We made funeral plans in advance. Dad was in a SNF and although he was thriving, in his 90's, we knew it was only a matter of time. This gave us time to pay off the expense and add more services to the contract as we could afford them. We also discussed possible contingencies that may come up in order to prevent any 'surprises' we could avoid. Part of the packet they provided us included lists of other businesses we may need, including event space for collation after services.
Cataudella was recommended by a family member. We sat down with a funeral planner to discuss what services were available, understand costs, and learn about burial laws in NH where the cemetery is located. We spent a lot of time with them on our first visit and left without signing a contract. The information provided was discussed with siblings who shared an interest in the planning and we made a second appointment to meet as a group with the funeral planner. Everyone asked their questions, then we all looked over the caskets and urns on display upstairs. There is quite a wide price point to choose from. We had a private, family conversation and then created and signed a contract with our planner. The funeral planner was very good about being sure we were all comfortable with our decisions.
Pre-planning was incredibly helpful. Never more so then when we received an unexpected call one winter night from the nursing home saying dad had passed. We were in no way expecting that call. Knowing who to call, having plans in place, was an indescribable comfort at a very emotional time. I was able to speak with the person we had been working with and they went to the SNF that same evening to take custody of Dad's remains. Everything worked so well. No scrambling. No stress. Just knowing Dad was in good hands.
As part of the pre-planning process, they already had a photo of dad and an obituary we wrote for their website. Our biggest decision was to select a date for viewing from their calendar and deliver Dad's clothes. We arrived a bit early for a private family viewing before extended family and friends arrived. A funeral ceremony was presented by a fraternal organization Dad belonged to and his pastor performed a small ceremony at the end of the viewing. It was our choice to do it all in one place as the burial would be months later.
Our funeral planner worked closely with us throughout the process including finding a mortuary to 'hold' the remains until the small cemetery where Dad's plot was located opened in the Spring. A possibility we let them know of in advance.
Come Spring, we worked with the funeral home when the cemetery opened and they made all the arrangements for burial. We just showed up and had a private burial. They arranged a military ceremony graveside and to have a military plaque installed at the grave. From beginning to end, our experience with this funeral home has been excellent. Pre-planning took the stress out of the process.
Other items to know: Private parking lot, clean restrooms, private consultation rooms on ground floor, water fountain in lobby, large and small viewing room on ground floor, response times from office staff was good. read more
