Planning a personal memorial service

By Jeff Monreal, Funeral Director

Just as every family has its own personality, each one is distinct in how it approaches the prospect of memorializing a loved one after they are gone.

Over the past 17 years as a funeral director, I’ve handled thousands of memorial services at my funeral home in Painesville, satellite locations in Willoughby and Mentor, and wherever a family wants one, from restaurants to rec centers.

There is no right or wrong way to plan a service, no rules to follow. The experience should be unique to the individual. Whether at the time of passing or through pre-planning, I customize every detail to fit how loved ones have lived their lives. For example, when a woman from Kirtland passed away, I found out from the family how much she loved her horse, so I made arrangements to have the horse present at the burial site as a send-off. Memorial services may only last an hour or so, but the memories made last forever, and provide ongoing comfort and peace to the families and friends.

Some people choose to share memories, read prayers or play music the deceased loved. It’s also becoming popular to tie memorials into fundraisers that benefit a charity close to their heart. And everyone appreciates the memorial DVDs we produce at no charge. With an extensive selection of backgrounds, songs and up to 150 photos, the DVDs live on our website following every service.

Whatever direction families choose to take, I’m the only one they will be working with. I don’t have other staff. I’m the sole point of compassionate contact and my clients have always appreciated that.

Jeff Monreal Funeral Home is located in Painesville at 1000 Mentor Avenue. The charming red brick building’s spacious lot offers convenient parking. His services are also offered at locations in Willoughby (38001 Euclid Avenue) and Mentor (6330 Center Street). Call 440-527-6294 or visit JeffMonrealFuneralHome.com for more information.