Resources

Gardens of Memory Blog

Explore our blog for valuable content about cremation, burial, how to write an obituary, coping with grief and much more.

What to Do When You Can’t Attend a Funeral

Funerals are important for finding closure after a loss, but there are many reasons you might not be able to attend. Missing a funeral doesn’t lessen your bond with the deceased. Ten other ways to honor their memory.

Burial

The Complete Guide to Burials

Whether you choose a traditional ground burial or cremation, understanding the burial process is essential. From selecting the cemetery to navigating the necessary purchases like caskets and vaults, our comprehensive guide simplifies each step.

Funeral, Funeral Planning

Guide to Planning a Funeral

Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially in the days following a loved one’s passing. With so many decisions to make and emotions to navigate, here is a clear guide to help you through the process.

Cremation

The Complete Guide to Cremation

Discover the many aspects of cremation. From the necessary process to the associated costs and various options for ashes, we'll guide you through it all.

Memorial Service

The Complete Guide to Memorial Services

Planning a memorial service can be daunting during a time of loss, but it also allows you to honor a loved one’s life. This guide will help you through the process, from picking the right time to adding meaningful themes

Funeral, Funeral Planning

Sympathy Flowers & Their Meanings

Flowers boldly express love and sympathy in times of loss. From elegant lilies symbolizing peace to heartfelt roses conveying love and grief, each bloom carries its own powerful meaning. Learn how to confidently choose the perfect sympathy flowers that honor

Funeral, Funeral Planning

What To Wear To A Funeral

What you should wear to a funeral can be confusing. Our six guidelines will help you show respect without drawing attention. From religious services to out-of-town burials, we’ve got you covered.

Sympathy

What to Write in a Sympathy Note

Reaching out to someone who has lost a loved one can feel awkward, but it's important for their healing. Staying silent can hurt more than you think. A few kind words can show that you care and support them.

Eulogy, Funeral, Funeral Planning

Three Tips for Writing a Heartfelt Eulogy

Being asked to write a eulogy can feel overwhelming, but it’s an opportunity to share your relationship and honor their memory. You don’t need to be a professional writer; a eulogy is simply telling the story of your connection.

Funeral, Funeral Planning

A Daughter’s Guide to Planning a Funeral

Reading Time: 7 minutes They raised you, provided for you and supported every wish, whim, hope and dream. And now, when it comes to celebrating and commemorating your parent’s life, how do you pull all of the pieces together and

Funeral Planning, Grief, Guidelines, Resources

Helping a Parent Through Grief: A Daughter’s Guide

Reading Time: 7 minutes When my father died my mother found herself alone for the first time in nearly 60 years. Since meeting at 18 they had done everything together, from college to first jobs to big moves, all underscored

Grief, Guidelines, Resources

Helping a Sister Through Grief – A Sister’s Guide

Reading Time: 6 minutes Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends. So begins author Joan Didion’s memoir “The Year of Magical Thinking” in which she shares what life and

Grief, Journaling

The Healing Power of Journaling: Finding Solace and Strength in Writing

Grief can be a transformative journey, filled with profound emotions that ultimately lead to healing. Journaling becomes a remarkable ally in this process, offering a sanctuary for expressing feelings and honoring cherished memories.

Grief, Guidelines, Resources

Things to Say to Someone Who’s Grieving

Reading Time: 3 minutes Though we’re all well acquainted with how to celebrate happy occasions with people, sad ones are more fraught with worry. It’s sad, it’s awkward, and it’s hard to know what exactly to say when someone you

Grief, Guidelines, Resources

Things You Can Do When Someone You Know Suffers a Loss

Reading Time: 4 minutes After a lifetime of helping families with final arrangements, we can tell you that the most frequent questions we get aren’t about headstones, caskets, memorial services, or burials. When people ask those questions, what they really

Grief

7 Ideas to Help You Through Grief at the Holidays

Reading Time: 5 minutes No matter when a death occurs, holidays are particularly difficult to navigate. Holiday memories of past joys are particularly cutting when we are currently grieving. I was reminded of this when I saw a Today Show

Grief, Holidays

The First Christmas After a Loss

Reading Time: 6 minutes December is different this year. Different for my husband and his brother and two sisters. Different for my mother-in-law. Different for us. My father-in-law Max passed away in July at 94. Now, we are experiencing all

Grief, Holidays

How to Support Someone Who’s Grieving During the Holidays

Reading Time: 6 minutes If you have a friend or family member who is grieving during the holidays, it’s important to offer your support in a way that is meaningful and helpful. Here are five specific ways to support someone

Grief, Holidays

A Guide for Coping with Grief at the Holidays

Reading Time: 5 minutes The holidays are traditionally filled with joy and celebration, though for some, it can be a profoundly challenging period, especially if they are coping with the heavy weight of grief. Below are some tips to help

Resources

How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Reading Time: 7 minutes Whether it’s getting in shape, learning a new skill, or cultivating better habits, setting goals for a new year is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. However, studies show that only a fraction of

Funeral Planning, Resources

What to Do First When Someone Dies

Reading Time: 7 minutes What to Do First When Someone Dies Who do I call? What should I say? Here’s what to do first when someone dies, and what to do in the hours and days that follow. What should you do

Obituary

Tips on Writing an Obituary

Writing an obituary can be tough, especially when trying to capture your loved one’s spirit. Think about what made them special—were they adventurous, funny, or creative? Discover our tips for creating a meaningful obituary that celebrates a life well lived.

Cremation, Funeral Planning

Which to Choose: Burial or Cremation?

Reading Time: 3 minutes How do you choose between cremation vs. burial? Not sure what you prefer? Here are some things to consider to help you make the best decision. Advantages of Cremation The cremation rate in the U.S. has