Covid-19 and honoring your loved one

As most of you have seen or heard various statements at the end of someone’s obituary lately such as; “Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic” or “Private Services due to Covid-19”. You already know something will be different with this service. For us in funeral service and an extremely essential profession, when death happens no matter natural or Covid-19 related, we are faced with the reality. The kind of reality that has us on edge when the phone rings but ready to fulfill our duties and spring into action to help everyone in need. We cannot give the answer to how long this will last or how long before we can gather in large groups but we can come together and do our best to celebrate a Life once lived.

As your local Funeral Directors we are committed to helping families honor their loved ones in meaningful ways, while ensuring the safety of your family and friends. We receive calls daily on what are options now with all the restrictions. Our answer is simple, you can do the same visitation with an open casket and funeral service as we have done in the past or prior to Covid19. We just have to follow guidelines we are given by Governor Whitmer and local government which limit the number of individuals who attend any event at one time. That limit is currently 10 people and 6’ Social Distance between people seated or standing. The number of people in attendance may change in the near future, as restrictions change almost daily. Some churches do not allow services within their sanctuary but elect to do services at the funeral home or at a graveside. Cemeteries are following state and local guidelines as well with only 10 people at a graveside and no chapel usage within their cemetery. A couple local cemeteries are only allowing the Funeral Director, Sexton and one family member at the grave to witness the burial. All of the events surrounding a funeral, visitation or cremation is under close monitoring to try and keep everyone safe.

There are other alternatives we offer to help your family:

• Private viewing for just your immediate family
• Private service at the cemetery and a Memorial at a later date
• Delay the funeral and hold it at a later date.
• Webcast or Livestream the service with permission

These restrictions or alternatives may seem harsh but are put in place to protect the public who are working with people performing their essential job for you. The restrictions are not to protect the public from the deceased person. This is why facemasks are recommended along with frequent hand washing. Stay safe and keep the faith. Throughout history, human beings have still managed to conduct funerals, rituals, memorials and services necessary to honor and remember their beloved family member or friend during challenging times. Therefore, despite the difficulties we now face, both personally and professionally, never doubt that, together, we will all get through this as it will pass and soon begin a path to a new normal.

As always, Ambrose Funeral Home and Squires Funeral Home are open and available 24/7. We will not deny your family the best care possible for your loved one, no matter the manner of death. Please contact one of our Funeral Directors, Brian Vos, Matt Luczak or John VanDenBoom for assistance at (989) 895-9601 or (989) 893-1616.

A Message to our Communities | COVID-19 & Honoring Your Love One