FUNERAL or CELEBRATION OF LIFE

530-713-4857,  Ldenyer@netzero.net,  facebook Za Ra Te   LinkedIn
 
 

Funeral or Celebration of Life
with Reverend Denyer

  
 

Honor your loved one with a unique, personalized ceremony.

  
 

"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living."
Marcus Tullius Cicero

Your choice as those who remain on earth is how to celebrate that memory.

  
 

A Special Time of Remembrance for the soul that has left this earthly plane.

Reverend Laverne E. Denyer specializes in, and performs customized funerals and Celebrations of Life to suit your personal venue, culture, or belief systems. The ceremony is tailored to suit you and your loved ones!

  
 

Funeral or Celebration of Life?

Funerals and Celebrations of Life both serve as a way for families and friends to acknowledge the life and passing of a loved one one. They are a way of saying good-bye and blessings for the departed soul..

There are, however, some differences between the two ceremonies which can help you decide which to choose.

A traditional funeral follows common rituals and customs, and tends to be a more structured ceremony. Usually, it has four main parts: the visitation, the funeral service, the committal service (or concluding rites), and the funeral reception. For those looking for a sense of strong spirituality, religion, or tradition, we recommend a more traditional funeral service rather than a celebration of life. Reverend Denyer can perform those rites.

When choosing a celebration of life ceremony, there is more flexibility and freedom and planning the gathering. Essentially, this type of ceremony can include whatever your family thinks is appropriate, or what the loved one has requested. The purpose of this service is to tell the story of your loved one's life and celebrate what made the individual special. It can also include a spiritual component similar to a funeral service is desired. Reverend Denyer can help a family plan for this type of ceremony, and officiate at the service.

In many cases, a celebration of life service is held after the body has been cared for (cremation, burial, etc.). This allows your family more time to come together and plan a service that includes input from more loved ones. It is common for families to hold a celebration of life weeks or even months after their loved one has been buried or cremated. This flexibility with time ensures you can schedule for a date for when family and friends are able to attend.

In contrast, traditional funerals generally take place a couple of days to a week after the death for specific purposes of burial and a graveside ceremony.

  
 

Undecided? Turn to Reverend Denyer

With years of experience, Reverend Denyer is dedicated to listening, brainstorming, and advising families how they can best pay tribute to a beloved family member. She can help you decide between a funeral and a celebration of life service, taking all the time you need.

Reverend Denyer can help you decide the best way to help family and friends express their reverence for the life of one who has left behind an earthly life, passing forward into the next reality.

As Helen Keller once said, "Death is no more than passing from one room into another."

 
 
Celebration of Life Ideas
Music & Songs

If your loved one had a passion for music, a certain band or musician, then you can have that playing in the background during their celebration of life service. You can also consider hiring a musician to play at the service. Getting a local musician to sing and play an instrument to a favorite song is a touching tribute. Often there is a friend or relative who would be honored to be asked to provide this tribute.

 Food & Beverages

If the facility allows, food and beverages are a joyful way to sit together sharing food and conversation. A Pot luck with some of the items already provided (such as beverages, and a main dish) is a common and easy way to accomplish this.

If your loved one enjoyed trying new recipes, and/or tasting ne things, you may want to consider serving some of the loved ones favorite foods. You could even provide a recipe card for those special items.

Sharing food and conversation is a lovely way to take the extra time for sharing stories and remembering the life of the loved one.
Personalized Service

Did your loved one enjoy painting, sports, or any specific hobby or avocation? You can decorate the facility based around things loved by the deceased. For example, if he/she loved board games, have different ones set up through the facility. Perhaps it was golf, and you can decorate with golf clubs, putting green or other related items. Feel free to make it personal and special for remembering the one who has left and sharing joy with the attendees.

 Making memories

Many people attending the service will have such fond memories of your loved one. Find a unique way for them to share those memories. One unique approach is to provide a spot where people can write them down, and attach it to a little tree to create a memory tree.

Be creative. There are many unique and thoughtful things you can do to capture these memories.
 
  Rev. Laverne is based in the Sacramento area of northern California. She will go to your location. She has performed weddings all up and down the west coast from southern California to Washington. And she will go further if asked. (If your service is outside her general area, travel fees may apply.)  
  Consultation & Personalization

  • IT IS ALL ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONE AND HOW YOU WANT THE TIME OF REMEMBRANCE CONDUCTED.

  • We spend time together to discuss your ideas and needs for that special memorial.

  • We will discuss the background, setting, cultural and spiritual aspects you each wish to include. That includes the wording and schedule of your funeral or celebration of life.

  • The ceremony can be as spiritual or culturally based as you desire.

  • If you want a special thematic apparel, your minister will dress to fit the theme.

  • Laverne wants your loved one's ceremony to be as special and uniquely you as possible.

  • I adjust to your wishes so your wedding is as special as your dreams.

  • We will discuss how many people you want involved and to what extent so that you can have as many or as few people participating as you wish.

  • This entire ceremony will be designed to create an unforgettable memorial service that provides a review of memories and closure to the loss everyone feels.

  • A personalized memorial script is developed and approved by you, based upon your individual ideas.

Ordained Minister

Reverend Laverne is a non-denominational, ordained minister ready to provide you a very special wedding experience, in compliance with your state's law regarding the solemnization of marriage.

  
 

If you have questions about, or are seeking other services, please contact me at
Ldenyer@netzero.net or +1 (530) 713-4857.
We can discuss our options. There may also be something else I can offer that is not listed.

  

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