Frequently Asked Questions

What is a funeral?

Funerals today have evolved to include many variations, such as a traditional ceremony for a deceased person prior to burial or cremation, a Celebration of Life in the form of a memorial service or an informal gathering following cremation, or to a simple service at the cemetery.  A funeral gives an important opportunity for family and friends of the deceased to gather and mourn the passing of their loved one, to share cherished memories and celebrate a life lived.  A funeral is a vital first step to help the bereaved heal after the loss of someone special.

Can I personalize a funeral?

Absolutely.  Here at the Simcoe Funeral Home we encourage families to provide personal mementos of the deceased for display. It is important to celebrate a life, to reflect and remember who that person was to each family member or friend. Our funeral directors have many years of experience in assisting families with providing options and ideas.  There are many unique ways to celebrate life.  Let the funeral director know exactly what your desires are and they will honor your wishes.

Do we need to have a newspaper notice?  What is included in one?

No, you do not require a newspaper notice; however, it is recommended so that family and friends are advised of the death and know the funeral service details. In the evolution of social media, information can be obtained by many very quickly; keep in mind, however, the aged population who may not have this option available to them. Most funeral homes have a website that they can place the funeral information on but the newspaper lets the public know that a death has occurred, as well as gives them information about the service. 

Who are funeral directors and what do they do?

In the province of Ontario all funeral directors and funeral homes are licensed. Funeral directors are responsible for looking after the deceased from the time of death until the final resting place.  Funeral directors will follow the wishes and direction of the family, as well as provide many options.  They complete all the necessary documentation, make arrangements for the transportation of the body and put into action the choices made by the family in regards to the funeral service and the final resting place of the body. Our funeral directors are here to provide moral support and guidance for someone coping with death.

What happens if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

We are here to help.  Funeral directors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  A funeral director's job does not end when the office is closed.  We are always available by calling (705) 327-0221.

What if a death occurs away from my home town?

We are here to help.  We can arrange to have the remains transported home from anywhere in the world.  We will assume responsibility and make the proper arrangements to have the remains return to the community.

What is embalming and what purpose does it serve?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body; it also slows down the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of the body damaged by traumatic death or illness.  Embalming gives time for the family of the deceased to arrange a service and allows the family the option of having an open casket.  It is very important to some people to view the deceased for closure so that they may start the grieving process. Without this opportunity, some may feel that the deceased has simply disappeared and are left with a sense of waiting or longing.

Why are funerals so expensive?

Funerals are labor intensive and require a lot of work from a lot of people.  The cost of a funeral goes beyond merchandise, such as caskets.  It includes the services of a funeral director in making the necessary arrangements, filling out forms, and dealing with all the other people involved in the death (doctors, coroners, death registration, insurance companies, etc.)  Funeral directors work an average of 40 hours per funeral.  The cost of operating a funeral home (overhead costs) are also factored into the cost as well.  Funeral homes are a 24 hour operation with extensive facilities that need to be maintained and secured.  

What do I do if I am not satisfied with the way a funeral was handled?

Many families have expectations regarding a funeral and it is important that those expectations be heard.  If you are not satisfied with a service, contact the owner or manager of the funeral home to advise them.  It is important for them to be aware so that they can deal with the issues at hand.  In Ontario, funeral services are regulated by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario.