
11/03/2023
Planning ahead for your funeral, and paying in advance, holds many benefits. Not only does it lock in today's pricing, prepaying is often an important part of estate planning, and even Medicaid or SSI benefits.
Our Funeral Home has made a commitment to serve our community. We constantly strive to offer a wider
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Planning ahead for your funeral, and paying in advance, holds many benefits. Not only does it lock in today's pricing, prepaying is often an important part of estate planning, and even Medicaid or SSI benefits.
Interested in reading about grief? The authors of “On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss” discuss their own dying and grieving process.
Yes, ashes can be divided up in urns. This choice often varies by family and religious beliefs. We are happy to comply with whatever decision family members arrive at and of course, we are here to help along the way.
For those with loved ones in hospice care, what does hospice mean to you?
We ensure excellent service at our funeral home. Click to learn more about us: https://www.szalfuneralhome.com/about
Thank you Veterans!
When was the first cremation ever in the US? Colonel Henry Laurens, former president of the Continental Congress. His last will and testament ordered his son to see that his body was cremated because of his fear of being buried alive
"She'd not known grief would come in waves, brought on by the smallest of things. Nor had she realized that ordinary acts of living would continue even after the loss of a love, and that it would remain possible to get caught up in the moment of a simple pleasure before remembering." - Tess Hardwick
One out of every five Americans over the age of 65 has reportedly been the victim of a financial scam, and this is something we implore people keep in mind during end-of-life preplanning. As our loved ones near the end of their life, it's essential to have caregivers present to ensure they are not taken advantage of, and at Szal Funeral Home we advocate this for all our families.
"Hospice is more about quality of life than it is about death.” In this video, we've answered some common questions about choosing a hospice provider. For those in need of support during this challenging time, remember we are always able to answer questions and support.
Who will you always think of as being a big dreamer? How do you want to be remembered?
What are some of the reasons many people choose cremation?
- Range of options
- Environmental impact
- Geography and population mobility
- Religious acceptance
- Memorialization flexibility
VA burial benefits available include a gravesite in any of our national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone, marker, or medallion, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family.
“Happiness is the only thing that multiplies when you share it.” - Albert Schweitzer
Grief does not look or feel the same to everyone. Each person experiences the stages of grief in a different order and at a different pace. It’s important to keep that in mind when thinking about the 7 stages of grief:
Shock & Disbelief
Denial
Pain
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance/Hope
Depending on available resources and personnel, special elements may be added to the minimum two-person uniformed detail. These elements may include a rifle volley, color guard, pallbearers, a caisson, and a military flyover.
No matter what kind of day it is today, keep moving forward.
“Witness of cremation” is where the cremation is viewed by family or close friends. They may take a moment to say final goodbyes before the process begins and can stay together during the process, which takes 3 hours approximately.
Headstones serve as lasting memorials to preserve the past of the ones we love and the memories we cherish with them. By cleaning the headstone with regularity, you can not only prevent grime and decay, but more importantly make a consistent ritual thus keeping them in your life.
Plan ahead to feel assurance - that the decisions you made were thoughtful and informed. Checking reputation, knowing the services offered, and being able to spend time on costs gives peace of mind.
Funeral pre-planning offers peace-of-mind for everyone. Learn more about funeral pre-planning and its benefits here: https://www.szalfuneralhome.com/funeral-planning
We're proud to do our part in honoring our country's veterans, and giving back to those whose sacrifice and service define our great nation.
If you would like to be cremated and your spouse wants a traditional burial, this does not mean that you need to be buried separately. Most cemeteries can accommodate a variety of requests, but it is important to speak with a cemetery coordinator as there are some laws and regulations to abide by.
VA will provide a headstone, grave marker, or medallion for the grave of any deceased eligible Veteran whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, in any cemetery in the world. For deaths occurring before Nov. 1, 1990, VA may furnish a headstone or marker only for graves that are not marked with a private headstone. To learn more about what's available, feel free to contact us at 412-370-4167 and we can help.
When a loved one dies we have to consider the expectation of our grief versus the reality. Our mourning may feel different than how we expected it to feel. A funeral service, or celebration of life, can look like many different things. It may be more traditional within the church or funeral home; or it could be a community picnic, a family dinner, or even a special time set-aside for a phone call. Love and support are shown in many different ways, and there is no wrong way to honor the lives of our loved ones. Through this shared time together, we allow our family and friends to help us knit together shared memories of happy times, silly times, angry times, and sad times to create an emotional comfort blanket that can warm and ease us during this time of loss.
The heart mends and creativity soars through the most beautiful, and free parts of life.
When a member of the military is separated, is charged from active duty, or retires, they receive a DD Form 214. This form is used to verify that a person was indeed a military service member. In order to plan a military funeral that includes funeral honors, this form must be presented to the funeral director before the arrangement process can begin.
We are here to help our community. If you would like us to contact you about planning ahead, let us know if you prefer communication by phone or email: http://szalfuneralhome.celebrate-life.us/reach-out/
While it is encouraged to have a loved one cremated with a cherished belonging, several items will interfere with the process. Some clothes include hazardous materials, some medical devices are created using durable metal or radioactive material. Also, gold teeth, pins, and other non combustible items may not be cremated with the body.
Who was a favorite cook in your life? How do you want to be remembered?
On this National Senior Citizens' Day, we honor the stories and wisdom of our older citizens and pledge to create a more compassionate and just society for all.
Memorialization of a lost loved one can be difficult as we age. What helps is remembering the essentials that made them unique, so ask yourself: were they known to be solitary, or social? Share your thoughts below!
Did you know: Buddha was cremated. Contemporary Buddhists practice both cremation and burial, yet cremation has long been the preferred method.
A proper burial is important for not only the family, but for friends and the community to mourn and begin to accept their loss.
Dividing the ashes among family members affords a chance to remember, honor, and grieve their loved ones in their own unique way. It can also help resolve conflicts among the family members. We encourage every family to take nothing for granted and ensure you put aside time to discuss this amongst themselves.
238 Helen Street
McKees Rocks, PA
15136
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"Hospice is more about quality of life than it is about death.” In this video, we've answered some common questions about choosing a hospice provider. For those in need of support during this challenging time, remember we are always able to answer questions and support.
When a loved one dies we have to consider the expectation of our grief versus the reality. Our mourning may feel different than how we expected it to feel. A funeral service, or celebration of life, can look like many different things. It may be more traditional within the church or funeral home; or it could be a community picnic, a family dinner, or even a special time set-aside for a phone call. Love and support are shown in many different ways, and there is no wrong way to honor the lives of our loved ones. Through this shared time together, we allow our family and friends to help us knit together shared memories of happy times, silly times, angry times, and sad times to create an emotional comfort blanket that can warm and ease us during this time of loss.
Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans, for serving, for your bravery, for the sacrifices you and your families have made and the protection you've given.
"Hospice is more about quality of life than it is about death.” In this video, we've answered some common questions about choosing a hospice provider. For those in need of support during this challenging time, remember we are always able to answer questions and support.
Anticipatory grief is experienced when a person feels grief before a death has occurred. It’s common for people who know or are caring for someone with a life-threatening illness.
When a loved one dies we have to consider the expectation of our grief versus the reality. Our mourning may feel different than how we expected it to feel. A funeral service, or celebration of life, can look like many different things. It may be more traditional within the church or funeral home; or it could be a community picnic, a family dinner, or even a special time set-aside for a phone call. Love and support are shown in many different ways, and there is no wrong way to honor the lives of our loved ones. Through this shared time together, we allow our family and friends to help us knit together shared memories of happy times, silly times, angry times, and sad times to create an emotional comfort blanket that can warm and ease us during this time of loss.
Are you a veteran or have family that is? Check out this video on Veterans Burial Benefits. Don't hesitate to contact us with questions!
McDermott Funeral Home - McKees Rocks and Cor
Chartiers Avenue