(Visited 10/08/24 TU @ 4:00pm): This chapel theoretically was a one-stop shop for all of your funeral or memorial service needs!
As you would imagine, it was a somber event that brought me, a dear friend, her family and relatives, and others to Deegan Funeral Chapel for a viewing and rosary of my friend's grandmother. Deegan had two locations within the surrounding communities (the other in nearby Ripon), but this particular location was closest to where she lived most of her life, so it only made sense. Would Deegan's pre-funeral services in their warm chapel ease everyone into the following day's formal celebration of life ceremony!?
EXPERIENCE
Personally, I only knew the family and direct relatives of my friend, but I enjoyed meeting others who knew the deceased grandmother. As you'd imagine, most guests who were her friends were of elderly age (she was in her 90s). Once everyone had their opportunity to view her (I never liked this part because I found the individual hardly resembled what he or she looked like when they were alive) as she laid peacefully in the open casket, we settled in and began the service and the rosary. If you've never experienced a rosary before... Lord help you! Growing up Roman Catholic, this was more than ample punishment - LOL! The father's voice was monotone and his stories seemed at times non-connective, but we pushed on. As things progressed with a solemn casualness and a good amount of "Hail Marys" and psalms, we finally reached the end. The introspection one tends to achieve during this ritual was always a good thing for a time of reevaluation of life. At the end, we all gestured or said our salutations as we parted ways into the night.
SERVICE
From the time we arrived to the time we left, the minimal staff was helpful with the preparations and any assistance to those who needed any. Everyone was courteous and respectful during this time of grief - amen!
PARKING (FREE)
They had their own small lot. Otherwise, there was plenty of parking along the closest residential street of San Joaquin St. - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
I didn't take the time to really explore the facility. But, what I saw was a quaint place with a lobby/meeting area on the ground level and a short flight of stairs to a room on the second level where the evening's event took place which had a staging area and many seats for those in attendance. Decorations were kept to a minimum and very sterile. There were some flowers placed about, and the general feel was calm and peaceful. A decent amount of natural lighting came through the front windows and doors on the ground level while bright electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. I didn't notice any TVs although I believed some light hymnal music played in the background.
ATTIRE
Out of respect for the occasion, I was in a long-sleeve buttoned-up collar shirt, dress slacks, and dress shoes.
OVERALL
Generally speaking, I found everything fine at Deegan Funeral Chapel, and I felt everyone else felt the same. Honestly, I had no idea of any of the background planning process, but the staff seemed to be accommodating and helpful. The only thought that came to mind was, "where were the refreshments?" Maybe it was just a cultural thing for Filipinos to do to have drinks and food available during the viewing and rosary. Regardless, it was a nice evening. I found very good value based on the service and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice (I did some post-research)... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more
