Funeral Home & Cremation Service Westford, MA

Funeral and Cremation Planning in Westford, MA

Since 1974, Dolan Funeral Home has created meaningful, distinctive, and affordable memorial, burial, and cremation services in the Chelmsford MA area. When planning a service, you have many options available to you and we will do all that we can to provide a beautiful and dignified ceremony. And above all, we will do our utmost to honor your loved one. Contact us at 978-251-4041 or visit us at 106 Middlesex St North Chelmsford, MA 01863.

The purpose of a funeral is to provide a commemorative tribute to the person who has died. It benefits the living by giving all who attend a chance to gather together with others who grieve the loss of a loved one. It provides all the opportunities to reflect on a life lived and on life itself. As you are considering plans for a funeral or cremation service in Westford, MA, take time to think through the experience. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Attendance:

If the deceased was well-known in the community, this might impact the number of individuals who may choose to attend funeral services. Take a little time to write down the names of those who may come. Start with the names of family and close friends. While you write, you’ll probably think of more names of people who may come.

It’s likely that you won’t have a complete list, but to help you with your count estimates, consider the deceased’s connections in the workplace. You can also think about other areas of their network, including any hobby clubs, faith or community groups, or other such connections. When you begin to share the news of the deceased’s passing, it’s best to call family and friends directly. An obituary, social media post, email notification, or word of mouth are acceptable ways of informing all others.

Dispositional Style:

Families and individuals hold different preferences about funeral burial and cremation care in Westford, MA. They both have their own unique benefits. Whatever works best for the family and their deceased is the right choice for them. No one can say otherwise.

For many, funeral burials are a meaningful way of laying a loved one to rest. There is a sense of comfort in the tradition. The body of the deceased is present at the service. All in attendance are able to see the casket while a commemorative service of words, music, and other activities are delivered. It can be a personal and moving experience to grieve in this manner with others who also loved the fallen in life.  Casket burial also provides a way for friends and family to return again and again to visit their loved one at their burial site.

Cremation care has increased in popularity in recent decades. Individuals and families have experienced a large shift in cultural norms over time, giving more opportunities for people to choose their preferred manner of aftercare. Our society is much more mobile and individuated than it has been in times past. Cremation is less expensive, arguably more gentle on the environment, and provides an easy way to take a deceased loved one along when moving.

When and Where:

Once you have decided how the deceased will be laid to rest, you’ll be able to choose when and where services should be held. Funerals and memorials are commonly held in funeral home chapels, places of worship, a gathering hall, civic buildings, and even private residences. When you know the details, it’s a good idea to share that information as soon as possible. If you don’t have all of the details ready, you can direct people to a place where they can receive that information when it does become available.

Service Leader for Funerals and Cremations in Westford, MA

Families and individuals often choose a faith leader to conduct a funeral service. But this is not obligatory; you can choose a secular leader to do the same if preferred. A funeral professional or a life celebrant can do an excellent job as well. You may even consider asking a family member or close friend to facilitate the service if needed.

The important thing is that the service is personalized to reflect the life story and character of the person who has deceased. All in attendance at the service will appreciate the proceedings if it captures the deeper meaning of the occasion. That is, it helps those who come grieving to find comfort in their loss and not get lost in a rote ceremony or ramblings not focused on their fallen loved one. It’s sometimes easier said than done, so plan carefully to be sure it is done well.

Supporting Products

Funerals and memorials generally require additional goods in support of the needs at hand. For example, caskets, burial vaults, memorials, urns, etc., are all part of the experience. Other accessories include flowers, décor, and refreshments. If cremating the deceased, you may also wish to have keepsake jewelry made with ash material. Consider what you want to include in the experience, and work with a funeral professional to make it happen.

Compassionate Funeral and Cremation Care

At Dolan Funeral Home, our family has been serving our community for decades. When your family needs support in planning a funeral and cremation in Westford, MA, call on us for help.

You’ll find us at 106 Middlesex St North Chelmsford, MA 01863. Call us at (978) 251-1101.

Funeral & Cremation

What things do you need for a funeral?

• Caskets. If the body will be buried, you will need to choose a casket.
• Cremation Urns. When cremation is the choice for final arrangements, an urn is needed to hold the ashes.
• Burial vaults.
• Grave markers.
• Memorial items.
• Learn More.

What is funeral aftercare?

Aftercare services are any services that assist in the ongoing recovery of persons suffering from emotional, psychological or physical trauma. Funeral aftercare is a specific type of aftercare that helps those suffering from the grief of losing loved ones. Provide healing, support and resources for grieving families. Learn More.

What are Graveside services?

The grave service is a formal ceremony that takes place when the body is ready for burial. This could be a cemetery or a private burial ground where the casket is buried either in a grave or above ground mausoleum. If the deceased is cremated, the urn is placed in a cremation niche, a cremation bench, or a mausoleum. Learn More.