When families and friends talk about a loved one who has just passed away, most try their best to think of the full life lived and not of the recent suffering or trauma. We are a society of people with incredible zeal and diverse interests. When a life comes to an end and a funeral director is contacted, spouses and children usually collect photos and stories to share depicting what this person loved best in life. These families are reaching into their sensory box to tell the real story of their loved one. What better time to do this sharing than at a Celebration of Life event.
When planning a Celebration of Life, families can feel a rush of memories and a splash of all of the senses impacted by those memories. They can focus on the visual with photos and videos, the sounds of favorite music and the voices of all generations sharing stories, the touch of heartfelt hugs from close friends, the smell of favorite flowers or familiar fragrances, and lastly the taste of comfort food and drink.
As loved ones are planning a lasting tribute to the deceased, or as forward thinking individuals are “pre-planning” their own funerals, much more thought is placed about the gathering of people in addition to the services of final disposition of earthly remains.
Hospitality is important to 21st century families. Funerals are a gathering of family, friends, neighbors, business colleagues, co-workers, and affinity group members. Hospitality is part of the planning process. Our mobile society has scattered this special group of important people across the country and in some cases across the globe. Planning a Celebration of Life event with hospitality considerations for attendees can make a tremendous difference for everyone dealing with their loss.
Many gatherings are happening in the evening and on weekends when people are available. More and more people are traveling great distances to be there. Those making the effort to participate want extended time to greet, catch up, and console each other. As Eric Trimble, licensed funeral director and embalmer shared, “Funerals are for the living — to help them through the grief process.”
Offering food and drink during a visitation or a meal following interment or committal services is appropriate and relays the message from persons closest to the deceased that, “your presence is important and appreciated.”
Eric Trimble continued, “When we made the decision to build a new facility in Moline, we made it multi-faceted complete with a café, reception center, catering kitchen and full-service bar so families could focus on their guests and we could provide the level of hospitality requested.”
Levels of hospitality run the gamut. Industry trends are revealing that families like to replicate their loved one’s lifestyle from offering a favorite regional beer with pizza to ethnic comfort foods or wines and everything in between. Audio-visual presentations and musical tributes add more personal touches. Showing a display of treasured possessions like prized fishing rods, hand embroidery, medals of military service or competition, or a collection of fine art pieces kindle memories of important times together.
Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory, Veterans Funeral Care, and CityView Celebrations are all located at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street in Moline with ample parking and an elevator. The Horizon Room accommodates up to 250 guests with CityView Celebrations providing catered meals for up to 175 persons at round tables. The adjacent lounge features a fully stocked bar, fireplace, and flat TV. Call 309-764-1144 to arrange a facility tour. Visit us to discuss options that will best serve your family and reflect your loved one’s life.