VIEWINGS AND VISITATIONS

A viewing is a gathering of family, friends and aquaintences to pay their respects and to view the deceased.  It is often the most powerful and poignant aspect of the funeralization process. Most families find it comforting and uplifting to find out how many people's lives their deceased loved one has made an impact on.  The comforting words and actions during a viewing, combined with the reality that the deceased has passed away helps the family to cope with the loss, in a positive and healthy manner.

A visitation is when the family chooses not to allow family, friends and aquaintences to view the body but allow for a time for people to gather together to offer words and acts of condolence.

Just as with a viewing, the visitation can be a time for mourners to meet and console each other in a more informal setting than at the funeral; however, without the visible presence of the body.

You can schedule a visitation for as little as half an hour on the day of the service, or it can last for several days before the service.

The visitation can be restricted to just close friends and family, or be open to the public. You can even have a combination of private and public hours.

Is there a special ceremony?

Many fraternal organizations, such as the Free & Accepted Masons, Eastern Star and Order of the Elks, have ceremonies that they perform for its members. As part of the viewing, the funeral home can arrange a formal fraternal ceremony,for the deceased a member of a fraternal organization.  The funeral home can also arrange for a Prayer Service or a Rosary (for Catholics) led by a mourner or member of the clergy.