Since the beginning of human history, funerals have helped families grieve and heal following the death of a loved one. Today, thanks to improved health care and longer lifespans, many people are inexperienced with funerals. So the difficult task of planning a funeral for someone we love can be even more stressful. At Downing & Lahey, we're committed to making it easier for you to plan a personalized service that celebrates the life of your loved one in a way that is especially meaningful. We welcome both custom ceremonies and traditional funerals, and will work with you to design a fitting tribute. We have experience planning services for people of all faiths, and particular expertise in both Catholic and Jewish funeral traditions.

People often take great comfort in ceremony. To help you determine what elements of the traditional funeral are most appropriate for your situation, it is important to understand the benefits of each.

• The Visitation
  
• The Funeral Ceremony
  
• The Procession
  
• The Commital Service
  
• The Gathering
  
  

Often called the "wake" or "viewing," the visitation affords family and friends an opportunity to gather for mutual support. Often the body is present, which helps mourners acknowledge the death and provides an opportunity to say goodbye.

• The Eulogy, often referred to as the "remembrance," is a short speech memorializing the unique life and significance of the deceased.
  
• Music is an important aspect of any service, helping those in attendance access their feelings and embrace their feelings of grief.
  
• Memories are one of the most precious gifts we have when someone dies. To share these memories with others, families can set up a memory table or simply ask friends and family to share their remembrances during the ceremony.
  
• Symbols often used at funerals include flowers, which represent love and beauty, food, which is a demonstration of support, and candles, which represent the spirit's continued existence after death.

The funeral procession, which generally extends from the funeral home to the gravesite, is a symbol of mutual support. It also publicly honors the deceased.