Times have changed. Many of us are living longer today. But those who are ill or aged may not want their loved ones to remember them as they appear just prior to dying—the concept of a traditional visitation simply doesn’t fit with their last wishes.
At Harmonia, we focus on providing dignified funeral services that will comfort the bereaved, honor the memory of the deceased, and respectfully provide for the disposition of cremation remains—or ashes—without the cost of embalming, purchasing a casket, or holding a funeral home visitation.
Regardless of where death might occur, Harmonia takes care of transporting the deceased to the crematorium as soon as requested. We also meet with family members or those designated to be in charge, to discuss preparations for the end of life.
Harmonia knows that some people may feel remorse if they cannot view a loved one after his or her death. For that reason, Harmonia can prepare the body for viewing at the crematorium, providing a final opportunity for those who wish to say their goodbyes then to do so.
Unlike a public visitation that takes place at a funeral home, this is an optional private gathering, exclusively for family and close friends who are invited to attend.
At Harmonia we advocate cremation, which involves placing the deceased’s body in an cremation casket before it is turned to ashes.
One thing is certain: cremation is accepted by many denominations today and its use is becoming increasingly widespread.
After cremation, remains are placed in a temporary or permanent urn that bears the names of the deceased and the crematorium. The urn is typically presented to the person appointed to supervise funeral arrangements, or kept at the crematorium for a limited time while a decision is made regarding its final destination.
The identity of the deceased, cremation date, and disposition date and final destination of the cremated remains are recorded in registries maintained for this purpose, depending on local legal requirements.
While beliefs about death may vary among groups, families, or individuals, survivors nonetheless need the comforting closure that comes from gathering to pay their respects to the deceased.
After cremation, Harmonia encourages the bereaved to assemble in the presence of the urn, perhaps at a house of worship like a parish church or a culturally significant venue like a museum or historic site—or even on private property. Whether the preference is for a religious or nondenominational observance, Harmonia can find the site, décor, speakers, decorations, and symbols that reflect your wishes for life’s final passage.
At Harmonia, such gatherings are opportunities to express condolences, support, and sympathy, as attendees honor the memory of the departed and say their goodbyes. At Harmonia, no one goes to their final resting place in solitude.
Choosing a resting place for cremated remains is important for both the deceased and the bereaved. Harmonia recommends that cremated remains be interred in a cemetery, cinerary park, or legally established columbarium. This makes it possible to continue the tradition of visiting the departed, which can nurture our sense of belonging to a family, group, region, or country.
However, Harmonia understands that some people may feel otherwise when it comes to cremated remains. That’s why our service offering includes scattering ashes—in a memorial garden, other outdoor setting, or Harmonia’s cinerary park—or using some of them for a memorial diamond.
Our earthly lives may cease, but we leave behind impressions, images, and memories. This vast repository of memories helps our loved ones remain alive in our hearts. Remembrance soothes the pain of death and helps us go on with our lives.
Harmonia has developed various approaches to providing support for the bereaved, including new ways to perpetuate the memory of those we cherish: