The loss of a loved one is a difficult ordeal, whether the death was unexpected or more predictable. Fortunately, most people are not used to organizing funerals and can feel quite disoriented by these procedures. That's why Crématel offers professional and respectful support with accessible funeral services. We guide grieving families through the various stages, from administrative procedures to organizing a ceremony.
Our funeral services
At Crématel, we know that every family and every deceased person is unique. That's why we have developed a range of affordable services that respect both the dignity of the deceased and the financial means of their loved ones, with clear packages and no hidden fees:
- Simple cremation, which includes full care of the deceased and legal documentation
- Simple cremation with wooden urn
- Ashes ceremony, including a 2-hour viewing at the parlour after cremation
- Church or cemetery ceremony for those who wish a traditional service, including the urn procession
- Viewing of the deceased at the parlour before cremation, a package that includes embalming, coffin rental, and a 4-hour viewing.
We can help you make a free and informed decision based on your financial imperatives and preferences, whether you desire simple funeral ceremonies or a longer viewing to receive condolences and say a final goodbye.
First steps to begin a funeral service request
The very first step will be to designate the person responsible for handling the funeral. This person, whether the designated executor or another close relative, will be the point of contact with our team in Saint-Jérôme.
At this point, it will be a matter of contacting our funeral home. Our advisors will then gently guide you step by step, starting with collecting essential information. We may need:
- Birth or marriage certificate
- Social insurance number
- Health insurance card
- Personal effects
- Photographs of the deceased
- List of names for the obituary
- Your identification documents
We help you plan everything necessary for the first appointment, during which we will discuss last wishes and the organization of ceremonies. We then handle the cremation request and the death declaration.
How does life insurance work in case of death? You will first need to obtain the death certificate, hence the importance of starting these procedures quickly.
Ideas for funeral celebrations
Every life deserves to be celebrated uniquely. We always encourage families to personalize their ceremony to reflect the personality and values of the deceased. Funeral pre-arrangements can guide grieving loved ones' choices by informing them of the deceased's last wishes.
Celebrations may include elements such as:
- Sharing speeches and testimonials
- Reading poems or religious texts, according to the deceased's beliefs
- A personalized music playlist in the background, including your loved one's favorite songs or songs that bring back special memories
- Creating a photo album or a commemorative collage
Other symbolic gestures are also possible: planting a tree, organizing a dove release, or sharing a meal of your loved one's favorite dishes at a reception.
FAQ – All about funeral services
What is the difference between burial and cremation?
Burial traditionally corresponds to placing the body in the ground in a coffin, while cremation is the process that transforms the body into ashes through combustion. The latter is generally more ecological, in addition to being more affordable. However, it is possible to combine the two by burying the funeral urn if you wish, thus providing a place for contemplation.
Can funerals be organized in a place other than a funeral home?
Absolutely. We can organize funeral services at the cemetery or in a place of worship like a church. In addition to traditional services, you can also opt for simple cremation and organize a personalized ceremony in a meaningful location or at home.
How can I get help with funeral financing?
In Quebec, workers who have contributed enough to the Quebec Pension Plan can receive the death benefit paid by Retraite Québec. For others, there is also a special funeral expense benefit providing up to $2500. Funeral insurance is an option often included in life insurance.
Is it possible to plan one's own funeral in advance?
Yes, funeral pre-arrangements allow you to plan and pay for your own funeral in advance. This ensures that your wishes will be respected and relieves your loved ones of a financial and emotional burden.
What types of funeral monuments can be installed?
Several options are available to you: tombstones, grave markers, mausoleums, and columbariums are the most common monuments.
