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Welcome to Affordable Tributes
Located in the heart of Manchester, Connecticut, Affordable Tributes serves the community with compassion and dignity. Nestled at 142 E. Center Street, this funeral home has become a cornerstone for those seeking solace and ceremony in honoring the lives of loved ones. Recognizing the need for high-quality, yet cost-conscious services, Affordable Tributes offers a serene environment in which families can commemorate the lives of those passed.
Our Commitment to Service
At Affordable Tributes, we are dedicated to providing personalized care and attention to each family who walks through our doors. We understand that losing a loved one is profoundly difficult, and approach each situation with empathy and professionalism. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of organizing final arrangements by offering comprehensive guidance and support through every step of the process.
Making Funerals Accessible for Everyone
We believe that everyone deserves a dignified farewell, regardless of their financial situation. With the rising costs of funeral services, Affordable Tributes stands out by offering a range of affordable options without compromising on quality or care. From traditional burials to cremation services, we work with each family to create a fitting tribute that meets their financial needs.
Personalized Memorialization Options
Every life is unique, and paying tribute should be no different. Affordable Tribes provides an array of personalization options to ensure that each service reflects the individuality of the one being honored. Whether it is through a special ceremony, a unique keepsake, or a customized memorial service, we help each family celebrate the essence of their loved ones.
Our Professional Staff
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The team at Affordable Tributes is what truly sets us apart. Each member brings their own expertise in funeral service to support families during this difficult time. From our funeral directors to our support staff, we offer a collective wealth of knowledge to navigate the intricacies of funeral etiquette, legal requirements, and cultural customs.
Guidance Through Grief
The journey through grief is a long and personal one. Affordable Tributes provides resources and referrals for grief counseling to help those left behind navigate their emotions and find comfort. We host memorial events and offer avenues for the community to come together to support each other in healing.
Advanced Planning Services
To ease the burden on families during their time of loss, Affordable Tributes advocates for advanced planning. By pre-planning funeral services, individuals can express their wishes, relieving their loved ones of making difficult decisions while grieving. Our staff can assist with organizing all aspects of advance planning, ensuring peace of mind for the future.
Community Involvement and Support
Affordable Tributes is more than just a funeral home; we are an integral part of the Manchester community. We believe in giving back through participation in local events and support of charity initiatives. We understand that strengthening community bonds can provide comfort to those coping with loss, and we are proud to contribute to the fabric of our hometown.
Contacting Affordable Tributes
We are here to assist you at any time of day or night. If you require our services or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Affordable Tributes at our Manchester location. Our compassionate staff is available to answer your calls, provide information, and offer the comfort and support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an obituary?
An obituary is a written notice, typically published in a newspaper or online, that announces a person's death and provides a brief overview of their life, their achievements, and information regarding the funeral or memorial services. It may also include a message of remembrance from the family and an invitation for others to attend the services or offer condolences. Obituaries serve as a way to inform the community of a loss and to celebrate the life of the deceased.
Who typically writes an obituary?
An obituary is often written by a close family member of the deceased, but it can also be written by a funeral director, a friend of the family, or sometimes a journalist, especially for prominent individuals. Whoever writes it should be familiar with the life of the deceased and prepared to collect key details for inclusion.
What should be included in an obituary?
An obituary typically includes the full name of the deceased, dates of birth and death, a summary of their life story, significant relationships, career highlights, personal interests, achievements, and details about the funeral or memorial service. It may also contain special messages from the family and information on where to send flowers or donations.
How long should an obituary be?
The length of an obituary can vary greatly. It may be a few sentences or a more substantial narrative. Newspaper obituaries are often shorter due to space and cost constraints. Online obituaries can be longer and more detailed. The intent and the platform should guide the length and level of detail.
Are obituaries reviewed or approved by anyone before publication?
Yes, typically an obituary is reviewed by family members for accuracy and then approved by the publication or website where it will be featured. When it goes through a newspaper or professional service, there may be additional editorial review to ensure it meets publishing standards.
Is it necessary to mention the cause of death in an obituary?
Mentioning the cause of death is a personal choice. Some families may choose to include this information for clarity or to raise awareness about a particular condition, while others may prefer to keep it private. There is no right or wrong approach; it is a matter of personal preference.
What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?
An obituary is often a detailed account of a person's life, achievements, and is framed in a personal and celebratory manner. A death notice, by contrast, is usually a shorter, factual statement of death, including the name, age, and details of the funeral service, typically paid for by the family and published in a newspaper.
Can an obituary be published online instead of a newspaper?
Yes, with the increasing use of the internet, online obituaries have become very popular. They provide an opportunity to reach a wider audience, often at a lower cost, with no space constraints, and can be easily shared with friends and family residing in different locations.
Is there a deadline for submitting an obituary?
Deadlines for submitting an obituary vary depending on the publication. Newspapers often require obituaries to be submitted several days before the desired publication date to allow time for editorial review and scheduling. Online platforms may offer more flexibility with submission times.
How can I personalize an obituary?
To personalize an obituary, include anecdotes, cherished memories, special accomplishments, and unique characteristics of the deceased. Personal messages from the family or quotes that held significant meaning to the loved one can also add a personal touch.
What if I can't afford to pay for an obituary?
If cost is a concern, consider free online platforms, social media or community boards to post an obituary. Some local newspapers also offer free or low-cost options for those in financial hardship, or you may be able to get community organizations or religious institutions to help spread the word.
Can anyone submit an obituary?
While anyone can write an obituary, most publications require a family member or the executor of the deceased’s estate to submit it for publication. This is to ensure accuracy and to prevent fraudulent submissions.
How does one deal with incorrect information in an obituary after publication?
If an obituary contains incorrect information after publication, contact the newspaper or online publisher immediately to discuss a possible correction or retraction. Corrections are important for the historical record and for the respect of the family and the deceased.
May we include charitable donations in lieu of flowers?
Absolutely. Many families opt to encourage charitable donations in memory of the deceased in lieu of, or in addition to, flowers. You should provide the name and address or website of the charity within the obituary for convenience.
Should service details be mentioned in every obituary?
While it is customary to include details about the funeral or memorial services, it is not mandatory. If services are private or the family prefers not to announce them publicly, this information can be omitted.
What is the best way to start writing an obituary?
To start writing an obituary, gather factual information such as full name, dates of birth and death, family details, and a summary of the person’s life. Draft a first version that covers the key points, and consult with family members for input and verification before finalizing.
Can photographs be included in an obituary?
Yes, photographs can be included in both newspaper and online obituaries. A picture can make the notice more personal and relatable for readers. Keep in mind that newspapers may charge an additional fee for photo inclusion.
How do obituaries handle sensitive information?
When dealing with sensitive information, discretion is key. Share only what the family feels comfortable with disclosing. Respect the deceased’s and the family’s privacy by carefully considering the potential impact of the information shared.
Is it appropriate to mention former spouses in the obituary?
Whether or not to mention former spouses in an obituary depends on the relationships and context. If the former spouse had a significant role in the deceased's life or there are surviving children from that relationship, it may be appropriate to include them.
What if the deceased did not want an obituary?
If the deceased explicitly did not want an obituary, that wish should be respected. In such cases, the family can choose to honor their memory in a different manner, or they can communicate information about the passing and any services privately to friends and relatives.
How soon after death should an obituary be published?
An obituary is typically published within a week after death, to promptly inform friends and the community and to provide details of the upcoming funeral or memorial service. However, there's no strict timeline, and some families may choose to wait longer for various reasons.