Navigating The Journey: The 5 Benefits of Advance Funeral Planning

Please join Keohane and Dependable Cleaners as we collect gently-used adult and children's coats to help neighbors in need along the South Shore. Coats will be distributed through a pair of essential local organizations, Interfaith Social Services and Wellspring Multi-Service Center.

After 82 years, we are keenly aware that loss takes many forms. Grief isn’t limited to the passing of a spouse, sibling, child, or friend, the pain that comes with the loss of cherished animal companion—be it a dog, cat, or anything else—can be just as profound. Our pets are family members and losing them often triggers an overwhelming sense of grief, leaving us with a deep emotional void. Dogs and cats can be sources of unconditional love, and the loss of that unconditional love is often devastating. The Deep Bonds We Share with Our Animals Dogs, cats, and other pets hold a special place in our hearts. They’re more than animals; they are companions, confidants, and providers of the boundless devotion that so many of us treasure. Whether it’s the excited welcome home after a long day at work or the comfort of your cat purring contentedly while curled up next you, pets offer an unwavering level of loyalty and affection. Pets are also a source of great emotional support during difficult times. How many folks reading this adopted a dog or cat during the pandemic, for instance? Their presence can reduce loneliness, lower stress levels, and provide a sense of purpose. This bond is what makes their loss so painful. When a pet dies, we lose both their companionship and comfort they brought into our daily lives along with the routine rhythms of walks, playtime, feeding, and care they require each day. Why the Grief is So Deep Grieving the loss of a pet can be just as intense as grieving for a human loved one—and sometimes, it hurts even more. Here’s why: 1. Unconditional Love and Dependence Pets offer us unconditional love. Unlike most human relationships and the complex emotions they often include, the bonds between us and our pets is often pure and simple. They depend on us for food, shelter, and care; in return, we rely on them for emotional connection and purpose. Losing that constant presence can feel like losing an anchor in your life. 2. Routine and Rituals Pets are an integral part of our daily routines. From the morning walk to the evening feeding to the adventures we share with them and all of the quiet moments we spend together in between, our pets become woven into the fabric of our day-to-day lives. When they’re gone, those routines are disrupted, leaving us with a massive absence that can trigger feelings of deep sadness and disorientation. 3. A Silent Grief One of the biggest challenges of pet loss is that it can feel isolating—after all, not everyone understands the depth of the bond you shared with your pet, and sometimes people will simply fail to grasp the significance of this loss. However it’s intended, when people say things like, "she was just a dog," or "you can get another cat," they can make you feel like your grief isn’t valid. At Keohane, we want to remind you that your feelings are completely valid! Grieving a pet is as natural and necessary as any other loss you’ll experience. Coping with the Loss of a Pet There is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a pet. Each person’s grief journey is unique, though there are a few steps you can take to help navigate this difficult period: 1. Allow Yourself to Mourn It’s important to give yourself permission to grieve. Acknowledge your feelings and recognize that it’s okay to be deeply saddened by the loss of your pet. Don’t rush the process or compare your grief to anyone else’s. It’s your journey, and it’s personal. No one will understand the bond between you and your pet the way you do, after all. 2. Create a Memorial Many people find solace in honoring their pet’s memory. You might create a special place in your home or garden where you can reflect on the joy they brought into your life. People will often choose to frame a favorite picture, plant a tree in their pet’s honor, or keep a memento that reminds them of their companion. Some folks will get their pet’s paws or face tattooed on their bodies or make a donation to an animal rescue organization. It’s entirely up to you. 3. Seek Support You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk with people who understand the depth of your bond with your pet—friends, family members, or a counselor. There are also pet loss support groups, both online and in-person, where you can share your grief with others who have experienced similar losses. 4. Consider a Ritual Some people find closure in holding a special ceremony or ritual for their pet. This could be as simple as lighting a candle in their memory or writing a letter expressing your feelings. There are people who opt to hold a memorial service for their pets. These rituals can give you a sense of peace and help you move through the stages of grief. Keohane’s Commitment to Compassion The Keohane team knows how important it is to provide compassionate support for all kinds of loss. Whether you’re mourning the loss of a pet or a human loved one, we’re here to support you in your time of grief. Pets are family, and we honor the deep connections you share with them. Grief has no timeline, and the loss of a beloved pet can leave a lasting impact. Remember that it's okay to feel what you're feeling, and there is no "right" way to grieve. At Keohane, we are always available to offer guidance, empathy, and support during life’s most difficult moments.

A headstone will stand at your loved one’s final resting place long after the funeral service and burial. Exposure to New England’s four seasons and unpredictable weather can take a toll on the physical beauty of these markers. The Keohane team understands the importance of maintaining these special monuments and want to help you to do so by sharing this detailed guide on how to clean a headstone properly—and respectfully. Preparation: 7 Necessary Items: A soft-bristled brush: A brush with natural fibers is ideal for a delicate cleaning job like this Non-ionic soap: This will be gentle on the stone. Brands including Simple Green, Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap, and Dawn Liquid Dish Soap are all solid recommendations for you. Water: Use distilled water if possible. It’s safer, especially if you have hard water coming from your tap. A plastic or wooden scraper: This will help you to safely removing any growths on the stone, such as moss or bird droppings. Soft cloths: These will allow you to dry the stone without causing any abrasions. A spray bottle: For the even application of water…and ease of portability. A bucket: To mix your cleaning solution and an easy way to carry all of your cleaning materials back and forth. Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions: 1. Assess the Stone Before you do any actual cleaning, take a close look at the headstone. If you see any damage to the stone, such as cracks or flaking, you’re advised to consult a professional before attempting to clean it. You don’t want to cause any further damage after all. 2. Wet the Stone Start by spraying the headstone evenly with plenty of water. Doing so will keep the cleaning solution from getting absorbed too deeply into the stone and inadvertently causing damage. 3. Prepare the Cleaning Solution Mix a small amount of the non-ionic soap with water, using the guidelines on the cleaning solution’s label or website. 4. Gently Clean the Stone Take your soft-bristled brush and gently scrub the headstone with the soapy water. Working the brush in a circular motion, start at the bottom of the stone so that you avoid dripping over already cleaned areas, which may cause streaks. 5. Rinse Thoroughly Regularly rinse the headstone with clean water to flush away the dirt and debris you’ve loosened and prevent soap buildup too. 6. Remove Moss and Lichen If you see clumps of moss or lichen, remove them carefully with your scraper. It’s important to be as gentle as possible to avoid scratching the stone. 7. Final Rinse and Dry Once you’ve cleaned the headstone thoroughly and are satisfied with the result, rinse it a final time and pat it dry gently with your soft cloth. Additional Tips: Don’t use harsh chemicals: Never use bleach or acidic cleaners. These can corrode or even cause permanent stains on the stone. Test first: Always test your cleaning method on a small, less visible area of the headstone before proceeding, like the back or very bottom of the stone. Consider the weather: Aim for a cool, cloudy day for this cleaning project. Too much sun can cause rapid drying that will leave residue and streaks. Taking your time to clean a headstone can be a unique way to connect with and remember a loved one. By following these guidelines and cleaning regularly, you’ll honor their memory in a noble way. At a practical level, it’s also a way to protect what can be an expensive tribute. If you have any concerns or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a Keohane team member with your questions. We're here to help preserve the legacies of your loved ones.

A new trend has emerged in the last few years in which people choose to alter the approach to the end-of-life. The Living Funeral is a customized service that enables people to celebrate their lives with their family and friends while still here to enjoy this deeply meaningful experience. Living funerals offer a unique chance to embrace a full life, create more lasting memories, and spark open conversations about death. Embracing Life and Creating Special Memories More than a simple gathering, a living funeral is a celebration of one’s life. It’s a chance for you to look back on your journey through life, share your stories, and bask in love and appreciation from family and friends alike. Celebrations like these may include your favorite foods, music, and hobbies that hold special meaning for you. Rather than the typical somber funeral service, a living funeral is an opportunity to create an environment that’s filled with joy and warm nostalgia. The impact of a living funeral like this is profound—and profoundly positive. It allows your family and circle of friends to express their gratitude, heal old wounds in relationships, and find closure where it’s needed, while the opportunity still exists. If you’re the honoree, it’s an affirmation of your life and legacy, giving you a sense of comfort and peace during a time that may otherwise be filled with uncertainty. For your loved ones, it’s a cherished opportunity to say “thank you” and “I love you,” knowing that their words will be heard and felt. The Benefits of Speaking Openly About Death One of the key benefits of a living funeral is the chance it affords you to speak openly about death. Death is a taboo subject in many cultures and often avoided in conversation. Yet discussing death in plain terms can lead to a deeper understanding and acceptance of life’s natural cycle. Embracing this kind of open dialogue allows you to share your wishes for end-of-life care, funeral arrangements and charitable beneficiaries you’d like to acknowledge, and how you wish to be remembered. This transparency can alleviate the burden on your loved ones who might otherwise struggle having to make these decisions during a time of intense grief. In a way, it’s one more gift to your loved ones before you pass. Plus, speaking openly about death may reduce your fear and anxiety about it. It may encourage you to live more fully and appreciate the present moment and inspire the people attending to live their lives in a similar fashion. Creating a Legacy of Love and Acceptance A living funeral can be a beautiful way to create a legacy of love and acceptance. It’s often a testament to a life well-lived and a special reminder of the impact you may have had on the lives of people in your family and network of friends. It allows you to leave these folks more than just memories; you’re also giving a sense of closure and peace. This growing trend of living funerals offers a transformative approach to the end of life. It celebrates your journey, cements meaningful connections, and encourages open conversations about death. At Keohane, we believe in honoring life in all of its stages. If you’re considering a living funeral or are curious to learn more, please contact us. We’re here to support you and your loved ones and help you create a celebration that reflects the beauty and significance of your life.

Family structures are more diverse than ever these days. As our society evolves, our traditions and practices need to evolve with them, including the ways in which we honor our loved ones when they pass on. We believe that memorial services ought to be inclusive, respectful, and reflective of the unique relationships that make up every family we serve. In this blog, we'll share with you how to incorporate these varied family structures into funeral ceremonies, enabling you to acknowledge and honor each of these special relationships. Recognizing the Diversity of Modern Families Modern families exist in many forms, such as blended families, single-parent families, LGBTQ+ families, families with adopted children, and more. Perhaps you recognize your family structure here? It's essential that we recognize and validate these diverse structures during memorial services so that everyone feels included and respected. Open Communication One of the most important steps when you’re planning an inclusive memorial service is open communication. Engaging each family member early in the planning process creates an opportunity to understand their individual desires and perspectives. Doing so can help you make sure that no one feels they’ve been excluded during an already difficult time emotionally. Encouraging your family members to share stories, memories, and special traditions that can be incorporated into the service helps to create a sense of inclusivity that can lift everyone’s spirits during an otherwise challenging period. Personalize the Ceremony Having gathered anecdotes and cherished memories from your family members, personalizing the ceremony to reflect the unique life and relationships of the deceased leads to deeply meaningful ways to honor their memory. Here are three such examples for you to consider: 1. Custom Eulogies: Invite multiple family members and close friends to share their own memories, or offer a eulogy. This allows for a richer, more diverse representation of the deceased's life and relationships. 2. Photo Displays: Create a photo collage or video that includes pictures from all stages of their life (if available), celebrating friendships, family events, special moments, and highlighting the connections among these various relationships that made a significant impact on the deceased's life. 3. Symbolic Gestures: Incorporate symbolic gestures that hold special meaning for different family members, like lighting candles, releasing balloons, creating a fundraising event, or planting a tree or garden in memory of the loved one. Inclusive Rituals and Traditions Weaving diverse rituals and traditions into the memorial service can help provide another way to respect and honor any cultural and religious backgrounds within your family. A few ways to do this include: 1. Multicultural Elements: If the deceased or your family members come from different cultural backgrounds, consider including some elements from these cultures in the ceremony. This could include representative music, readings from treasured books, or traditional rituals. 2. Interfaith Considerations: If your family includes members of various faiths, find ways to incorporate interfaith prayers or rituals, or readings that honor the beliefs of all family members. 3. Non-Religious Options: Some families prefer a non-religious service that focuses on celebrating the life and values of the deceased through personal anecdots, music, and meaningful activities. For instance, was the decedent a Deadhead? Including music from a favorite show could be a lovely way to celebrate this aspect of them. Respecting Unique Relationships Every relationship is a unique relationship, with its own dynamics. It’s important to acknowledge and honor these connections during the memorial service. Consider these: 1. Acknowledging All Relationships: Make sure that the service acknowledges and honors all significant relationships in the deceased's life, regardless of their structure (biological, adopted, chosen, or otherwise). 2. Inclusive Language: Use inclusive language that respects the dynamics of your family structure and relationships. Avoid assumptions about roles or titles, and be mindful of how different family members may identify. It’s okay to ask family members or close friends how they’d prefer to be addressed! 3. Special Roles: Is it possible to give different family members and friends special roles, such as reading a poem, performing a song, or leading an aspect of the service? This can to a long way in ensuring that everyone feels involved and recognized. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere Creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere is a vital key for a successful and respectful memorial service: 1. Venue Considerations: Choose a venue that’s accessible and welcoming to all of your family members and friends, including those with disabilities or special needs. Consider that some attendees may need to bring a care provider with them. 2. Hospitality: It’s important that all guests feel welcome and comfortable attending the memorial. Hospitality may include offering refreshments, having a sign-in book, or offering grief support for those who may need it. 3. Sensitivity and Empathy: Approach the planning and execution of the service with sensitivity and empathy. This is a very emotional time for everyone involved, after all. Kindness matters here more than ever. The Keohane team is committed to helping families like yours to create inclusive, respectful, and meaningful memorial services that will honor the unique lives and relationships of your loved ones. In embracing diverse family structures, we can be certain that every service is a true reflection of the individual being celebrated.

First responders hold a special place of honor in South Shore communities. The courage, selflessness, and dedication our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs show every day in protecting and serving others defines heroism. The Keohane team understands the importance of honoring these remarkable people when they make the ultimate sacrifice in their service. Planning funerals and memorials for our first responders involves a number of special considerations to ensure tribute is paid appropriately to their service and secure their legacy with the utmost respect.

At Keohane, we understand the importance of these family heirlooms. We know that they’re more than simply objects; they are repositories of memories, stories, and emotions. Whether a vintage locket worn by your great-grandmother or a baby blanket passed down through the generations, each heirloom holds a piece of your family’s narrative. They serve as tangible connections to our ancestry, reminding us of who we are and who they were.

Losing someone you love, whether a family member or friend, is one of life’s most complex challenges. As the swirl of emotions envelops you, there often comes a moment in which you’ll find yourself standing before a crowd of family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances, tasked with delivering a eulogy that captures the essence of who the departed was in a relatively brief tribute. The weight of this responsibility can be immense, yet it is also an opportunity for you to honor and celebrate a life well-lived; in doing so, you’re creating a shared moment for the community of mourners to remember the deceased in a sharply defined way. Crafting a eulogy is an art form—a form that requires deep reflection, an awareness of the audience, and a profound understanding of the person you’re honoring.

Let’s face it, losing a loved one is never easy. When that loved one was estranged at the time of their passing, the feelings of grief you experience can be overwhelming, complicated by the distance between you. At Keohane, our decades of experience have helped us to understand the unique challenges that arise when mourning a family member or friend from whom you were estranged, whether emotionally or physically distant—and how to process them at an already difficult time.