Have you made funeral plans?

[AirForceRocks]

I know, not an especially fun subject to think about, but after witnessing various parts of the President Reagan's state funeral this past week, I was amazed at the level to which the details were planned. For example, I read this morning that the flag that was on his casket this week was the flag that was flying over the USS Ronald Reagan when he died last Saturday. It was pulled down, flown to CA and placed on his casket before he was taken to the library. All of the details just made me think about the plans that DH and I have made for our funeral services, (music, items that we want placed in the casket, burial, etc).

Is it too morbid, or have others made plans for their funerals as well?

 

[Rutt and Tuke]

We have discussed our general wishes, but for the most part they are simple: cremation, a party celebrating our life instead of mourning our death, and that's pretty much it.

 

[mep319]

Originally posted by Rutt and Tuke
We have discussed our general wishes, but for the most part they are simple: cremation, a party celebrating our life instead of mourning our death, and that's pretty much it.

Yeah! Me too! The whole taking up space and embalming thing drives me crazy! I have to say I am doing the same thing. Beyond what would happen to DD is still a child...what's it matter I'm not there anymore!

 

[chell]

The only thing I have asked for is to be have me wearing something purple and tell everyone I want mostly purple flowers there and there is one song that has really touched me that I want played. Otherwise I don't really care since I won't really be there.

 

[flaps]

I don't find it morbid at all. Seems practical to me.

I made "mock" funeral plans as an assignment in high school. Beyond that, my spouse and I have discussed our basic wishes.

 

[grinningghost]

DH and I have discussed it quite a bit. Cremation, no long, dreary memorial services. Some good music, food and drink and hopefully a few laughs instead of all tears.

And I want some of my ashes scattered at WDW, even if it's not allowed. DH has a unique way of finding ways around things.

 

[cgcw]

DH & I both know what the other wants. Other than having our wills done, we don't have any formal plans made.

When my Dad passed away (24 years ago next week from a massive heart attack, not something we knew was going to happen) we went to the local funeral home to make the arrangements. What we didn't know was my Dad was there a couple years before his death. My Dad was a character of sorts and wanted to "check out the new funeral home" as he told them. They showed him the viewing rooms -- he let them know which one he wanted. The funeral director even talked my Mom into purchasing a different, less expensive casket than she would have bought -- because it was the one my Dad had picked out on his visit.

While it didn't make the task at hand any easier, it was nice to know some of my Dad's wishes were completed -- even though he never verbalized them to us.

We have friends who have made all of their own arrangements and pre-paid for them as well.

 

[LScot]

You know, it got me thinking too. I know what I want and I really should write it down and pre-plan.

 

[Pin Wizard]

The only thing close is that I have the plot since it's with my husband who is gone. And he's next to my parents. I remember vaguely talking about this stuff with a guy at my church in FL. He was one who recommended having everything ready ahead of time. (He was friends with the local funeral home people.) I told him I wasn't sure how long I'd be in FL and that I wasn't planning on staying there forever. Couldn't see making arrangements just yet through them. Well, it's been quite a few years, but here I am...out of FL.

All my sister has told me about hers is that she wants a closed casket and a nice picture of her on top...to make sure no one opens it. LOLOLOL!

Oh! Please just check, check, check, and recheck again to make sure I'm REEEEEEEALLY dead before putting me in there! That is my one great fear...that I'll be buried and wake up! Go ahead...drain my blood and put formaldehyde in me!

 

[Dan Murphy]

We have plots over at the local cemetary, Marie has voiced her thoughts of what she wants and does not want. For me, just make sure the casket is an XL tall.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I've made it clear to everyone who may be responsible for my funeral, that I do not want them to spend tons of money on a casket. A simple pine box will do. I've also asked them not to put me in some ugly dress that I wouldn't wear in life. Oh yes, no bra and no shoes, I want to be comfortable And I want any and all organs to go to those who can use them.

I had to plan my funeral for a death and counseling class. It was pretty intense.

 

[N.Bailey]

Originally posted by Pooh Girl 71
I've made it clear to everyone who may be responsible for my funeral, that I do not want them to spend tons of money on a casket. A simple pine box will do. I've also asked them not to put me in some ugly dress that I wouldn't wear in life. Oh yes, no bra and no shoes, I want to be comfortable And I want any and all organs to go to those who can use them.

I had to plan my funeral for a death and counseling class. It was pretty intense.

I too wanted the pine box. I think they are more beautiful, but to be honest with you, they're not really much cheaper because (according to my funeral home when I buried my mother), you need to get a much more expensive vault.

Now, I don't proclaim to really know anything at all about this subject. I just thought I'd pass on what I was told.

 

[monkeyboy]

Stuffed and mounted over the fireplace





J/K no real plans

 

[C.Ann]

Cremation for both of us - no religious ceremony..

If DH goes first, his ashes will be buried here in a Military Cemetery (ex-Marine) and when I die my ashes will be buried there as well..

If I go first, my ashes are to be saved, later mixed with my DH's and scattered somewhere up at the lake..

Other aspects are taken care of as well - wills and such.. Took care of all of that within 24 hours of my DH being diagnosed with cancer.. it wasn't till then that I truly realized people can die at ANY age..

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Originally posted by N.Bailey
I too wanted the pine box. I think they are more beautiful, but to be honest with you, they're not really much cheaper because (according to my funeral home when I buried my mother), you need to get a much more expensive vault.

Now, I don't proclaim to really know anything at all about this subject. I just thought I'd pass on what I was told.

Well that figures. I just don't see the point in spending all this money on something that is going to be buried in the ground or in a mausoleum.

I'd go for cremation but I know if DH is the one making the decision, that is never going to happen.

 

[christineann]

Cremation for me. Last year our (Episcopal) priest made an announcement in church that every member would be offered a booklet to complete and and keep at home that lists personal assets, etc.; it also includes a form that indicates what hymns, scripture readings, etc. to be used at the funeral. It's your service, so plan it! I have chosen hymns and scripture that reflect triumph over death, no dreary ones for me.

 

[Bichon Barb]

I want one of those New Orleans parades (like in the James Bond movie with Jane Seymour...can't think of it... ). Then I want everyone to have a big party and talk about what a great person I was. Cremate me please.

Years ago my parents bought their plot and their headstone. My mother frequently says that she wants my sister and I to sit down and make a list of who wants what with regard to her jewelry. She's also one of those people who can't make any future plans without saying "God willing I'm still here..."

 

[nativetxn]

Not really. I will be buried in Texas but that is the extent of my funeral planning.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

My father was creamated, but his ashes have been sitting in an urn in a storage unit elsewhere in Florida. I'm trying to talk my Mom into taking them out. My Grandfather's ashes are in the same storage unit. It's weird...my Dad and Grandpa are just hangin' out in a storage unit doing nothing.

 

[AirForceRocks]

DH wants to be cremated but I'm going to be buried.