Make Family the Foundation for Funeral Planning

Making family central to funeral planning creates meaningful, personal tributes. Discover ways to involve loved ones in honoring a life with care and connection.

There are two ways to take care of funeral planning: 1) you can plan your own funeral in advance or 2) your survivors can plan your funeral for you after your death. Regardless of when it is planned, or who plans the funeral, the planning needs to start with your family. Your family should be the foundation for funeral planning.


After all, the funeral is not really for the deceased…it is for those who survive. We show respect for all human life in the manner in which we care for the body that housed the soul or spirit of our loved one. Respect and dignity for the body is important. The funeral helps those of us who survive by changing our focus from the cause of the death to the life that was lived. The funeral is the beginning of our grieving process and that is why funerals are so important.


If you are planning in advance for your own final remembrance, begin by thinking of those who love you. Your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your friends and even your co-workers, what will they remember? What will make them smile? What will comfort them? What will they need? When they think of you what will come to mind? How is faith a part of their lives?


If you are planning a funeral for a deceased family member, involve the children, grandchildren and even close friends in the process. Ask them how they remember their friend or relative. Remember, we have all had a unique relationship with the deceased, so what you want to remember may be different from what your brother remembers. Ask your funeral director for ideas so they can help you capture and express the unique personality of your family member in the service plan.


For many years funeral planning started with a different set of questions. It started with questions about the faith. What church did your mother belong to? It followed with questions about the decedent’s wishes. What do you think your dad would want? These are still good valid questions but basing the entire funeral plan on only these aspects may not touch every family member.


Mother may have preferred that no one see her after death, but if you, her daughter, need to see her, speak up. If you don’t share your brother’s faith and you need to hear a eulogy that is all about his life or see pictures that bring back your time growing up together, speak up. The imprint of the funeral sticks with the surviving family. It is literally the last memory we carry of someone we loved.

funeral homes Bethlehem, PA
December 15, 2025
Guiding families through music choices for meaningful farewells. Discover compassionate support among funeral homes Bethlehem, PA at Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
cremation services Middletown, PA
December 8, 2025
At Connell Funeral Home, Inc. we guide families through personalized cremation services that reflect life, legacy and love in Middletown, PA.
funeral homes Middletown, PA
December 1, 2025
When a veteran has served our nation with honor, we believe their final tribute deserves the same high level of respect and care. At Connell Funeral Home, Inc., we understand that families of those who served seek meaningful support and services from trusted funeral professionals, especially when researching funeral homes Middletown, PA . Our team is committed to walking beside you, recognizing the unique chapter of military service, and creating a farewell that reflects duty fulfilled. Honoring a Life of Service Transitioning from active service to civilian life is a major journey and the way a veteran’s life is celebrating matters deeply. When families come to us, we tailor the ceremony with military honors , respect for medals and insignia, and acknowledgement of service history. We believe those who wore the uniform deserve not just a generic service but a thoughtful, personalized farewell that affirms their service and sacrifice. What sets this apart? It acknowledges the identity of “veteran” and weaving it into every element, whether in flag presentation, honor guard, or special readings. Choosing a Funeral Partner with Expertise Given the many options families' face, selecting a funeral home that understands veterans’ benefits, protocols, and how to coordinate with veteran-affairs offices is essential. Our staff is trained to guide families through the available veteran benefits, and the logistics of military honor presentations. Moreover, we offer personalization options such as tribute videos, keepsake items connected to military service, and live streaming for distant family members. Our decades of experience mean we’re familiar with what families need, not just in the hours of service but in the days of follow-up support. Tailoring Every Detail From the color of the drape to the placement of the veteran’s cap, each detail matters. For example, we can coordinate with local veteran organizations or active-duty units to provide an honor guard, flag-folding ceremony, and Taps. We also assist with documentation so the veteran’s family can claim any eligible benefits or recognitions. Because we view each service as a true celebration of life, we invite families to incorporate special elements such as a “walk of honor,” slideshow of service years, or symbolic flag presentation by a family member. All of these help reinforce the theme of duty, legacy, and honor. Supporting Families Long After the Day The promise of service doesn’t end after the ceremony. Grief doesn’t wrap up when the last guest leaves. We provide extended grief support resources including weekly email messages for a full year, and access to our online memorial platforms so families can continue to connect, share memories, and invite support. This level of continued care means that when you search among funeral homes Middletown, PA you’ll find an option that doesn’t just check boxes but stays engaged. In choosing Connell Funeral Home, Inc., you’re selecting a firm whose legacy spans over a century, a team founded on compassion, concern, and respect for every life, especially those who served. We invite you to reach out so we can share how we honour duty and dedication in a way that is uniquely fitting. Please contact us to begin planning a service that truly reflects a veteran’s legacy and ensures your loved one is honored with dignity.
cremation services Allentown, PA
November 24, 2025
Every life tells a story filled with memories, passions, and meaningful moments. At Connell Funeral Home, Inc., we believe that a memorial should beautifully reflect that story. Families looking for cremation services Allentown, PA often want a personalized way to celebrate their loved one’s journey, one that honors their individuality and legacy with heartfelt detail. The Importance of Personalization A meaningful memorial goes beyond formality; it’s an expression of love. By incorporating personal touches into a service or remembrance, families can create a setting that truly feels like their loved one. Whether it’s a favorite color palette, cherished music, or décor inspired by hobbies and interests, these small but powerful details transform a service into a lasting tribute. Personalization also helps families heal. When the environment reflects the person being remembered, it evokes shared stories and joyful memories that foster connection and comfort. A thoughtfully designed memorial reminds everyone that even in loss, a beautiful life continues to inspire. Creative Ways to Personalize a Memorial There’s no single “right” way to design a meaningful memorial. The best approach is one that feels authentic to your loved one’s personality and life story. Here are a few creative ideas that can make any service more memorable: Memory Displays: Showcase photos, letters, and keepsakes that highlight meaningful moments throughout your loved one’s life. Favorite Music or Readings: Choose songs, poems, or passages that held special significance, setting a tone that feels personal and familiar. Thematic Décor: Use decorations that reflect passions—like gardening, travel, art, or sports—to create a space that feels warm and genuine. Interactive Elements: Memory walls or guest books allow family and friends to share stories, words of encouragement, and reflections. Video Tributes: A short film of treasured photos and clips can beautifully capture a lifetime of love and laughter. Each of these elements adds a deeper layer of meaning, helping attendees connect emotionally and celebrate a life well-lived. Designing a Lasting Legacy A memorial is also an opportunity to create something that endures a place, keepsake, or tradition that continues to honor your loved one. Families often choose to include a personal touch in lasting forms, such as engraved tokens, memory gardens, or digital memorials that preserve stories for generations. We help guide families in creating these lasting symbols of remembrance. Our team works closely with you to bring your vision to life, ensuring every detail feels intentional and true to your loved one’s legacy. How We Support Personalized Memorials Personalization doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s about capturing the essence of a life. From intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, we offer the flexibility and guidance families need to plan meaningful tributes. Whether you envision a traditional ceremony or a creative, story-driven experience, our compassionate staff will help you design a service that feels right. For inspiration and ideas, explore our planning resources , where we share helpful insights to guide you through the process with care and confidence. A Tribute as Unique as the Life It Honors At Connell Funeral Home, Inc., we take pride in helping families design memorials that truly capture the heart of their loved one’s life story. Through creativity, compassion, and thoughtful collaboration, we create spaces that bring comfort and connection. If you’re exploring cremation services Allentown, PA that allow for personalized, meaningful memorials, we invite you to connect with our team and discover how we can help you celebrate a life beautifully lived.
funeral homes Allentown, PA
November 17, 2025
Discover how Connell Funeral Home, Inc. supports families through personalized grief resources, and continued care after loss with funeral homes Allentown, PA.
cremation services Bethlehem, PA
November 10, 2025
Honor a veteran’s legacy with Connell Funeral Home, Inc. Discover how our compassionate team helps plan dignified ceremonies with full military honors.
VIEW MORE POSTS