Memorial Services. A Remembrance of Life.

A memorial service usually means that the deceased is not present at the ceremony. It may happen any time after a death, and may include any of the remembrance ceremonies that a family values and desires. A memorial service may be religious or secular and may be held at a funeral home, church or other significant place. An urn may or may not be present. 

Meaningful memorial ceremonies offer opportunities to think about the moments we shared with the person who died and to share those memories with others. This contributes to reconciling grief, enabling one to go on to find continued meaning in life and living.

What are My Options?

At A.J. Desmond & Sons we plan meaningful remembrance services by working closely with you to create ceremonies that are significant to you and your family. Talk to us about what you want to do. We will make it happen.

For families choosing immediate cremation or burial, we recommend a private family farewell before the deceased is taken to the crematory or cemetery. The next of kin spend some time with the deceased in a private room at the funeral home. This quiet and cherished time offers peace of mind and a final parting.

Families choosing cremation may also consider accompanying the deceased to the crematory. Escorting a loved one on this ultimate journey is a very intimate experience.

For many families, memorial services begin with a visitation or gathering, usually the afternoon and evening before the memorial service. Immediate family receives relatives and friends, offering time to find support in each other through sharing memories and paying tribute to the deceased. The urn may be present with floral tributes, pictures, and/or family heirlooms and memorabilia placed around the room. A memorial gathering may include an evening prayer or scripture service, and also offers a time for eulogies, sharing of memories, and other various religious, family or civic traditions. 

During a memorial service, family and friends gather to celebrate and mourn together, most often at the funeral home or a church. A ceremony is planned in coordination with a clergy person or other officiant. Some families choose a special place to hold the ceremony; we assist at your request. Special music and readings may be incorporated into the ceremony, as can other traditions or rituals. Eulogies may also be shared at this time.
 
We have two convenient and beautifully decorated Oakland County locations available to you for a visitation, family gathering or funeral service. Each is always well staffed to receive visitors and accommodate your wishes. Space is flexibly designed and equipped to host large to intimate services. You can visit us at LOCATIONS or come in personally.

Many families have a gathering at the final resting place immediately before or after the memorial service, or at a later date. The inurnment  is a gathering at the final resting place, often at a columbarium or cemetery. If the cremated remains are to be scattered, the family may still gather. Some prayers or reflection may be offered.

Military honors are available for qualified veterans and may be incorporated into the memorial services. Military honors may occur immediately following the memorial service or, if the cremated remains are to be buried, may occur at the inurnment. Please visit VETERANS for more information.

We offer merchandise to personalize the services you choose. We offer a wide selection of cremation caskets and containers, urns, keepsakes and ceremony supplies. Please call us or visit CREMATION MERCHANDISE and PERSONALIZING SERVICES for more information and ideas.