Funeral Arrangements
The purpose of the funeral ceremony is to signify the event of a death, that a human life has passed, while at the same time paying tribute to that life by way of funeral ceremonies and thus providing the bereaved with some much needed solace and therapy. In the planning of the funeral it is important to take your time, not only to afford yourself the opportunity to realise the magnitude of what has occurred, but also to reflect on the personality and character of the deceased, thus making funeral arrangements in accordance with all the family's wishes. As your funeral director we will assist, co-ordinate and oversee all arrangements, adhere to all legal requirements and ensure that all payments are promptly paid on your behalf. Just a phone call will begin the arrangement process. We will call to your home or set up a meeting at our funeral home; the choice is yours.
It is important to remember that funeral arrangements cannot be finalised until circumstances of death satisfy the criteria as laid down by the Coroner. In the event of a sudden death the Coroner may order that a ‘post mortem examination’ take place. This procedure will delay not only the funeral but also the opportunity for the family to be reunited with their loved one.
Burial or Cremation
The choice of burial or cremation is yours. There is little difference in the overall cost should the family own a grave. However, if a new grave needs to he purchased, then this can add significantly to the cost of the funeral. When arranging for the opening of an existing grave please provide us with the grave number or failing that, details of the person or persons previously interred in that grave. We will then make all necessary arrangements.
Similarly with cremation, we will carry out all legal and relevant procedures from the ‘witnessing’ of the Application form, which must he completed by the ‘nearest surviving relative’ or the ‘executor’; to organising the satisfactory completion of ‘Medical Certificate’ by the deceased's attending doctor (who must be over two years qualified and would have seen the deceased before and after death) or if necessary, the Coroner's completion of a ‘Coroner's Certificate for Cremation’ and the removal (where necessary) of artificial implants e.g. pacemaker / defibrillator.
During the cremation process, both the coffin and the body are cremated. Following the cremation, the ashes will become available usually within 48 hours. The options for the final resting place of these is varied e.g. Garden of Remembrance, Columbarium Wall, existing family grave or scattering in a chosen Iocation.
Embalming/Care of the Body
As part of our commitment to the care of the deceased, we offer and recommend the service of embalming. This technique provides for the sanitation and preservation of the body, while at the same time restoring a natural appearance to the deceased and assists in the prevention of infection to the living. This service is carried out to the highest possible standard at our specially equipped rooms at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray. If you do not wish us to carry out this treatment, please let us know.
Colliers also have the facility of refrigeration which can assist in the short term care of the deceased.
The mode of dress for deceased will be decided by you.
Book of Condolences
These are supplied by us and are located for signing at the Funeral Ceremony. The attendance listing will prove most useful when the family wants to recall who came.
Obituary Notices
We will gladly assist in the writing and inserting of death notices in newspapers and/or on local radio.
Floral Tributes
Our catalogues offer a wide choice of floral wreaths and sprays which are available from our recommended florist. If donations are requested in lieu of flowers, we will include this wish in all obituary notices and if asked to do so, we will accept and list donations on your behalf and forward them in due course to your chosen charity.
Photographs
Either a single framed photo or a collage of photographs of the deceased through the years can be displayed where the service is held. This type of display usually has a positive effect on the bereaved.
Music
As part of our service we will arrange and co-ordinate singers and musicians or you may wish to choose recorded music which may be played at the Funeral Home or crematorium.
Food: Meeting and Greeting
It does not matter how elaborate or how simple the conclusion to the funeral ceremonies are. What matters is the opportunity for all concerned to get together in a friendly and intimate way. It can be a simple beverage and finger food or a buffet or sit-down meal. We will carry out any instructions you might have in this regard.
The Funeral Account Charges
Our Funeral Account is made up in two parts. First, our Service Charge covers the provision of a coffin or casket, transport, bearers and all necessary services. The second part will show an itemised bill for all Disbursements; these are monies that we pay out on your behalf for cemetery or cremation fees, church offering, organist, soloist fees, flowers, obituary notices etc.
Our Funeral Accounts are typically presented a couple of weeks after a funeral takes place, and the family is asked to settle the account within a matter of weeks. There may be genuine reasons for delays due to insurance or legal matters. However, we would appreciate you contacting us, should you encounter any difficulties in settling our account.
Death Certificates
While the procurement of Death Certificates is the responsibility of the next of kin, we would be happy to advise you.
Should I Consult a Solicitor?
In most circumstances, it is advisable for you to consult a solicitor both to relieve you of many worries and to take control of wills, problems of intestacy (where there is no will made), outstanding debts, grants of probate and letters of administration which may be required in order to access assets and distribute to those entitled. A solicitor could save you a great deal of unnecessary trouble and eventually save you money. If it is known that a will was made, it is important that the contents be ascertained as soon as possible after the death as it may contain instructions regarding funeral arrangements. A will may be among personal papers, with the bank or solicitor for safe keeping.
Acknowledgement Notices, In Memorium and Acknowledgement Cards
Following the Funeral we will gladly place acknowledgement notices in newspapers and supply you with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of printing firms where In Memorium and Acknowledgement cards may be obtained.
Bereavement Grant/Other Assistance
A Bereavement Grant, is payable on the death of insured workers or their dependents, subject to certain PRSI contribution conditions. We will provide you with the appropriate form or it may be obtained at your local post office. The form should be completed by the next of kin or the personal representative of the deceased and sent together with Death Certificate and Funeral Bill to Pension Services Office, College Road, Sligo Tel: LoCall 1890 500 000. You should apply within 12 months of the date of death.
A widowed Parent Grant may also be payable if you are widowed with dependent children.
An Exceptional Needs Payment, administered by the Health Boards on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, may be available to give financial assistance if you do not have adequate means to pay for the funeral.
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans/Funeral Pre-Arrangements
A pre-paid funeral plan allows any person the opportunity to plan and pay in advance. You decide on the kind of funeral you want and you can personalise your arrangements in any way you wish thus relieving surviving family or relatives of the burden of funeral arrangements and payment of same. Colliers are Premier Members of Golden Charter (Ireland) Ltd. an established funeral planning company whose business is pre-paid funerals.
You may simply wish to discuss your funeral pre-arrangements without the obligation of payment; just a phone call to our office will secure a mutually suitable appointment whereupon we can advise on and confirm your requirements. These pre-arrangements may be lodged with your appointed solicitors for safekeeping, should you so wish.
Within this publication we have endeavoured to cover all the information you may require, however, please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information.