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To ask a question that is not answered here please email us at mightonfuneral@wightman.ca
What is a prearranged funeral?
A prearranged funeral is the arrangement of a funeral made prior
to death. The arrangements are made with a Funeral Director, by
the person for whom the arrangements involve or by someone responsible
for their care. There is no charge for prearranging a funeral.
Prearrangements can involve the deposit of funds for payment of
the funeral or can simply be the gathering of information. It is
a way for people to ease the emotional and financial strain for
those family and friends left behind.
What happens to the money deposited on a prearranged funeral?
The money is deposited with a financial institution for a renewable
term. When the need arises, the money is available to the funeral
home for payment of the funeral account. The money is transferable,
refundable at any time, and protected by provincial legislature
through the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation. The monies held
in trust by a funeral home are inspected and monitored by the Ontario
Board of Funeral Services.
Who prearranges a funeral?
Usually individuals who are retired and getting their affairs in
order make prearrangements. Also, those individuals that are responsible
for the care of someone who may be terminally ill, or in a nursing
home, retirement home or the hospital, often make these arrangements
along with all other necessary planning. Anyone can prearrange
a funeral, and will find it relieving to know that their arrangements
are taken care of.
What information will I need to prearrange a funeral?
You will need a name, address, birth date, Social Insurance Number
and birthplace. Other information gathered will be full name of
spouse, occupation, mother and father’s full name and birthplace,
and name and address of executor/legal representative/next of kin.
It will also be important that you have given some thought to what
services you would like, where you would like them, and any other
special requests you might have.
Are pre-paid funeral funds in a tax shelter?
Yes, they are exempt from tax under Bill C-70. This bill states that
all pre-paid funeral deposits in trust, and accruing interest are
protected from tax. There is further protection from tax on any
surplus interest earned, if that surplus is applied against funeral
related expenses (ie. Newspaper notices, cemetery expenses, etc.)
Who is responsible for making funeral arrangements?
Yourself, or someone responsible for your care can complete funeral
arrangements prior to their need. At the time of need, the arrangements
are made by the next of kin, executor or legal representative.
It is important that your funeral wishes be shared with the individual
that will be responsible for making your arrangements, so they
know what you want.
Do I need to have visitation?
This is your choice. However, feedback from families served, supports
visitation as an essential element in the grieving process. Your
community, family and friends care. Knowing they care and sharing
your grief with them helps you to heal.
Do I have to have embalming?
No, embalming is not required. It is strongly recommended when there
is to be visitation for the deceased or there is a delay in burial.
Embalming is the preparation, preservation, restoration, and disinfection
of the body. When a body is to be shipped out of province there
are laws in place that make it mandatory that the body be embalmed
prior to shipping.
Can I have a visitation period and a funeral service if cremation
is selected?
Yes you can. It is possible to have either visitation or a funeral,
or both, before or after cremation has taken place.
Is there a specific funeral ritual to follow?
Most definitely not. The funeral service is just as individual as
the person it is for. We encourage you to bring in personal items,
favorite music, pictures, books, etc. For the most part you are
limited by only your imagination.
What happens when I am cremated?
Cremation is a process by which the body is reduced by intense heat
over a period of time. The result of this is a few pounds of small
fragments, that are further reduced in size. The ‘cremated
remains’ are then returned to the funeral home and handled
according to the family’s wishes.
What does a Funeral Director do for you?
The Funeral Director plays several important roles in the funeralization
process;
- Remove/transfer the deceased to the funeral home
- Embalm/Other body preparation – professional embalming is
the preservation, restoration, preparation and disinfection of the
deceased.
- Arrange the funeral service with the family, and then facilitate
those wishes.
- Complete and file all necessary government documents
- Conduct the visitation and funeral
- Receive and place donations
- Receive and arrange floral tributes
- Distribute honourariums and pay invoices on the family’s
behalf
- Clean the facilities and cars both before and after the services
are complete
The mentioned activities comprise some of the tasks completed on
your behalf but are by no means a complete listing. Because each
service is unique, the requirements of the Funeral Director are never
the same.
How much does a Funeral Cost?
The cost of a funeral varies with the type of service requested and
the casket/container/urn selected. The best way to determine the
cost of the type of service you want is to talk with your Funeral
Director.
Should children be included in the funeral process?
Children should be given the choice of whether to be involved in
the funeral process or not. This is for their benefit as well as
the adults. It is important that children not be ‘protected’ from
death. Death is a very real, and common occurrence and something
that the child must learn to understand and deal with. We have
special literature available to assist you in dealing with their
questions and concerns.
Do you have a children’s
area?
We have a main floor lounge located conveniently beside the visitation
rooms. This room has a TV and VCR and allows the children to have
their own room, but be close enough to be monitored by parents.
Do
you have a Reception Facility?
Yes. Immediately adjacent to the Funeral Home is a self-contained
facility. 50 – 60 people can be served there.
How do I make a donation in memory of someone?
You can visit the funeral home, call and speak with one of our staff,
or email us at mightonfuneral@wightman.ca.
We would be happy to assist with placing a donation.
What happens if a loved one dies out of the province/country?
You are encouraged to call us for help. All necessary arrangements
to safely return your loved one can be facilitated and coordinated
by our funeral home.
Can my Power of Attorney complete my funeral arrangements?
No. The role of your Power of Attorney ceases upon your death. At
your death, the Executor assumes control of your funeral wishes.
It is for this reason that it is important your Executor be named,
and be made aware of your funeral wishes.
How do I become a Funeral Director?
There are currently two Funeral Service Education programs within
Ontario; Humber College, Toronto, and College Boreal, Sudbury (French
instruction). If interested, please visit the websites for these
colleges to learn more about their application, prerequisites and
course load.
Humber College - www.humber.ca
Humber Funeral Service Education - www.humber.ca/program/07321
Boreal College – www.borealc.on.ca
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