Table of Contents
- An Introduction to Ahern Funeral & Cremation Services with Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home
- Comprehensive Services to Meet Individual Needs
- Ease and Comfort in Facility Design
- Experienced Staff Dedicated to Compassion
- Guidance Through Pre-Planning Services
- A History of Trust and Reliability
- Memorializing Loved Ones with Personal Touches
- Support Beyond the Service
- Accessible Location and Contacting Ahern Funeral Home
- Frequently Asked Questions
An Introduction to Ahern Funeral & Cremation Services with Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home
When faced with the loss of a loved one, finding a compassionate and professional funeral home to care for your needs is paramount. Ahern Funeral & Cremation Services, in association with Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, embodies the dedication and care required during these sensitive times. Nestled in the community of Westchester, IL, the establishment offers a full range of funeral services, designed to honor the life of your loved one and provide comfort to those left behind.
Comprehensive Services to Meet Individual Needs
Understanding that each family has unique needs, Ahern Funeral & Cremation Services offers a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Their services range from traditional funerals to more contemporary celebrations of life, in addition to providing various cremation services. Attention to detail and a personalized approach mean that each service is as unique as the individual being remembered.
Ahern Funeral & Cremation Services in association with Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home
Funeral Obiturary Search
Recent Funeral Home Obituaries
James F. Stanton - April 13, 1939 - September 29, 2018
Michael G. Walsh - July 21, 1959 - June 04, 2017
Frederick William Lightfoot - February 22, 1952 - March 12, 2017
Ease and Comfort in Facility Design
The facility at 10501 W. Cermak, Westchester, IL, has been carefully designed to offer a peaceful and welcoming environment. The funeral home includes comfortable and spacious visitation rooms, a chapel for services, and private spaces for family members to gather and share memories. Accessibility is taken into account to ensure that all guests can attend services comfortably.
Experienced Staff Dedicated to Compassion
At the heart of Ahern Funeral & Cremation Services is a team of experienced professionals who are not just knowledgeable, but also deeply compassionate and responsive. They understand that families need support and guidance through the process of planning a funeral or memorial service, and they are steadfastly committed to delivering this with empathy and respect.
Guidance Through Pre-Planning Services
Need a Eulogy?
Get a Personalized Professional Eulogy Written For Your Loved One
For those who wish to spare their families the stress of making difficult decisions at a time of grief, Ahern offers pre-planning services. This allows for expressing one’s wishes in advance and ensuring that the legacy left behind is as one desires. The staff assists in navigating the range of options available and helps in making informed decisions about all aspects of funeral planning.
A History of Trust and Reliability
Ahern Funeral & Cremation Services in association with Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home has a long-standing history within the community. They have built a reputation for trust and reliability, as evidenced by generations of families who return to them during their most challenging times. The funeral home honors this history by continuing to provide exceptional service with the dignity and respect that every individual deserves.
Memorializing Loved Ones with Personal Touches
The professionals at Ahern understand that memorializing a loved one is a deeply personal process. To this end, they offer a range of options for personalizing services, including video tributes, memorial websites, personalized printing, and keepsake jewelry. These memorials provide a lasting tribute and are a source of comfort to family and friends.
Support Beyond the Service
Ahern Funeral & Cremation Services extends their support to families even after the funeral services are concluded. They provide resources for coping with grief, understanding and navigating the bereavement process, and guidance for dealing with practical matters such as estate planning and social security benefits. Their support system offers a guiding hand in what can be a very confusing and taxing time.
Accessible Location and Contacting Ahern Funeral Home
Located at 10501 W. Cermak, Westchester, IL, 60154, Ahern Funeral & Cremation Services in association with Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home is easily accessible for those in the Westchester area and surrounding communities. To learn more about their services, or to start planning a funeral or memorial service, you can reach out to their caring staff who are available to assist you 24/7. Ensuring that your needs are met with dignity and professionalism is their enduring promise to the community they serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an obituary?
An obituary is a written notice of a person's death, typically published in newspapers or online. It serves to inform the community of the individual’s passing and details about the funeral services, and it may also include a brief account of the person's life, accomplishments, and information about the surviving family members.
Is an obituary different from a death notice?
Yes, an obituary is generally more detailed and personal than a death notice. A death notice is a simple, straightforward announcement of the death and the service details, often paid for by the family, while an obituary is usually a more elaborate tribute to the deceased, including biographical details and personal anecdotes.
Who writes obituaries?
Obituaries can be written by family members, friends, or professional writers at a newspaper or funeral home. Sometimes, individuals write their own obituaries in advance to control the narrative of their lives.
What is typically included in an obituary?
An obituary commonly includes the full name of the deceased, dates of birth and death, significant life events, educational and career accomplishments, family members, details about the funeral or memorial services, and often a photograph of the deceased.
How are obituaries published?
Obituaries are often published in local or national newspapers, both in print and online. Nowadays, there are also dedicated online platforms where obituaries can be published, which often allow for more space and personalization.
What is the average cost of publishing an obituary?
The cost of publishing an obituary can vary widely depending on several factors such as the publication's circulation size, the length of the obituary, and whether a photo is included. Prices can range from under a hundred to several hundred dollars.
Can I write my own obituary?
Yes, many people choose to write their own obituaries as a way to ensure that their life story is told in the way they wish. This also relieves some of the burden from family members during their time of grief.
How long should an obituary be?
The length of an obituary can vary. It can be brief, just conveying essential information, or it can be a longer piece that paints a vivid picture of the deceased's life. Considering the costs associated with longer publications, many obituaries are relatively short and concise. An average length might be around 200 to 400 words.
What should be avoided in an obituary?
Sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers should be avoided to prevent identity theft. Additionally, avoid mentioning the deceased's home address or any other information that could compromise the security of the surviving family members. It's also respectful to avoid any language that could be seen as overly negative or controversial.
How soon after death should an obituary be published?
An obituary is typically published as soon as possible after death, often within a few days. This allows enough time for the news to reach the community and for friends and extended family to make arrangements to attend any services or to express their condolences.
Why are obituaries important?
Obituaries serve the crucial purposes of acknowledging the loss, giving a summary of a person's life, and informing the community of service details. They also provide a public record of the deceased's existence and passing, and can be kept for historical and genealogical purposes.
Can obituaries be rejected or edited by the publisher?
Yes, publishers have the right to reject or request edits to an obituary for various reasons such as content that is deemed inappropriate, too lengthy, or not in line with their publishing standards. It's important to check with the publisher for their submission guidelines.
Do all obituaries have a photograph?
While not all obituaries include a photograph, it has become increasingly common to add one. A photo can make the notice more personal and recognizable to readers, but it may increase the cost of publication.
Can friends and acquaintances submit an obituary?
Yes, it is possible for friends and acquaintances to submit an obituary, as long as they have appropriate consent from the family and relevant details about the deceased's life. However, it’s most common for a family member or legal representative to handle the obituary submission.
What if I make a mistake in the obituary?
If a mistake is discovered in an obituary, you should contact the publication immediately to correct the error. Many publications understand the sensitive nature of the content and are willing to make necessary changes quickly.
How do obituaries handle sensitive circumstances such as suicide or substance abuse?
In such cases, the wording in the obituary is usually more general, focusing on the person's life rather than the circumstances of their death. Phrases like "died at home" or "passed away unexpectedly" are typically used to maintain respect for the deceased and their family while still providing information.
Are obituaries public domain?
Once obituaries are published, they are generally in the public domain, although the copyright may still be held by the author or the publication. They can be read and shared freely, but any replication or use in a commercial context might require permission.
Is it mandatory to publish an obituary?
There is no legal obligation to publish an obituary. The decision is a personal choice made by the family or in accordance with the deceased's wishes. Some may choose to only communicate details amongst family and friends, while others prefer the public announcement.
How can I ensure the obituary honors the deceased's wishes?
Communicate with the deceased prior to their passing about their wishes or consult their will or other documents where they may have recorded their preferences for their obituary. Involving close family members and friends in the process can also help ensure the obituary reflects the true nature and spirit of the individual.
Can obituaries be updated after publication?
While print obituaries cannot be updated after publication, online obituaries sometimes can be. If there’s an online version, contact the website or publisher to discuss any updates or corrections that may need to be made.
Are there cultural differences in how obituaries are written?
Yes, cultural differences do affect how obituaries are written. Various cultures have different customs, traditions, and perspectives on death which can influence the content and tone of an obituary. It's important to be sensitive to these differences and honor the cultural practices of the deceased and their family.