Katherine Downey is the #1 Funeral Preplanning Professional in Canada for the fourth time. She is a professional educator, author, licensed funeral director and insurance advisor. To set an appointment or have your questions answered, please contact Kat directly.
Tombstone to Monument: Part 2, Flat Marker
There are many things to consider when arranging for a memorial marker.
A flat marker can be used to commemorate a person or an event. A flat marker is also called a grass marker, as this type of memorial marker is sited on the ground. Flat markers are typically made of granite or bronze.
If it is a flat marker the first consideration is the cemetery regulations. Cemetery by-laws regulate the placement of flat markers on graves within their grounds. The rules and regulations will also stipulate the size, materials and type of flat marker allowed. Before your finalize your order be sure you are in compliance with the Cemetery regulations, as they can and are known to refuse the placement of an flat marker that does not comply with their by-laws.
Tombstone to Monument: Part One, Upright Marker
According to Collins English Dictionary, the term tombstone originally referred to the flat stone on top of a grave or the lid of a stone coffin. The term dates back to 1711 and can also be another term for a gravestone or headstone. In present day, tombstones are now referred to as “markers”.
In this 4 part blog series I will talk about the four different types of markers: upright, flat, pillow and digital. This blog will focus on the upright marker.
There are many things to consider when arranging for a memorial marker.
Celebration of Life: Online Tribute and Social Media – Part 4
Another way to celebrate the life of a deceased loved one is via main stream media or online social media tributes. This could be a standalone celebration of life or used to augment a funeral, memorial, or committal service.
Online tributes and social media memorials are gaining in popularity because of their ease of accessibility. Whether it is the celebration of life of a prominent public figure, or if people are emotionally, physically, financially, legally or logistically unable to attend in person, they can still participate virtually from anywhere in the world. Some people also just prefer to grieve in private, while still paying their respects.
Testimonials
I can attest to the value of pre-planning. My Mom died a few weeks ago at home and thankfully we pre-planned everything with Kat just a week before. After she passed, one simple phone call was all that was needed. We were mentally and physically exhausted at that point. What a sense of peace for my Dad and our family.
We have everything pre-arranged for my Dad’s passing now too.
Thank you Kat for the important work you do.
Must say, my friend, how kind you were when I lost Jim….. you made a difference in my journey….. thanks for reaching out when I truly needed it! Thank you for organizing my funeral arrangements. I am now glad this is completed and now paid for, and my children know my wishes. It makes less worry for all of us…. Thank you for gently advising me, when life was dark and made no sense!
Kat is a delight. She has a good sense of humour and is informative. She provided good reading materials, is always available, approachable and was sensitive to our needs.
After attending Kat’s seminar, I came away with a much clearer picture of the importance of being properly prepared and capable of dealing with all of the legal issues surrounding the death of a loved one. I plan to share what I learned with my parents and siblings.