Frequently Asked Questions About Funerals

It is common to have questions about the funeral process. This section answers some commonly asked questions to help make this process easier for you. If additional questions arise, please feel free to contact us directly.

Understanding Funeral Services

What is a funeral?
A funeral is a process or ceremony for a deceased person that includes burial or cremation. A funeral allows family and friends to gather, mourn the passing of their loved one, share cherished memories, and celebrate a life lived.

Many people associate funerals with traditional services such as visitations, chapel services, or receptions. However, cremation itself is a type of funeral arrangement. Funeral services can be simple and direct, such as cremation without a formal service, or they can include gatherings, ceremonies, and memorial events depending on a family’s wishes, traditions, and budget.

Our staff will help explain available options so families can choose arrangements that best reflect their needs and preferences.

Planning a Funeral Service

What type of service should I have?
If no pre-arrangements have been made, the type of service is entirely up to you, but it is best to consider what the deceased may have wanted. Services are usually held at a funeral home or a place of worship. There are many different service options, ranging from traditional religious or military services to more personalized gatherings. Our funeral directors are happy to work with you to determine what would be most appropriate.

Can I personalize the arrangements?
Of course. More and more people are choosing non-traditional, personalized services. There is no single way to celebrate someone’s life. Let the funeral director know your wishes and preferences, and they will help you create a meaningful service.

How soon after death does a funeral usually take place?
Funeral timing depends on several factors, including family preferences, religious traditions, and scheduling arrangements. Most funerals take place within a few days to a week after death. Our staff will guide families through the timeline and help coordinate all necessary details.

Do I have to hold a funeral right away?
Not necessarily. Families may choose to delay services to allow time for travel, planning, or gathering family members. In some cases, a memorial service may be held days or weeks later, depending on family preferences.

Can a funeral be held without a viewing or visitation?
Yes. Some families choose to have a service without visitation or viewing. Others may choose a memorial service without the presence of the deceased. Our funeral directors will help families choose the option that best suits their wishes and circumstances.

What documents are required to make funeral arrangements?
Typically, information such as the deceased’s full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Insurance Number (if available), and next-of-kin details are needed. Our staff will guide families through the required paperwork and help ensure all legal requirements are met.

What should I do if a death occurs at home?
If a death occurs at home and was expected, families should contact us at 613-546-6545. Our funeral directors are available 24 hours a day and will guide you through the next steps. If the death was unexpected, emergency services (911) should be contacted first. Once emergency services have attended, families may then contact us for further assistance.

Do we need to have a death notice or obituary and what is included in one?
It is highly recommended to have a notice posted in a local newspaper or online. A notice or obituary lets the public know that a death has occurred and provides information about the services. Notices generally include the deceased’s full name, age, city, date of birth, and city of residence at the time of death. They may also include the name of the deceased’s spouse and other significant family members. Space may be limited in a newspaper, but you may also wish to include a short sentiment reflecting the life and legacy of the deceased. An online obituary or memorial website allows for additional details and tributes.

Funeral Arrangements and Logistics

Who are funeral directors and what do they do?
Funeral directors manage the logistics, preparations, and arrangements following a death. They complete necessary paperwork, arrange transportation, and carry out the choices made by the family regarding the funeral service and final resting place. In addition to these responsibilities, funeral directors provide emotional support and professional guidance during a difficult time.

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, and 365 days a year. We are just a phone call away.

What if a death occurs away from my home community?
If a death occurs outside your home community, our staff can coordinate arrangements with local providers to ensure the safe return of your loved one. We provide transfer services within approximately 40 km of Kingston. For locations beyond this area — including communities such as Belleville, Brockville, Perth, Ottawa, or Oshawa — we arrange for a licensed third-party transfer service to assist with transportation to Kingston. This helps reduce delays and ensures timely care for your loved one.

Can the funeral home arrange transportation of the deceased from another city or country?
Yes. Funeral homes can coordinate transportation of the deceased from another city, province, or country. Our staff will manage the necessary permits, documentation, and logistics to ensure the safe and respectful return of your loved one.

Burial and Cemetery Options

Do I need to purchase a cemetery lot before making funeral arrangements?
Not necessarily. If a cemetery lot has not already been purchased, our staff can help guide you through available options and assist with selecting an appropriate location based on your family’s preferences.

Can burial arrangements be made at the same time as funeral arrangements?
Yes. Burial arrangements are often made at the same time as funeral arrangements. Because we provide funeral, cremation, and cemetery services in one location, families can make all necessary arrangements with one team.

What are the options for burial?
Burial options may include traditional in-ground burial, cremation burial, family plots, or placement of cremated remains in a columbarium niche. Our staff will explain available options and help families select what best suits their needs.

Can cremated remains be buried in a cemetery?
Yes. Cremated remains may be buried in a cemetery plot, placed in a columbarium niche, or interred in a family plot. Our staff can explain the available options and help families understand the benefits of each.

How do I choose the right burial option for my family?
Choosing a burial option depends on personal preferences, religious traditions, family needs, and long-term considerations. Our staff will guide families through the available choices and help them make informed decisions.

Embalming and Preparation

What is embalming and what purpose does it serve?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. It slows decomposition and enhances the appearance of the deceased. Embalming allows time to arrange services and provides the opportunity for open-casket visitation when desired.

Do I need to have embalming?
No. Embalming is optional. Some religions forbid embalming, while some countries require embalming if remains are transported internationally. If it does not conflict with religious customs, embalming is often recommended when there will be a delay between death and burial or cremation.

Funeral Costs and Pricing

How much does a funeral cost?
The cost of funeral arrangements depends on the services selected and the level of personalization chosen by the family. We offer a range of options designed to meet different needs and budgets, from simple arrangements to more traditional services that include visitation and ceremonies. As Kingston’s not-for-profit provider of funeral, cremation, and cemetery services, we are committed to offering dignified and respectful services at fair and reasonable costs. Families are encouraged to speak with our staff to discuss available options and identify arrangements that meet both their needs and budget. You are welcome to contact our funeral directors or review our Funeral & Cremation Price List for detailed information.

What drives the cost of a funeral?
Funeral services involve professional care, specialized facilities, and coordination of many important details. Costs reflect the time and expertise of licensed professionals, transportation services, preparation, required documentation, and 24-hour availability. Because we provide funeral, cremation, and cemetery services in one location, our organization benefits from operational efficiencies that allow us to offer flexible service options while maintaining professional standards and keeping costs manageable for families. Families are always encouraged to discuss their needs with our staff so that appropriate options can be identified

What payment options are available for funeral services?
We offer several payment options to help families manage funeral costs, including cheque, debit, credit card, or pre-authorized arrangements. Our staff will explain available options and help families choose what works best.

Can funeral expenses be prepaid in advance?
Yes. Funeral services can be prepaid through pre-arrangement plans. Prepaying allows individuals to record their wishes, lock in today's prices for selected services, and reduce financial stress on family members in the future.

Are prepaid funeral funds protected?
Yes. In Ontario, prepaid funeral funds are protected and held in trust or through insurance in accordance with provincial regulations. This ensures funds remain secure and available when needed.

What happens if there are not enough funds available at the time of need?
Our staff will work with families to review available options and identify services that meet both their needs and financial circumstances. We are committed to providing clear and practical guidance.

Are there benefits available to help cover funeral costs?
Yes. Many families may be eligible for benefits such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit, which can help offset funeral expenses.  Our pricing and service model is built around this benefit.  Our staff can help explain available programs and guide families in understanding what assistance may apply to their situation

Are there other financial assistance programs available to help with funeral costs?
In some cases, financial assistance may be available through government or community programs. Our staff can help guide families to appropriate resources when applicable.

For detailed pricing information and available options, families are encouraged to review our Funeral & Cremation Price List, explore No-Commitment Online Pre-Arrangement Options, or contact our staff directly for guidance.