CELEBRATING LIFE

The passing of a loved one affects everyone in various ways. It creates extreme stress, disruption of daily life and the exposure of our most deeply-held emotions. This is the time when the helpful and professional staff at AAsum-Dufour takes over. Our purpose is to guide, direct, and relieve you of the many details of this difficult and sometimes confusing process.

The services provided for the deceased by AAsum-Dufour range in many ways; from traditional or contemporary, burial or cremation, public or private gatherings or viewings. As caring staff members, it is our goal to create an experience for each and every family we serve that is as unique as the individual who has passed.

CELEBRATE LIFE

The first choice to consider is how you want to celebrate the life of your loved one. The main goal is all about bringing those you love and care about together to honor the life that was lived. This can be done in a variety of ways. Whether you choose a traditional service, celebration of life, informal family gathering or even a picnic, this is the first step in the healing process. We at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home can help guide you to decide what is right for you and your family and what is the best way to celebrate your loved one’s life.

BURIAL OR CREMATION

Your next consideration focuses on choosing between burial and cremation. Often times, people are clear on this point. In fact, your loved one may have told you, or someone else, exactly how they wish to be cared for at the time of their passing. But, for some families, it can be a difficult choice, especially when the wishes of the deceased were never clearly stated. If that's the case, please know we're here to help advise you and provide direction. Our desire is the same as yours; to help you reach the best decision for you that still honors your loved one.

If you've chosen burial, then selecting the casket, vault, and desired cemetery follows. Naturally, we’re here to help you and provide guidance on all these options.

If cremation is your preference, then you'll need to make the next decision: whether the cremated remains will be placed in a mausoleum niche, scattered in a meaningful spot, or buried on the grounds of a cemetery. Making this choice will also lead to the decision on the type of urn you want. As always, we’re here to provide information and options on the best urn to fit your needs.

PERMANENT MEMORIALIZATION

Having a permanent place –whether it’s in a cemetery, mausoleum, or cremation garden - that can be visited regularly by family and friends can be an important part of the grieving process. It becomes a central point of memorialization for everyone, and gives them a special and meaningful place to go to remember your loved one. These places also can help to allow people to commemorate important occasions, which can help to make a birthday, holiday or anniversary less painful.

WHAT'S NEXT

Now that we've helped you with the essentials, it's time to reflect more on exactly what is suitable for you and your family. If possible, gather everyone together to speak on their feelings and desires to ensure that everyone is heard and importantly, that everyone is in agreement.

Still looking for inspiration? Speaking with one of our staff members can help to clarify your thinking. We’re always available and always ready to answer any questions that you might have. You can reach us anytime at (541) 926-5541.