For over 35 years, since 1976; we have skillfully assisted Orland Park families in making the necessary arrangements for funeral services for their loved ones. What does that mean for you? It means we are seasoned professionals. When you come to us to help you with funeral service arrangement details, you're receiving the benefits not only of lengthy professional experience, but of the diversity of our experience.
You see, no two such services are the same. How could they be? After all, every individual and every family is different; each looks to us for specialized, very personal attention–and that's exactly what we provide.
Every member of the Colonial Chapel staff came to funeral service because they care deeply about others; their hearts have called them to serve families in what, for many, are the darkest hours of their lives. While this calling has led each of them to complete years of professional training; it's their compassionate heart that makes them remarkable.
It is our belief that every aspect of a service should reflect not only the unique character of the deceased, but also the love felt by those left behind. That's why we take all the time we need to sit down with a family, to ask the right questions and to listen closely to their answers. Together, we plan every detail of their loved one's funeral service, and then it's all up to us to take care of all those essential details. After all, that's what we do best: families and their guests often tell us the funeral services we arranged on their behalf played a major role in celebrating the life of their loved one, and helping them come to terms with their loss.
Commonly, the families we serve choose to arrange a traditional funeral service, which includes three events: the visitation, followed by the funeral ceremony and a graveside committal service. And families can opt to make additional arrangements for a funeral reception, to be held after their loved one's funeral.
The Visitation: We've discovered something important for you to know: this event offers everyone in attendance a remarkable opportunity to connect with one another on a deeper level than you'd ever imagine. The visitation is the time for uplifting conversation and story-telling; and here at Colonial Chapel we take extra steps to guarantee its value. We bake dozens of homemade cookies to be served (along with beverages, of course) during the event. Our staff also prepares a Tribute Video to be played privately for family members prior to the visitation, as well as for everyone during the event. Usually held the afternoon and evening of the day before the event, your loved one's visitation can be a very special experience–not just for grieving family members, but for all who attend.
The Ceremony: A funeral service is an ordered ceremony led by an individual entrusted by the family. Whether officiated by a member of our staff, a denominational minister or non-denominational celebrant; each of the funeral services we've arranged accomplishes two very important things. First, it guides those attending through a structured process of acknowledging the worthy contributions made by the deceased during their lifetime, and lead everyone there into a greater appreciation of life and deeper understanding of the significance of death. A funeral service commonly includes the music of the family's choosing, specially selected readings or prayers, and a eulogy. It can also include a time for guests to share their stories and express their feelings.
The Graveside: Committal Service When a family elects to bury a loved one in the dedicated ground of a cemetery; it becomes our obligation to make all the necessary arrangements for the procession to the cemetery and a committal service to be held at the grave site. Usually involving only members of the immediate family and the close friends of the deceased, a committal service commonly involves the recitation of prayers, and the sprinkling of dirt or flowers on the coffin after it is lowered into the ground. While there is a certain finality to the event; a committal service can be a very moving experience and bring a deep sense of peace for all in attendance.
The Funeral Reception: This event, held at the family's home or at another location of their choice, offers both the guests and the family members a vital opportunity to spend some casual time together, enjoying delectable food and beverages. Sharing both laughter and tears, guests and family members alike find the funeral reception to be the perfect close to the traditional funeral service.
While the structure of your loved one's funeral service can be traditional, it doesn't mean it should be less-than-personal. After all, they were one-of-a-kind; their funeral should be just as unique as they were. When we all sit down together to plan the funeral order of service, we'll discuss the various ways we can bring your loved one's unique personality into the service, acknowledge their many contributions to the well-being of others; all with the intention of truly celebrating their life–and the loved you shared. Here are some things to consider when personalizing funeral service arrangements:
Because it is our intention to showcase their life, and fully document the love of the family left behind, we want to really get to know your loved one as best we can. And we can't do it alone; we need you to help us do our best. And the best is what your loved one so deserves, don't you think?
Don't worry; personalizing a funeral service doesn't cost extra; it's all part of what we do each and every day to support families just like yours in their effort to "say goodbye" with a personal sense of style unique to their loved one.
When you need the services of experienced, compassionate funeral professionals with heart, people committed to providing grieving families with memorable and meaningful funerals; then we invite you to contact us. You're welcome to send us an email; however, if your need is immediate we urge you to call us at 708-532-5400.