Ana's Circle of Life Services Obituaries

Welcome to Ana's Circle of Life Services

Located at the heart of New York City in the vibrant community of Harlem, Ana's Circle of Life Services offers a compassionate approach to the end-of-life ceremonies that honor the departing. Nestled at 100 St. Nicholas Ave., New York, NY, 10026, this funeral home stands as a bastion of comfort and support for families facing the loss of a loved one.

Understanding Ana's Unique Approach

At Ana's Circle of Life Services, the philosophy is centered around personalization and care. Every funeral or memorial service is tailored to reflect the unique life of the individual being honored. The staff at Ana’s understands that each life is special and that the celebration of that life should be just as unique. They take the time to understand the families they serve, ensuring that every element of the service is handled with attention to detail and personal touches.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Diane C Turner - February 03, 1948 - December 13, 2023

Departed: 12/13/2023 (New York)

Obituary Preview: An obituary is not available at this time for Diane C Turner.

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Thomas Charles Crane - April 03, 1968 - August 26, 2022

Departed: 08/26/2022 (New York)

Obituary Preview: Thomas Charles Crane, age 54, of Delran NJ passed away on August 26, 2022. He was born in Morristown, NJ on April 3, 1968 and grew up in Madison. Tom Crane graduated from Madison High School in 1986 and attended Dowling College. He had a mechanical mind and for fun rebuilt engines, tuned skis, repaired and rode motorcycles and nearly attained his private pilot's license. As a member of the Montclair Ski Club, (where his parents met) he became a fearless skier at Mad River Glen. He loved the Adirondacks and took on the 40 High Peaks challenge. He was also a talented guitarist. Tom had a terrific sense of humor but was also generous and caring. He adored the family's beagle mix Brenda and Lab Rin, and always knew the names of his sister's numerous adopted golden retrievers, "the hounds". Tom's life was changed drastically in 1988 by a severe traumatic brain injury while skiing. Through the NJ TBI program, he received ongoing therapy and was able to live in the community. In the early 1990s, he moved to a group home in Delran and lived there until March 2022. After his skiing accident, Tom became more introspective and spiritual but also more extroverted. He adopted “Tom Craniak” as his new handle and had to be persuaded to not use that name when signing official documents! Tom focused on working hard in physical therapy and keeping in touch with his many friends and relatives, especially with video calls. Tom retained his impish wit and the mischievous glint in his eye. Because of the many visitors who found their way to Delran, Tom became very familiar with all the local restaurants. The highlights of his year were holidays spent with family and his beloved Aunt "Mijji." His brother took him to church and to numerous rock concerts. Tom was predeceased by his mother Eleanor in 1985 and his father Lincoln in 1989. He is survived by his aunt Marjorie Winnicki, sister Elizabeth Crane, brother Lincoln "Toby" Crane (Ana), nephew Prince and nieces Star and Princess, and Beetle and Crane cousins. The family would also like to recognize the therapists who helped him exceed all expectations and the staff who took excellent care of him. For those who would like to honor Tom's memory, donations may be made to St. Hubert's Animal Rescue Center or the Adirondack Mountain Club.

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Services Offered by Ana's Circle of Life

From traditional funerals to more contemporary celebrations of life, Ana’s provides a wide array of services to meet the diverse needs of New York’s multicultural community. These include viewing and visitation services, traditional church funerals, graveside ceremonies, cremation services, as well as the coordination of necessary arrangements like floral displays and music.

Support Through the Grieving Process

Knowing that the grieving process doesn’t end with the funeral, Ana’s Circle of Life Services extends its support beyond the service. Grief counseling resources are available and the caring staff often checks in on families to ensure they are coping and have the support they need. They recognize that healing takes time and are there to assist through every step.

Cultural Sensitivity and Community Involvement

As part of a multicultural city, Ana's Circle of Life Services prides itself on its cultural sensitivity, catering to the traditions and customs of various communities within New York. They have experience orchestrating services that respect and incorporate diverse religious and cultural rituals. This funeral home is also actively involved in the community, understanding the importance of giving back and building relationships with the people it serves.

Facilities and Comfort

The facilities at Ana’s reflect the warmth and welcoming spirit the funeral home is known for. The serene environment is designed to provide families with solace and the ability to reflect. The visitation rooms, chapel, and reception areas are all meticulously maintained to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for families to gather and remember their loved ones.

Dedicated and Compassionate Staff

The staff at Ana’s Circle of Life Services are chosen for their professionalism and empathy. They are well-trained to handle the logistics of funeral arranging with respect for the emotional strain that families are under during these times. Each team member is dedicated to easing the burden of the families they serve, offering kindness and respect in every interaction.

Making Arrangements

For those who wish to plan ahead, Ana’s Circle of Life Services also offers pre-planning services. The staff can guide you through every decision, ensuring that your wishes are recorded and respected when the time comes. Pre-planning can provide peace of mind for both you and your relatives, and Ana’s staff are experts at navigating these discussions with sensitivity.

Final Farewells Handled with Care

Deciding on the right funeral home is a crucial step in memorializing the life of a loved one. Ana’s Circle of Life Services represents a trustworthy choice for those in the New York area. With their compassionate service, personalized attention, and deep understanding of the grieving process, Ana’s ensures that final farewells are handled with the utmost care and respect.

Contacting Ana's Circle of Life Services

To learn more about Ana’s Circle of Life Services or to speak with a caring professional about arranging services, families can contact the funeral home directly at the St. Nicholas Ave address or through various provided contact methods. The staff is standing by to offer the reassurance and support needed during these challenging times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an obituary?

An obituary is a notice, traditionally published in a newspaper or online, that announces a person's death and offers a brief overview of their life, including significant achievements, family details, and information about planned funeral or memorial services.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve several important purposes: they inform the community of a person's passing, provide a historical record, honor the deceased's life, and announce funeral or memorial service details to friends, acquaintances, and distant family members who may wish to pay their respects.

Who usually writes an obituary?

An obituary is often written by a close family member, but it can also be composed by a friend, a funeral director, or a professional writer commissioned by the family.

What key information should be included in an obituary?

An obituary should typically include the deceased’s full name, age at death, date of death, a brief overview of their personal and professional life, a list of surviving and predeceased family members, details about the funeral or memorial service, and optionally, a special message or a request for charitable donations in lieu of flowers.

How do I choose a picture for an obituary?

Select a recent photograph that depicts the deceased in a respectful and recognizable manner. It's often best to choose a picture that reflects the person's spirit or character and that family and friends will easily recognize.

Is there a standard length for an obituary?

There is no fixed length for an obituary; it can be as brief as a few sentences or lengthier if a detailed account of the person's life is desired. The length may also be influenced by the chosen publication's space limitations or cost considerations for longer pieces.

Can I include a quote or a poem in the obituary?

Absolutely. A meaningful quote, excerpt, or short poem that reflects the beliefs or personality of the deceased can be a touching addition to an obituary.

Should I mention the cause of death in the obituary?

Mentioning the cause of death is a personal decision and is not required. Some families may choose to include this information for transparency or to raise awareness about a particular condition, while others may prefer to keep it private.

How do I handle sensitive family situations in an obituary?

In cases of complex family dynamics, it’s important to handle the situation with tact and sensitivity. It is usually best to focus on the positive aspects of the person’s life and legacy, and avoid airing personal grievances or conflicts.

What are the differences between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a concise, factual statement about a person's death, typically paid for by the family and published in a newspaper. An obituary is a more detailed account of the person’s life, accomplishments, and relationships, and may be written by the family or the newspaper staff, possibly at no cost.

How soon after a death should an obituary be published?

An obituary is generally published within a few days after a death, ideally before the funeral or memorial service to allow friends and extended family time to learn about the passing and make arrangements to attend the service.

Can I write an obituary for a loved one before they pass?

Yes, many people find it comforting and practical to draft an obituary in advance, especially in cases of terminal illness. This gives the person a chance to have input into their own obituary, ensuring it reflects their wishes and provides a more accurate and personalized account of their life.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or an online platform?

Submitting an obituary involves contacting the publication or website directly to understand their submission guidelines, deadlines, and fees. Most newspapers have a dedicated obituary section and can provide guidance on the process.

What are some common phrases or terms used in obituaries?

Phrases such as "passed away," "surrounded by loved ones," "in loving memory," and "celebration of life" are commonly used. Specific terminology may vary based on cultural, regional, and personal preferences.

Are obituaries public record?

While obituaries themselves are not considered official public records, they are generally accessible to the public, especially if published in newspapers or online. However, they may be subject to the publication's privacy policies.

What is the average cost of publishing an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary can vary widely depending on the length of the obituary, the publication in which it is placed, and regional factors. It can range from free in some community publications to several hundred dollars in larger newspapers.

How long do newspapers keep obituaries archived?

Newspapers may keep obituaries archived indefinitely, especially in the digital age. Older archives might be available in physical or digital format at local libraries or through online newspaper archive services.

Can an obituary be changed after it has been published?

If an error has been made or an important update is necessary, contact the publication immediately. While some may allow changes or corrections after initial publication, it may be subject to additional fees or specific terms.

Is it necessary to have a funeral home involved in writing or publishing an obituary?

No, it is not necessary to involve a funeral home in writing or publishing an obituary. However, many funeral homes offer obituary writing and submission services as part of their packages for families who prefer assistance with these aspects.

Are there cultural or religious considerations to take into account when writing an obituary?

Yes, it's important to consider and respect cultural and religious customs when writing an obituary. Different cultures and religions may have specific practices or traditions for honoring the deceased that can be reflected in the content and tone of the obituary.

What should I do if a loved one does not want an obituary published?

If a loved one has expressed a desire to not have an obituary published, their wishes should be respected. Alternative methods of informing people about the death, such as personal communication or a private memorial service, can be considered.