Family and Funerals
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What is a Wake?
In NC, a wake, also called a viewing, is generally a time of social occasion held before a funeral in which the body of the deceased is present. Learn about wakes and how to plan or participate in one. Contact Renaissance to make a plan.
Funeral Planning Checklist
Planning a funeral can be time consuming and involve many choices and details to take care of. Many people are caught by surprise by the number of tasks that must be completed after a loved one’s death. Even if you have planned a funeral before, you could still be...
How to Plan a Funeral Reception
What is a Funeral Reception? A funeral reception is a post-funeral gathering where friends and family members can come together to celebrate and remember the life of their loved one. The reception typically follows immediately after the funeral service. It is...
What to Do When Someone Dies
When someone close to you dies, it can be incredibly difficult. Dealing with your emotions and grief are just part of the difficult process. If you are responsible for taking care of the personal affairs and funeral arrangements, the experience can be overwhelming....
Can I Have a Visitation or Viewing Without Embalming?
It is commonly mistaken that for a visitation to take place embalming must be done. Embalming, in a very basic definition, is the act of preserving a body by replacing body fluids with a preserving solution (usually an aldehyde and/or alcohol as a solvent). Many...
Catholic Church and Cremation
Your cremation questions answered Many Catholics have questions about cremation and if the Catholic Church accepts cremation? And once the cremation is done, what does the family do with the cremated remains? Can there still be a mass? We have answered your questions...
Does Medicare Pay For Hospice Treatment? –Alisha K.
In recent years Hospice Care for the dying has become an accepted and appreciated option for the terminally ill. In fact, in many areas of the country, Hospice is involved in some 60% of deaths. Hospice care can result in significant improvement in a patient’s...
Why do we have funerals? It seems so sad and uncomfortable. –Ella G.
We chose this question for our inaugural article because it is the one question most common among us. We could respond academically by talking about archaeological digs, old burial customs and pyramids. But, this is a singularly human question with its roots solidly...
This Could Save the Life of Someone You Love
Some years ago a friend of mine ran ads for his funeral home entitled: “We Can Wait” The series, which featured roadside billboards, was an effective anti-drunk driving campaign. We all know death is inevitable. But, if we can help prolong life by avoiding...
Do Obituaries Have To Be So Boring? –Alan C.
Obituaries do not have to be boring. Unfortunately, at the time a death occurs it is hard to write a creative obituary. Thankfully, times are changing and people want to be more creative–more real. We are including 3 examples of the way people are changing this...
