Pre-Planning

Pre-planning is a quiet, practical act of care. By writing down what you want — and what you do not want — you spare the people you love a series of hard decisions at the worst possible moment. There is no obligation, and no requirement to pay anything in order to start.

Pre-planning is a quiet, practical act of care. By writing down what you want — and what you do not want — you spare the people you love a series of hard decisions at the worst possible moment. There is no obligation, and no requirement to pay anything in order to start.

What You Can Decide in Advance

  • Burial or cremation, and where you would like to rest
  • The kind of service you want, or whether you want one at all
  • Readings, music, and the faith or cultural traditions to follow
  • Who should be contacted, and who should speak
  • Whether you wish to be returned to another state or country
  • Details for your obituary, and the names and dates it should include

How the Conversation Works

Come in, or call and we will start over the phone. We will ask questions, write your answers down, and give you a copy to keep with your important papers. Nothing is binding, and you may change any part of it later. Bring your spouse, bring your children, or come alone — whatever is easier. Our staff can meet with you in English or Spanish.

Why Families Are Grateful for It

When there is a plan, the family's first day is different. Instead of debating what their mother would have wanted, they are following what she wrote. Instead of guessing at names and dates, they hand us a page. That difference is hard to describe until you have seen both kinds of first days, and it is why we encourage every family to do this.