Janet Biggs, left, and Sheila Silvester of Springfield Funeral Home.

(STACY PAVLOV / iNFOnews.ca)

Lost in grief, you find yourself driving to the funeral home to make arrangements for your loved one who has died unexpectedly. Planning such a service while being swept up in a wave of grief is a task that seems insurmountable. Upon arrival, however, you exhale with great relief when you learn your loved one has pre-planned their arrangements.

     Seeing people eased of this burden is something that gives Sheila Silvester and Janet Biggs, pre-planning consultants at Springfield Funeral Home, a sense of satisfaction.

     “Most of us prepare for what’s possible, but not always for the inevitable. We plan for birthdays and weddings, but we don’t think about planning for funerals,” says Biggs, who has been with Springfield for 18 years after a career in broadcast journalism. “So many people have been meaning to do this for so many years, but procrastination gets in the way.”

     Silvester explains that funeral pre-planning is not just for the elderly, as she is seeing many more young people coming in to get their affairs in order.

     The first step is to start the conversation. “Many people don’t really know where to begin,” says Biggs. “Our job is to come alongside them, explain the options and listen to what they want. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate someone’s life.  It can be as simple or elaborate as you wish.” Smaller details such as music or photographs can be left up to the family members who wish to contribute something that is meaningful to them.

     Pre-planning a funeral reduces stress and anxiety for everybody. Recording your wishes eliminates the possibility of disagreements among family members at a strenuous time, and ensures that the one who has died is having their wishes respected. Pre-funding a funeral plan can avoid the stress of unexpected expenses families may encounter.

“Another benefit of pre-paying your arrangements is that the cost is fixed at today’s price,” explains Silvester, who has been at Springfield for 21 years. “It’s like buying a car you will need in 10 or 20 years at today’s price.  And if you move away your plan is completely transferable.”
    
     Along with pre-planning arrangements, Biggs and Silvester regularly conduct seminars in the community that address all aspects of pre-planning.  You can book a complimentary group seminar for your group by calling Springfield. People also appreciate the opportunity to meet one-on-one because everyone’s need are different. We want them to know their information is kept private and is not given out unless permission has been granted, explains Silvester.

     “By planning ahead, people are considering their loved ones after they themselves are gone. It’s a gift you give your family,” says Silvester.

     Visit www.springfieldfuneralhome.com to find out more about what’s involved in pre-planning, or contact Silvester or Biggs at 250-860-7077.

Sponsored By  

News from © iNFOnews, 2017