Up to the end of World War II, it was an American tradition to have an in-home funeral. This was when the “parlor” became the “living room”. Caring for their own dead was part of the way of life for centuries. The body was laid out usually in the unheated front parlor and the visitation and services occurred right there. Late in the19th century traditions changed, arrangements became more complicated for families and the profession of undertakers was born. Initially, they assisted families in funeral arranging in order to lift the burden off the family. But soon, the funeral homes took over and today, many families are all but disenfranchised and watch powerlessly, as anonymous men in black suits zip their loved ones in plastic bags and carry them off to the cooler until burial.
We help you with caring, compassionate and customized viewings, funerals and memorials that enable you to heal.
