Remembering loved ones is therapeutic

By Jeff Monreal, Funeral Director

After losing a loved one, thoughtfully planned funerals and memorial services serve the family left behind as much as the deceased.

Whatever type of service, whether it’s a funeral mass, memorial service or celebration of life held at a funeral home, church, park or restaurant, the process is like group therapy for the family and friends. They can revisit cherished memories, tell stories and personally make sense of a life well-lived. I’ve handled thousands of memorial services over the past 17 years, and it’s always been profoundly rewarding to witness the healing and acceptance they can foster.

On the flip side, I’ve also seen cases where the family didn’t want any type of service to memorialize their loved one. This produces an unhealthy effect, since they can’t reach a point of closure.

In terms of timing, there are no set rules about how long after someone has passed it’s appropriate to hold a meaningful memorial. The body or ashes don’t necessarily need to be present, which opens up opportunity for timing and location. I have orchestrated many services that rely on enlarged photos of the deceased.

Each memorial I plan is customized to that person’s unique life. An integral part of the service is the DVD we put together. It’s usually shown that day, as well as given to family members to take home, and featured on my website before and after a service.

Memorial services may only last an hour or so, but the memories made last forever, and provide lasting comfort and peace to families and friends.

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.