Since 1900, McGee Monuments has been dedicated to crafting the highest quality grave markers and monuments in Rochester, NY. Their high-quality granite gravestones and monuments have been commissioned for use in many funeral and memorial traditions. There are a number of different funeral traditions practiced in North America; the most common are the standard funeral, private services, memorials, and gatherings.

Standard Funeral

The entirety of a standard funeral consists mainly of three segments: the visitation, the funeral service, and the burial. The visitation, sometimes called a viewing, gives people an opportunity to visit the family and the deceased; this is meant to offer closure.

Following the visitation is the funeral service itself, which usually held at the appropriate place of worship or a funeral home, although some services can be held at a person's home. It often includes the involvement of a clergy member from the deceased’s religion providing prayers and consolation. Eulogies can also be given at this point by family and friends.

Finally, the burial occurs. In many funeral traditions, the responsibility for carrying the casket from the site of the funeral service to the burial site is tasked to the men closest to the deceased; these pallbearers are usually male relatives or close friends. Once there, the final rites can be performed and administered to put the body at rest.

Private Services

The biggest difference between a standard funeral and private services is that the latter is significantly smaller and requires an invitation to attend. There are a variety of reasons for this, including but not limited to the age of the deceased, the need for privacy, or the desire for simplicity.

Memorials

A memorial service is generally the same as a funeral, except that it is held when the body of the deceased is not present. This way, those who have been cremated are still given the opportunity to be honored and celebrated.

Gatherings

As the name suggests, this practice involves people gathering either at a home or at the deceased's place of worship to celebrate their life. Depending on the culture, this type of congregation is also known as a luncheon or a wake.

Whichever traditions your culture practices, you can trust the caring staff at McGee Monuments to help forge a grave marker that will stand the test of time. They are also available to help arrange certain services. If you'd like more information about what they offer, please don't hesitate to contact them online or by calling (585) 546-4602.