Chances are, if you or someone you know has a metal implant from a surgery such as a hip or knee replacement, you probably have never thought about what would happen to that implant upon cremation.
Even with temperatures in excess of 1600°F during the cremation process, metal implants withstand the heat. At our facilities, these parts are placed aside and given to a metal recycling company that will then melt the parts down to be recycled.
For these metal implants, we receive a nominal fee, which we in turn donate back to the community by providing cremations to the poor.
Do you have a question pertaining to cremation, funerals or death that you’d like to ask? We always welcome your questions. Please comment below, or email josee@phaneuf.net to submit a question.
With everything going digital, even virtual funerals are gaining in popularity. Despite the growing trend, many stand by their word that they would never attend a virtual ceremony, as it is very different from tradition.
Many feel that virtually, they are lacking and would miss the “personal” touch and support that they would give or receive at a traditional service; that there is nothing that can replace our human interactions. We agree, but we are always more than willing to accommodate families, especially when circumstances require more options. To that end, we have found circumstances that may make this form of viewing or funeral generally more accepted. Here are a few scenarios that you may not have considered:
• In this economic crisis, travel may not be an option due to difficult financial situations. A virtual funeral allows those who cannot travel a way to pay their respects and attend the funeral in a way that would not be feasible without the Internet.
• Several people deal with much anxiety when attending a funeral or wake. It may be very difficult for them to control their anxiety and emotions. This allows friends/family that deal with this level of anxiety, the opportunity to show support and pay condolences in what they may consider a more comfortable environment.
• Anyone can attend a virtual service, even if they are ill, elderly (and cannot make it out), or any other circumstance that makes them unable to attend the services.
We have recently accommodated a family with virtual capabilities at a traditional service. The family realized that one of their sons would not be able to travel and attend the services, do to unforeseen circumstances. They were truly grateful for the steps that were taken to allow for everyone in the family to be part of the service, and we were pleased to be able to accommodate their needs and the needs of all the families we service.
Along with all other industries, the Funeral industry has also been affected by technology. With the change of the times, have come many advances such as online tributes, virtual funerals, and QR codes on Gravestones.
Online memorials are an effective way to pay tribute to a loved one. The tributes are a way for friends and family to visit the webpage to comment, support and remember their loved one. The tributes we offer allow families to create a tribute for any loved one who has passed away, even if it was not recently. It’s an excellent way to preserve the memory of your loved one with a tribute.
Virtual funerals have been growing in popularity, despite a bit of a stigma associated with it, With the economic downturn, many are struggling to afford to travel to funerals. This option is a cost-effective way to allow for long-distant friends and relatives to “attend” the viewing of the funeral and pay their respects virtually.
A Seattle-based company has taken Gravestones into the 21st century by offering QR codes on headstones. The QR code (the square codes you’ve been seeing in magazines, newspapers and on products) now available on headstones creates an option for families to link the QR code to a tribute page or other memorial webpage for the deceased. “It’s a way for mourning friends and family to stay connected to their loved one,” stated the company.
We’re certain that technology will continue to bring more advances and opportunities for funerals and funeral homes. Please share your thoughts on these and other advances.
There are many misconceptions of what Hospice is and what they do. Here’s some information you may not be aware of.
Hospice is not just for cancer patients. Hospice care is for patients and their families during any life-limiting illness. It’s care that provides comfort and support to patients facing life-threatening illnesses with a life expectancy of six months or less.
It is not necessary to go to a Hospice facility for care. Within the past decade, approximately 90% of Hospice care was within the patients’ home.
After the patient’s death, Hospice will provide grief support to families for a year, and in some cases, even longer.
There are over 2800 Hospice programs across the country and several in NH. Here is a (partial) list of Hospice organizations that serve our communities:
As a funeral director, I have the opportunity to meet many individuals and families, as well as caregivers. Caregivers have such an important role, and Hospice Caregivers and Volunteers are especially important in helping patients and families cope with death.
We are especially grateful for the many caregivers and volunteers that have made it their goal to offer comfort and dignity to help improve the quality of life of a patient during his/her last days.
We’ve had the opportunity to work directly with many hospice caregivers and volunteers, and we truly appreciate everything they do.
The Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium staff would like to make it our new years resolution dedicated to Hospice. In 2012, it is our focus to show Hospice Caregivers and Volunteers that we appreciate their dedication.
If you are involved in Hospice, we’d like to start the year by saying thank you for everything you do.
As the holiday season comes to an end, the wonderful memories of family moments begin to settle into our minds and the thoughts of new year’s resolutions and a fresh start to the new year come to the forefront of our thoughts.
While you begin to think of what you’d like to change for the new year, it’s important to keep the focus on things that are positive to you, your family and others around you.
Take this opportunity as the new year begins, to start a fresh approach to whatever it is you’d like to accomplish. And remember that every moment and experience you have, whether positive or negative, can teach us a lot and help us grow.
Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium and Cremation Society of NH would like to recognize two hospice caregivers or volunteers who truly embody the Christmas spirit.
We appreciate everything that Hospice CareGivers and Volunteers do, and look forward to recognizing two of them for their dedication to helping families. Please nominate someone you know and help us in finding someone who truly deserves this recognition.
In addition to this recognition, we are always looking for ways to help Hospice organizations. We enjoy sharing Hospice news and events in our monthly newsletters. If you have any information you would like us to share with our online followers and newsletter subscribers, please feel free to email the details to josee@phaneuf.net.
In addition to the interesting facts we’ve been posting to FaceBook, we have included some others below.
A properly folded military flag shows 4 stars, one each to represent the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
Taberger’s safety coffin was developed in 1829. It included a bell to ring that would alert the graveyard workers if they were being buried alive.
Prior to the 20th century, some European families would hire professional mourners to either look sad or wail.
Elephants and chimpanzees both have been known to bury their dead, by throwing leaves and branches over the deceased members of their families.
An odd spot to have a cemetery, an apartment building’s parking lot in Hattiesburg, Mississippi has a small cemetery.
Flowers placed at the grave were originally brought to promote good will with the spirit of the deceased.
The tradition of playing loud music at an Irish wake originated with the belief that it would ward off evil spirits. The wake also presented an opportunity to watch over the deceased to see if he/she would awaken.
In NH, embalming is not required prior to cremation, and it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise. The only time embalming is legally required is if the family chooses a public service with an open casket prior to cremation. Embalming is also required if the deceased is to be transported from one state to another by common carrier.
There are many interesting funeral facts on the Internet, as well as some myths. If you have heard of a unique funeral fact (or myth), please share it with us and we’ll provide more information on it.
As everyone prepares for Thanksgiving, we would like to take a moment to say that we are very thankful for all the families we have serviced, as well as all the caregivers, hospice workers and volunteers that we have had the privilege of interacting with.
This Thanksgiving, we hope that you have wonderful moments with family and friends that will make memories for years to come.
Veteran’s day is always observed on November 11th, and was created to honor ALL American veterans, both living and dead. It is very much intended to thank veterans for their dedication and loyal service to our country so that we ensure veterans know how much we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedom.
Veteran’s day originated from Armistice Day, which was based on the ending of WWI and the date of ceremonies and burial for the “unknown soldier”. This took place on November 11, 1918 at 11AM (the eleventh hour of the eleventh month).
It wasn’t until 1938 that Armistice Day became a national holiday. Then, in 1947, a Veteran’s parade was held on Armistice Day in Alabama to honor ALL American veterans for their loyal service. Shortly thereafter Kansas Congressman, Edward Rees requested that legislation change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans who have served the United States in all wars.
In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day.
At Arlington National Cemetery, at exactly 11 a.m., each November 11th, a color guard, made up of members from each of the military branches, renders honors to America’s war dead during a heart-moving ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb to a Taps Buglar. The balance of the ceremony, including a “Parade of Flags” by numerous veteran service organizations, takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb.
Today, many communities participate in their own Veteran’s day parades, events and veteran appreciation activities. We encourage you to participate in a Veteran’s day activity.
We’d like to say thank you to all the men and women who have served to protect our country and our freedoms. We honor your bravery and dedication today and always.
Four locations to serve you in Manchester, Boscawen and Littleton, NH • Tollfree: 1-800-PHANEUF • P: 603-625-5777
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