Attending a funeral and offering condolences shouldn’t be a difficult task, but it can be unnerving to most. People don’t want to cause any disruption or pain to grieving family members or unintentionally offend anyone. At Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Home, we believe knowing what will happen at a funeral can help reduce some of this nervousness. Here’s a look at what happens:

It is an Organized Event

Funerals have a structure and different aspects of it are organized. Guests don't have to worry about what they should do or where they should sit because the funeral home or family members will provide instructions. During the funeral, there will be readings, music, eulogies, and speeches from celebrants or priests. All you need to do is remain in place and listen to people sharing their grief. Be sure to turn off your phones or keep them on silent. Don't attend calls during the event and warn people to not call unless there's an emergency.

People may Show Different Emotions

Loss of a loved one is a traumatizing event. It can cause a lot of emotional agony and even anger. Expect people to cry, rage, or even walk away to take a break. Some family members may seem like they're not affected at all but it is important to remember that different people react differently. Offer some comforting words when needed or even a shoulder to cry on. Don’t judge people on how they react to the circumstance. It isn’t uncommon for people to smile or even laugh at funerals. It isn’t an indication that the person isn’t grieving or is happy that someone died.

If you want to know more about grief, memorial services, or cremation, don't hesitate to contact us at Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Home. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.