Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when you are left with challenging decisions to make. One of those choices is how you wish to honor your loved one with friends and family. You may wish to hold a traditional funeral service, a memorial service, or both. Hamel-Lydon is happy to help guide you through this difficult time, and choose which ceremony is right for you.

 Memorial Service

A memorial service can be a great opportunity for friends, family, and acquaintances of your loved one to gather and share memories. At a memorial service, the body is traditionally not present, unless you wish for it to be. It is a time where people may give speeches about what your loved one meant to them and share memories. Memorial services can be held at any time, it can be shortly after death, or even as far as the anniversary of the death. Most commonly, these services are held outside of a religious building, and can be held in any place that was meaningful to your loved one. However, some memorial services do take place inside a chapel or other place of worship. Hamel-Lydon can hold a memorial service at our chapel, or assist you in holding one in another location. 

 Funeral Service

A traditional funeral service is a very common way to honor the life of your loved one. The body is most often present during the service, and may be followed by a burial service. The funeral service usually takes place up to a week after the death. Many funerals are held in places of worship and can be religious ceremonies, but they don’t have to be. Hamel-Lydon can hold your loved one’s funeral in our chapel, and can accommodate many different cultural or religious traditions. People may make speeches, read scripture, or sing songs to honor your loved one.

 Which one should I Choose?

Memorial services and funeral services are both wonderful ways to honor a loved one that has passed away. You may choose to have both ceremonies; a private family funeral service and burial and then a memorial service for friends of your loved one. You may prefer a funeral service to practice your religious or cultural rituals, or you may prefer a memorial service if your loved one had many acquaintances that a traditional funeral space cannot accommodate. It all depends on your personal beliefs and preferences. Whatever you may choose, we are here to help. Hamel-Lydon Chapel and Cremation of Massachusetts

Whether you choose to hold a funeral service or memorial service, Hamel-Lydon Chapel and Cremation of Massachusetts is here to guide you through the process. We are here to provide you and your family support and honor your loved one as you wish. Don’t hesitate to give us a call for assistance as you navigate this difficult time of life.