For some families, a traditional funeral service doesn’t feel like the right fit. It may seem too somber or too structured for the lifestyle of the loved one who has passed or for the family as a whole. Perhaps your loved one made specific requests that don’t fit into the orthodox idea of a funeral. In these cases, it may be appropriate to arrange a more flexible “celebration of life” that reflects the personality and wishes of the deceased.

Our Funeral Directors are the experts in creating a truly memorable celebration of life service. 

At O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, we welcome and encourage creativity in the arrangement process. Our funeral directors are happy to help your family achieve your vision however possible, whether that be executing on a specific request or even being part of the brainstorm process.

Incorporating aspects of your loved one’s life such as their favorite hobbies, the career they were passionate about, or their love of family will help make it feel more like a celebration of all that they stood for.

We even have Certified Life Celebrants on staff to help design the celebration of life you have in mind. So even if your loved one and family is not religious, do not worry we are here to help create a meaningful tribute. 

Please inquire with our team to help begin the celebration of life planning. 

What celebration would be complete without food or treats? Gathering with your friends and family for a reception or luncheon in addition to the service can be a great way to come together as a group in a less formal setting. Whether it’s a full meal or some light refreshments, the addition of food and drink can bring comfort and allow loved ones to feel more relaxed as they visit and share memories with one another. Arranging a luncheon or similar event can also be a compassionate way to thank attendees who may have traveled far or gone out of their way to pay their respects and support the family.

If your family wishes to host such a gathering, our staff would be happy to help you coordinate the details. Our funeral directors frequently help families plan luncheons and receptions that take place in local restaurants or other venues.

We know that sometimes the smallest details are the ones that stick with us forever and continually bring us joy. Some may not notice the subtle, special touches carefully woven into the celebration while others are deeply moved by them.

A special touch can be anything, from a curated playlist of your loved one’s favorite songs to a hand-out with their signature recipe on it. These details pay small but significant homage to the unique personality and lasting legacy of your loved one. Our lead funeral directors are experts in creating a personalized and meaningful celebration of life. No matter the venue, whether it is having a celebration of life at the funeral home, a place of worship, a function hall or restaurant, our team of celebration of life specialists will work with you to create a lasting and fitting celebration of life that will be a fitting tribute to your loved one's life.  

If you have a special touch you’d like to include in your celebration of life, don’t hesitate to let your funeral director know. We are happy to accommodate most requests in order to give families a memorable and uplifting experience.

THE VALUE OF CEREMONY & CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE - 

Because EVERY life is Important!

"It’s about legacy.....it’s about recognition, family, gratitude, connection, heartache...........it’s about love!"

Throughout life we attach great importance to ceremony, and ritual. There is good reason for this; ceremony and ritual give meaning and value to milestones. These rituals reinforce the significance of happy events such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. And although a funeral isn’t usually considered a happy event, it is a valuable and significant occasion.

Arranging a celebration of life that says goodbye in a way that is memorable is a final parting gift and an extraordinary offering of love. This ‘goodbye’ gift is universal; it is not only for the person departed, but also for their family and friends.

A custom-made occasion, a time to express feelings; to laugh and to cry, to support one another and to share stories. There are no two stories the same, every life is as unique as a fingerprint, just by being human we are intrinsically one-of-a-kind.

At O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations we recognize and embrace each person for their unique fingerprint of life. We are committed to guiding and overseeing a farewell/celebration of life that is as exceptional and as special as the person we are remembering.