Designing Permanent Memorials

What this episode covers

Did you ever walk through a cemetery and wonder about the tombstones? Who designs, creates, and maintains these permanent memorials to honor our departed loved ones? If you make this kind of investment, you should know what to expect at each stage of the process.A headstone is more than someone’s name with the dates of their birth and death. Would you like to know how to add personal touches to a permanent memorial for a loved one lost?If you want to know more about designing permanent memorials, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about headstone options in Vancouver, BC.A permanent memorial is a place where we can go to pay our respects to those who are no longer of this earth. This episode is your chance to learn more about this funeral tradition.Obtaining a Permanent Memorial in a CemeteryThe episode begins with Valerie sharing what steps you need to take to obtain a permanent memorial for a departed loved one after they are placed in a cemetery.Then Valerie explains how a funeral chapel like Martin Brothers can help when it comes to choosing and designing a gravestone to permanently memorialize your loved one lost.This kind of monument is something a family can design together. Did you know some families design headstones and have them put into place while the recipient is still alive?Different Types of Materials and DesignsNext Valerie shares about the different types of materials and designs of permanent memorials. She goes on to answer questions such as:- How does the type of monument affect its future in the cemetery?- Does a headstone have to retain the traditional geometric shape?- What is the most common material used in permanent memorials?Now ask yourself these two things: Do I want a specific design on my headstone? Do I want to choose something besides a traditional headstone shape? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then Martin Brothers can help you start planning today.Maintaining Gravestones after a FuneralThen Valerie explains about the upkeep that a family might consider when designing permanent memorials.She also points out how the weather and climate in Vancouver might affect the amount of maintenance that a headstone in a cemetery will need.If permanent memorials are ignored, then the elements could erode the letters, which means they’ll need to be redone.The episode concludes with Valerie sharing some final thoughts about designing permanent memorials for a deceased loved one who has been placed in a cemetery.Do You Have a Question about Permanent Memorials?Are you aware of the role a permanent memorial plays within the grieving process? Do you want to plan your headstone now while you still have a say in the matter? After you listen to the podcast, share your questions and comments below so we can talk them over together.Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.Martin Brothers Funeral ServicesVancouver: Funeral Services Centre3398 Dunbar StreetVancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1Telephone Number: 778.330.7799Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901Fax Number: 778.330.7633Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtdTwitter: <a...

PodParley-generated summary based on available episode metadata and transcript content.