an accident or illness.
plan. By preserving the body through embalming,
we can give you and your family time to make
They also arrange for the removal and personalized and meaningful arrangements,
transportation of deceased throughout the including a viewing if desired.
process, and assist families with any legal
or insurance-related paperwork they might
need to file.
They’re experienced at recognizing when
an individual is having an extremely difficult
time coping with a loss and can provide extra
support and recommendations for
professional help if needed.
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