1. What is proper funeral etiquette?
2. What is the purpose of a funeral?
3. Can I preplan my own funeral?
4. Why should I preplan my own funeral?
5. What if the deceased chose to donate organs?
6. What should I do if a death occurs?
7. What happens if the death occurs during a holiday or the middle of the night?
8. If someone dies while outside my province or country, can you still help me?
9. What options do I have when planning a funeral?
10. What is the funeral directors role?
11. Are funerals expensive?
12. What is embalming?
13. Can there still be a public viewing if cremation is chosen?
14. Can there still be a funeral if cremation is chosen?
15. Is it less expensive to choose cremation instead of a burial?
16. Why should there be a public viewing?
17. What is the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service?
18. Is a burial Vault required?
19. Do we need a casket if we choose cremation?
20. What is a "Private Service"?
21. What is a "Memorial Service"?
22. What is the difference between Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers?
23. What about a eulogy?
24. Are children welcome at funerals?
25. Will Watts Funeral Home help me with cemetery arrangements?
26. Can we scatter the remains?

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Watts.

What is proper funeral etiquette?

The purpose of a funeral is to allow an opportunity for the survivors to share in the loss and expressions of love for the person that has passed. Through the funeral, family and friends take the first steps toward adjusting to their loss.

The type of service is typically decided by the family of the deceased and is often based on family traditions and religious affiliations. It's helpful to the community of friends if an obituary notice, placed in the local newspaper, announces the death and outlines the type of service, times and it's location.

At one time everyone was expected to wear black during funerals. Although this is no longer expected one should dress in a manner that shows dignity and respect for the family and the occasion.

If the ceremony and the burial are held in the same area, a funeral procession may be formed at the church or funeral home. The funeral director will advise you of the traffic procedures.

It is important to send your condolences to the family. Since it's a very confusing and emotional time for them, be sure to clearly identify yourself. Ensure your name and address are legible as the family will want to acknowledge your gift.

You can express your condolences in many ways:

• Flowers. An apporiate and traditional way of expressing sympathy. Arrangements may be sent to the funeral home or family residence.
• Memorial Donations. Families may indicate a preference to recieve memorial donations in lieu of flowers, often it will be a chosen charity. Watts will explain the options and can provide an "In Memoriam" card which will be given to the family. Watts offers this service online on the "Send Condolences" page.
• Mass Cards. These can be sent regardless of your personal religious affiliation. Catholic families consider the offering of prayers as a valued expression of sympathy. The cards can be obtained from any Catholic parish.
• Sympathy Cards. Sympathy cards are appropriate to be sent to the family, regardless of how well you know them. It means a great deal to family to realize theya re in your thoughts during their time of sorrow.
• Personal Note. A personal note of sympathy can be very touching. Express yourself freely with kind thoughts and words. Watts offers this service online on the "Send Condolences" page.
• Telephone Call. Be a good listener, they may want to discuss their recent loss. Don't hesitate to speak about the deceased. This also gives you an opportunity to offer your services and let them know how much you care.
• Visitation. Visitation provides an opportunity for family and friends to offer and expression of sorrow and caring. It is easier to express concern in the visitation environment rather than awkward public places, such as work or during social activities. Visitors are requested to sign a register book. Please sign your full name and your affiliation with the deceased if the family does not know you. Close friends should use judegment as to how long they should stay during visitation. If you feel your presence is needed, offer to stay.
• Expressions of Sympathy. Sympathy can be expressed through hugs, hand holding, clasping of hands or a simple phrase such as, "I'm sorry." "He was a wonderful friend, I'm so happy I knew him." "My sympathies to your family." The family member may offer the following in reply, "Thank you for coming." "He spoke of you often." "Please drop by and see me."

The family should acknowledge the flowers and messages sent by relatives, friends and aquaintances. Donations of food, services and pallbearers should also be acknowledged. A public thank you in the newspaper may also be appropriate. Watts can assist with this.

What is the purpose of a funeral?

A funeral serves many purposes. It is an opportunity for relatives, friends and acquaintances to offer their support and condolences to the family. It provides an opportunity for the family to grieve and gather support. In many cases a funeral is now a "Celebration of Life" when friends and family gather to share fond memories and stories.

Can I preplan my own funeral?

Yes. There are many benefits to preplanning your own funeral and many people are doing this as an important part of estate planning. Whether prearranging for yourself, spouse or parents, you can learn more information on our Preplanning Funerals page. Although you can provide most of the information online, you are also welcome to call Watts directly at (705) 429-1040 to make arrangements in your home, the funeral home or where ever you are most comfortable.

Why should I preplan my own funeral?

There are several reasons why people should arrange their funerals in advance:

• Better informed decisions. There is plenty of time to gather information, compare prices and facilities and gather opinions and desires of the family.
• Planning in advance lessens the strain on family members. The funeral decisions are one less burden on your family members during their time of grief.
• Research has demonstrated that people spend less money on funerals when they plan them in advance.
• Prepaying eliminates the financial burden on the family.
• Funeral deposits can accumulate tax free interest according to Revenue Canada's regulations.
• Insurance funded options can provide benefits such as full coverage once monthly payments have begun.
• Prepaid contracts can be cancelled at any time, principal and interest will be refunded, minus a small administration fee.
• Prepaid funerals are protected so there is not any risk.

What if the deceased chose to donate organs?

This will not affect your service preferences in any way. Visitation is still possible.

What should I do if a death occurs?

The most common response is to call 911. Emergency personnel will arrive and attempt to resucitate the person. They will transport them to the hospital. Sometimes the police will call the Coronor.

If the death is expected, you may not choose to call 911, depending on the final wishes of your loved one. In this case the attending doctor should be called. After the physician has pronounced death, the funeral home is able to begin final arrangements. Although we are not allowed to move the deceased person until the physicians pronouncement, we are available for advice.

What happens if the death occurs during a holiday or the middle of the night?

Watts Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just call (705) 429-1040.

If someone dies while outside my province or country, can you still help me?

Yes, Watts can assist you with arrangements.

What options do I have when planning a funeral?

You can learn more about Watts Funeral Home options on their Services page. Contact Watts for specific prices. In Ontario, funeral homes must itemize their prices. They often have discounted packages that include common funeral service options.

What is the funeral directors role?

Funeral Directors have many roles. They offer advice and support in an emotional time. They complete all the necessary paperwork and make arrangements for the transportation of the body. They carry out the family wishes regarding the funeral and final internment.

What is embalming?

Preparing a loved one normally includes washing, dressing, hairdressing, cosmetic work and embalming. Embalming is the process of disinfection, preservation and restoration of the body. This process is important if the casket is to be open for viewing.

Can there still be a public viewing if cremation is chosen?

Yes, many people choose to have visitation and viewing prior to cremation.

Can there still be a funeral if cremation is chosen?

Yes, you can contact Watt's Funeral Home to discuss the details.

Is it less expensive to choose cremation instead of a burial?

Why should there be a public viewing?

Grief Specialists believe that viewing assists people with their grief through the acceptance of death. It is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions.

What is the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service?

Normally, the memorial service does not have the casket present whereas the funeral does.

Is a burial Vault required?

Some cemeteries require a vault but most do not. People may choose to use a burial vault to protect the casket or to minimize the settling of the ground after burial.

Do we need a casket if we choose cremation?

Ontario law requires that the body is presented to the crematorium in a rigid container or casket.

What is a "Private Service"?

A private service is by invitation only and includes selected relatives and a few close friends. In many cases, public visitation is still held.

What is a "Memorial Service"?

The memorial service does not have the casket present and can vary based on religion and preferences. Some families choose to have a public visitation and private service with the memorial service held at a later time.

What is the difference between Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers?

Pallbearers carry the casket and are chosen from your group of friends, relatives, church members, or business associates. Watts Funeral Home will secure pallbearers if the family requests.

Honorary Pallbearers can be chosen but do not actively carry the casket. You may also include friends and family that cannot carry the casket due to medical conditions or physical limitations.

What about a eulogy?

A family member, close person friend, business associate or minister may give a short eulogy that reflects the life of the deceased.

Are children welcome at funerals?

The ultimate decision is up to the parents and should include reflection on the child's maturity and comfort levels. It is suggested by grief experts that children be included in order to assist with their acceptance of death and grieving process.

Will Watts Funeral Home help me with cemetery arrangements?

You are able to pay the internment fee through the funeral home but you must go to the cemetery to purchase the cemetery plot.

Can we scatter the remains?

In Ontario, it is legal to scatter remains without permission on crown land. You must obtain permission from the land owner before scattering remains on private land. Burial of cremated remains must be done in a licensed cemetery.