Listen to our latest Good Grief podcast where we talk to our guest Kate Garza, social worker at Moments Hospice, about the specifics regarding hospice care. Resources mentioned in this podcast: 12 questions for the holidays (free PDF): https://oconnellfuneralhomes.com/ocfh-holiday-promo/ 5-days of grief & the holidays (free meditation video series): https://oconnellfuneralhomes.com/holiday-grief/ Moments Hospice – (763)-205-3600 https://momentshospice.com […]
Let’s delve into some of the facts and unknown parts of the cremation process. Cremation is the process in which a body is reduced through the process of combustion and heat, leaving elements that are commonly called cremains or ashes. The cremation process typically takes about three hours from start to finish with optimal temperatures […]
Cemeteries are a community’s landmark for so many reasons. The obvious need is for a permanent home for our loved ones. But outside of the obvious, a cemetery is so very vital to our well being than simply saying goodbye. Cemeteries are one of the most peaceful settings in a community. During the day, the […]
Every year, Merriam-Webster comes out with the word of the year. This year, conversely, there would be a competition for words we never want to hear again. Words such as Covid, pandemic, social distancing, quarantine, unprecedented, and new normal have become words that are inscribed in our brains. These are words that have new meaning […]
Losing a loved one to addiction and overdose hurts terribly. It leaves us with many questions, but not many answers. However, coming together with family and friends to honor the life of a loved one, share stories and support one another can help us begin the grief journey. O’Connell Family Funeral Homes can gently guide […]
When someone dies, we have a funeral because it helps us. It’s for those of us who are still here, who need to grieve. It doesn’t need to be like the funerals we’ve experienced before. It can be a beautiful reflection of a life well-lived. O’Connell Family Funeral Homes is honored to help families pay […]
For anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has been more than just an inconvenience – it has limited your options for gathering to mourn, reflect and say goodbye. During this challenging time, there is one constant. O’Connell Family Funeral Homes is here, to help you, […]
Grief is deep and poignant distress caused by bereavement, something that we have lost or deprived of. Grief is consistent, relentless, unwavering, and unbiased. It knows no boundaries. It is not afraid to get its grips on you whether you are male or female or young or old. It pays zero attention to race, economic […]
Should kids be seen and not heard? Therese Rando, a well-known grief and loss expert, explains that rituals allow structure for important events that happen throughout our lives, including death. A funeral offers a controlled time where individuals can emotionally and physically ventilate their feelings. Funeral rituals generate social support and offer opportunities to find […]
Scattering Ashes: What You Need to Know Scattering ashes, also called cremated remains, is a popular choice when a person or family chooses cremation. If you’re seeking answers on what you can do with the ashes, look no further than the O’Connell Family Funeral Home. Below you can find guidelines about what you can do with the […]
Five stages of grief?? I think not! The Kubler Ross stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance), also known as the 5 stages of grief, were first outlined in 1969, when Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s book “On Death and Dying” was published. Her work was a reflection of the grief process of patients who had been diagnosed with terminal illness. Her work would become the […]
An individual’s story – memories made, principles and lessons learned – is a gift that should be shared with family and friends. O’Connell Family Funeral Homes, in conjunction with the Funeral and Memorial Information Council (FAMIC) has launched Have the Talk of a Lifetime, an awareness and education initiative to help families have important conversations […]
Loss is a common everyday fact of life. Even more so, are the emotions and reactions that follow them. But with the holidays approaching, it seems our grief gets amplified and worse. TV commercials make it appear everyone is happy and cheery during the Holidays. Festive dinners, cocktail parties, shopping sprees, and holiday decorations focus […]
The death of someone we love breaks our hearts, and grief sets in. Grief’s synonyms are sorrow, misery, sadness, pain, distress, agony, torment, heartache, desolation, dejection, and angst…. Ok, I think you get it! Grief is overwhelming and knows no boundaries. But besides emotional feelings, it causes a myriad of physical issues too. When we […]
Buy from your local flower shop. When it comes to getting flowers for your loved ones, it seems like ordering online will save you a few bucks. But in the end, you will be more satisfied with flowers purchased from a local flower shop. Time and time again, we see boxes of flowers left outside […]
Funerals and cremation. Funerals and cremation have changed tremendously in the past 10 years. Most of the changes have come as a result of families not wanting the “traditional ritualistic” funeral. Families want to make their loved ones funeral personal. The O’Connell Family Funeral Home staff has played an integral role in this evolution and […]
Listen to our latest Good Grief podcast where we talk to our guest Kate Garza, social worker at Moments Hospice, about the specifics regarding hospice care. Resources mentioned in
Let’s delve into some of the facts and unknown parts of the cremation process. Cremation is the process in which a body is reduced through the process of combustion
Cemeteries are a community’s landmark for so many reasons. The obvious need is for a permanent home for our loved ones. But outside of the obvious, a cemetery is
Every year, Merriam-Webster comes out with the word of the year. This year, conversely, there would be a competition for words we never want to hear again. Words such
Losing a loved one to addiction and overdose hurts terribly. It leaves us with many questions, but not many answers. However, coming together with family and friends to honor
When someone dies, we have a funeral because it helps us. It’s for those of us who are still here, who need to grieve. It doesn’t need to be
For anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has been more than just an inconvenience – it has limited your
Grief is deep and poignant distress caused by bereavement, something that we have lost or deprived of. Grief is consistent, relentless, unwavering, and unbiased. It knows no boundaries. It