Laura M. Haverstick, 91, of Lancaster, passed away on January 5, 2023 at Juniper Village, Mount Joy. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late John H. and Emma (Ressler) Zimmerman and was the loving wife of Chester H. Haverstick for 35 years before his passing in 2022.

A 1949 graduate of Landisville High School, Laura became a Registered Nurse from LGH School of Nursing, Class of 1959. She worked for Dr. Garber’s office in Elizabethtown, Philhaven, then LGH before her retirement.

Laura was an active member of Millersville Mennonite Church, loved sewing, knitting, reading, taking photos, and traveling with Chet.

She is survived by her siblings; John Henry Zimmerman of McAlisterville, Mary Jane Wehibe, wife of Shawle of Elizabethtown, Richard Zimmerman of Mount Joy, Mildred Risser of Elizabethtown, Margie Zimmerman of Elizabethtown, Joyce Simmers of Elizabethtown, Melvin Zimmerman, husband of Joyce of Manheim, Martha Keeney, wife of Robert of Elizabethtown, sister-in-law Roberta Zimmerman of Elizabethtown, and many nieces and nephews. Laura is preceded in death besides her parents and husband by a brother, Carl Zimmerman, brothers-in-law David Simmers and Alvin Risser, and sister-in-law Ethel Zimmerman.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 11 AM at Millersville Mennonite Church, 437 Manor Ave, Millersville, PA 17551. Friends may greet the family from 10 AM until the time of service. Burial to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s International Processing Center, PO Box 97251 Washington, DC 20020 or to the church.

       

Betty M. Fraser, age 93 of Tuckerton NJ passed away peacefully in her home on January 2, 2023. Born in Mayetta NJ she was the daughter of Captain Edward and Katherine Lamson Conklin.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, her husband Robert W. Fraser, brother Edward Conklin Jr., sisters Alma Grant and Kathleen Nicholson.

Betty was a graduate of Tuckerton High School, a woman of strong faith and a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Little Egg Harbor NJ.

Betty married, raised her children and devoted her life to her family. She loved flowers, gardening and being with family and friends.

She will be fondly remembered for attending and having yard sales.

Betty is survived by her loving family; son Robert Fraser Jr (Janet), daughters; Deborah  Albright (Rick), Linda Rulli (George), Cindy Tindall (the late Jerry), and Valerie Franjul (Steven), her niece Muriel Letts Conklin, her nephew Robert Grant (Cathy), and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Friends and relatives may pay respects on Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 11am until the funeral service at 12 noon at Calvary Baptist Church 850 Railroad Dr. Little Egg Harbor NJ 08087.

Burial will follow the service at 2 pm at Brigadier General Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery Provinceline Rd. Wrighstown NJ

Memorial Donations are being requested to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital.

       

This obituary is being completed. Kindly check back later. Thank you.

       

David Bruce Roy, 91, of East Hempfield Township passed away peacefully on Veterans Day in his Homestead Village apartment. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late John L. Roy and the late Clara A. Roy of Pittsburgh, PA, and his two brothers, the late Donald Roy and the late Jack Roy.

Upon graduation from West View High School in 1950, Dave attended Princeton University and earned an A.B. in Economics. He joined the U.S. Army, and he attained the rank of Captain, Army Security Agency from 1954-1956. After his active duty in the Army, he served four years in the Reserves.

During his lifetime, Dave was a Marketing Manager, Vice President and Director of Computer Departments for IBM Corp., President/CEO of several Savings and Loan Banks, and Management and Marketing Consultant to Financial Institutions.

Dave had the opportunity to serve on over 35 local, non-profit and civic organizations. These included the Boy Scouts of America, Chapters of the United Way, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, Church Boards, Princeton Alumni Committees, and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). He was always a firm believer of “giving back” to the local communities where he worked and resided.

Dave’s passions in life involved rescuing and caring for animals (dogs and rabbits), attending church, volunteering for his community organizations, doting on and taking care of his grandchildren, and spending quality time with his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.

Both Dave and Nancy Roy were long-time members of First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster and Highland Presbyterian Church. For the past several years they attended The Church of the Apostles.

Dave was blessed with his loving wife of 62 years, a devoted family of three children and six grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Knapp Roy, his daughter Dana Roy Myers and her husband John Myers; his son Scott David Roy and his wife Teresa Roy; and his daughter Julie Roy McMurtrie and her husband Paul McMurtrie. His legacy also included six grandchildren: Nolan and Claire Myers; Colleen, Shannen and David Roy; and Meghan McMurtrie.

The Roy family would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to the Supportive Services Staff at Homestead Village and the Caregivers of Kindred Hospice for their extraordinary accommodations, kindness, and care for our father.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 11:00 am at The Church of the Apostles located at 1850 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603. Please join with family and friends for a light luncheon immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes you to make contributions in Dave’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (in honor of Nancy Roy), the Lancaster Chapter of MOAA, or an Animal Rescue of your choice.

       

DeBordSnyder.com Blog

July 2017

Social media is everywhere and is now being used to memorialize loved ones. This is particularly true of people who already have a Facebook page. It can be important to find out ahead of time if your loved one wants their Facebook page to remain “active.”

Facebook has a Memorialization Request form that turns your loved one’s Timeline into a memorial page. As the account is memorialized, friends and family will be able to post their memories, depending on the privacy settings. People with whom your loved one had originally shared photos and posts will be able to see and access those posts. Rest assured, Facebook ensures that once the page is memorialized it will no longer show up in the “People You Know” ads or birthday reminders. The word “Remembering” will be displayed on the profile alongside their name.

Some people with Facebook pages may have already designated a “legacy contact,” who can monitor their page after it has been memorialized.

Whether your loved one has selected a legacy contact or not, their Facebook page can still be memorialized with the completion of the Memorialization Request Form.

Once the memorial page has been created, there are some things to keep in mind. Remember that everyone grieves differently and that there is no “one right way” to pay tribute to your loved one. This is meant to be a safe place for people to share memories.

Here at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, we are happy to help you navigate each step of this process. Feel free to call us with any questions at (717) 394-4097

       

DeBordSnyder.com Blog

June 2017

Taking the time to honor the life of your loved one in a personal and meaningful way is a powerful step on the path toward healing and resolution. Fortunately, memorialization can take a variety of forms. Sharing stories and reminiscing about our loved one’s life, values, interests and experiences can help us to see how they have shaped our lives.

Having the discussion about pre-planning your funeral can take place anywhere you and your loved one feel most comfortable. It can happen over dinner, a cup of tea or while taking a walk. The main thing is that this talk can happen at any time. It doesn’t need to be a conversation that waits until near to the end of life.

Starting this conversation can be quite easily done by reviewing a photo album or memento, visiting a memorable location, or reliving a humorous family story. This is a dialogue that allows all participants to share some of the ways they have impacted and influenced each other’s lives.

Remember, beginning this talk is really just the start of the conversation. This is about talking to and listening to each other about any number of things.

Depending on your comfort level, you may want to document what is said and consider involving your funeral director. You can make notes afterwards or during, you may want to record the conversation or encourage the other participants to write down what they found most intriguing. Memorialization can be modified to meet the family’s needs and help the family to make important decisions about how to best honor and remember your loved one when they have passed away. The caring funeral directors at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory are here to help you and your family to decide on what end of life options are right for you and your family.  

What is most important is that you take the time to honor and remember the people who matter most to you!

When searching for a trusted, community-based funeral home in Lancaster PA, you can rely on DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory.  Contact us today. (717) 394-4097.

       

DeBordSnyder.com Blog

May, 2017

This is one of the most common questions that we are asked at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory. It is often followed up with statements like “Well, Mom hadn’t worked for years” or “We can just make copies, right?”

The difficulty with answering this question is that the answer varies with each individual. First of all, Death certificates say very clearly on the top

WARNING: It is illegal to duplicate this copy by Photostat or Photograph. 

So, when making your funeral plans, either for yourself or a loved one, keep a few things in mind:

If the individual received any government benefits like Social Security or Veterans Benefits, you will probably need a copy for each government agency.

Also, if the individual had bank accounts with different banks or safety deposit boxes, each bank will most likely require a certified death certificate. With that in mind, any bonds, treasury bills and retirement accounts will also need a death certificate in order to be closed.

Certified death certificates are required to alter title of ownership for real estate and all registered motor vehicles.

Insurance accounts (home, auto, life, etc) will also require death certificates in order to process claims or change accounts into another name.

You will want to have additional death certificates available for your attorney, credit card companies (if they are self insured) and the post office to set up mail forwarding to the next of kin.

Be sure to keep a death certificate to submit to the IRS and to the state with the individual’s final tax return.

Finally, you may want to keep a few death certificates for any additional or unexpected needs that may arise.

One last note, for 90 days after the date of death, DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory is able to obtain additional copies for you from the local registrar for $6 each. After 90 days, additional copies can only be ordered through Vital Records which charge $9 per copy.

 https://www.vitalchek.com/vital-records/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-vital-records.

As you can see, there is no “one size fits all” answer to this question. Each individual has their own requirements.  Our caring staff at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help you answer this question and any others that you may have.

When searching for a trusted, community-based funeral home in Lancaster PA, you can rely on DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory.  Contact us today. (717) 394-4097.

       

DeBordSnyder.com Blog

April 2017

Planning a funeral can be a difficult task. The planning process often comes at a time of grief and uncertainty for the family.  This mixture of grief, shock and lack of experience in funeral planning can make the process even more challenging.

The key is to make the funeral a reflection of your loved one’s life.  Religious (and cultural) traditions may make up the core of the funeral itself but, increasingly, families are incorporating hobbies, interests and memorable qualities to help build that connection with those in attendance.

The first step may be to consult with your religious support system and your funeral director. They can help you identify times and ways in which to illustrate your loved one’s life and experiences, those things that made them truly unique and special.

All of this can help those who have lost someone special and to begin to heal.

Thinking of specific unique aspects of your loved one can be overwhelming at a time of strong emotions and change. To help personalize your loved one’s funeral you can begin by thinking about:

When you think of your loved one, what words and memories come to mind first? 

What your loved one was passionate about?

What your loved one did better than anyone else?

What were those special hobbies and interests that made your loved one happy?

Your funeral director at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory can help you to develop a personalized funeral for your loved one. Some families may use memorial videos or photographic collages, personal items and mementos to make the funeral a true reflection of their loved one’s life. The choice of music, themes, special life tributes, eulogies and any other number of unique tributes can help to memorialize your loved one as the rare individual they were.

Most of all, this is a time to share your loved one’s life with those around you. It is more than just a funeral service, it is an opportunity to come together to celebrate the life and legacy of a special individual.    

When searching for a trusted, community-based funeral home in Lancaster PA, you can rely on DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory.  Contact us today.

       

DeBordSnyder.com Blog

March 2017

 Losing a loved one is deeply painful and having to handle funeral or memorial arrangements can be extremely trying and stressful.  Finding a Lancaster PA funeral home with a compassionate and attentive funeral director can make a world of difference.

At DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, our commitment is with each family we serve as we provide a meaningful, personalized, and affordable service geared to specific needs and wishes.

You will feel our attentiveness every step of the way, starting with making sure you and your family feel safe, comfortable, and taken care of from the moment you step into our parlor.

As part of our efforts to deliver value and support, and establish strong relationships with individuals, families and the community, we took time to create a ‘get to know the funeral director’ segment – to offer a more personal aspect of our family business.

As you receive personalized care and attention from DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory’s family’s experienced funeral directors, you’ll understand why four generations of families have entrusted us with their final arrangements.

Today, our staff spotlight goes to Brian L. Maxwell: 

1. What is your role at the DeBord Snyder Funeral Home& Crematory?

I assist families in making funeral and cremation arrangements at time of need and also assist with pre-need arrangements and assist in funeral services.

2. How long have you worked as a Funeral Director?

I started working in funeral service in New Jersey in 1981.

3. What is your favorite thing about working at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home& Crematory?

The fact of family ownership, I was impressed by the four generations of the same family and in the same location, and the reputation in the community. 

4. What made you want to become a funeral director?

I began my career in funeral service by mowing the lawn and washing cars and assisting as pallbearer. 

5. What do you do for fun outside of work?

My wife Denise and I enjoy being with our children and grandchildren, also the country shops and all the enjoyable places to eat. 

6. What is your favorite vacation spot?

My wife and I enjoy the Marriott Surf and Ocean Club on the island of Aruba.

7. What is one thing I recommend someone does/visits when they come to Lancaster?

A visitor must enjoy a meal at “Good-n-Plenty” Family Restaurant owned by the Lapp family and Sight and Sound Theater. 

8. What 3 words would your friends use to describe you?

Loyal, trustworthy, he has a good appetite!

9. Before working at DS, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

Well I started working as a short order cook at Stewarts Root Beer Stand, then funeral service, so I can’t say anything was unusual.

10. What is your favorite quote?

It’s a Bible verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths” (it is true).

11. If you could witness an event past, present, or future, what would it be?

The Birth of Christ.

12. Do you have a secret talent?

I have enjoyed singing in our Church Choir.

13. What do you miss the most about being a kid?

Our summer days at the Jersey Shore, and eating all the produce from my grandfather’s garden.

14. What was your favorite show growing up?

“The Honeymooners”.

15. Do you volunteer anywhere?

I have volunteered over the years, but not at the present. 

16. If you could be on any TV game show, which one would it be?

“Who wants to be a Millionaire”, of course for the million dollars. 

17. What was the last thing you heard or saw which made you laugh?

A picture of my grandson eating strawberries at a pick your own farm near West Chester, PA.

18. What’s the one piece of advice you would give to others about life?

Let the small things roll off your back.

19. Name one item from your bucket list?

I would like to go to Israel.

20. What is the hardest part of being a funeral director?

Families grieving the loss of a child.

21. What is the most rewarding part about being a funeral director?

Knowing that in some small way, you have eased their burden, and creating a meaningful life tribute for them to remember. 

22. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?

To enjoy my family, especially my wife and children and grandchildren, long into the future.

23. What person in your life has had the greatest influence on the person you have become?

The greatest person to influence my life was my step grandfather who passed away in 1981. He had a great sense of humor and I loved being with him. He has a strong work ethic, and enjoyed being outdoors working in his yard, people passing by his home would stop to see his beautiful flower gardens.

Brian graduated from Mercer County Community College in Trenton, NJ in 1981 where he received his accreditation in Mortuary Science.  He is a current member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association. 

He enjoys living in Lancaster County and all of the activities that are offered here.  He and his wife Denise have four children, one grandson, and one granddaughter. 

Brian prides himself on his attention to detail when creating funeral services for the families he serves.   

At DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, we understand that making final plans can be very difficult, and we take extra care to provide assurance that your loved one receives proper care and attention.

To learn more about a traditional or personalized funeral or memorial service in one of the most trusted among funeral homes in Lancaster PA, please contact us: https://www.debordsnyder.com/

       

DeBordSnyder.com Blog

January 2017

Losing a loved one can be painful and having to handle funeral or memorial arrangements can be trying and stressful.  Finding a compassionate and attentive funeral director for your Lancaster PA funeral home needs can make a world of difference.

At DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, our commitment is with each family we serve as we provide a meaningful, personalized, and affordable service geared to specific needs and wishes.

You will feel our attentiveness every step of the way, starting with making sure you and your family feel safe, comfortable, and taken care of from the moment you step into our home.

As part of our efforts to deliver value and support, and establish strong relationships with individuals, families and the community, we took time to create a ‘get to know the funeral director’ segment – to offer a more personal aspect of our family business.

Today, our staff spotlight goes to Jeremy R. DeBord

1. What is your role at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory?

Vice President and co-owner

2.  How long have you worked as a Funeral Director?

I have worked at DeBord Snyder professionally for 7 years but growing up and living above the business, I have been indirectly involved my entire life.

3.  What is your favorite thing about working at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory?

I find it rewarding to serve families during their time of loss as well as being surrounded by a great staff. 

4. What do you do for fun outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the gym and doing outdoor activities. 

5. What is your favorite vacation spot?

Stone Harbor, NJ or anywhere warm.

6. What is one thing I recommend someone does/visits when they come to Lancaster?

Enjoy the local restaurant scene and visit the historic attractions. 

7. What 3 words would your friends use to describe you?

Sincere, hardworking, driven.

8. Before working at DeBord Snyder, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

For a short time, I was a security guard at Kellogg’s (I guarded cereal, hahaha). 

9. Any random fact about your self you want to share with us?

I can juggle.

10. What is your favorite quote?

“If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.”   I always try to surround myself with people who compliment my areas that need improvement.

11. If you could witness an event past, present, or future, what would it be?

The signing of the Declaration of Independence, or witnessing Wilt Chamberlain score 100 points in a single basketball game.   

12. Do you have a secret talent?

I know some pretty good card tricks.

13. What do you miss the most about being a kid?

Being carefree from worries or responsibilities.

14. What was your favorite show growing up?

Probably the Simpsons or New York Undercover.

15. Do you volunteer anywhere?

Yes, I am on several committees and boards and volunteer my time through those organizations in a variety of philanthropic ventures. 

16. If you could be on any TV game show, which one would it be?

I enjoy watching several game shows such as Jeopardy from the privacy of my own home but would not want to do so on TV, ha-ha. 

17. What was the last thing you heard or saw which made you laugh?

One of the many (often) unintentional comments made by my two sons.

18. What’s the one piece of advice you would give to others about life?

Work hard, and try to enjoy every minute of life because you never know how long you have on this earth.  

19. Name one item from your bucket list?

To visit all 50 States….so far, I have visited 36. 

20. What is the hardest part of being a funeral director?

When a young person passes away.  Obviously, these are very emotional situations.

21. What is the most rewarding part about being a funeral director?

Helping a family through one of the most difficult times of their life and getting a hug and a thank you note when the service ends stating how meaningful the services were.    

22. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?

That my family lives a long and healthy life.

23. What person in your life has had the greatest influence on the person you   have become?

            My wife Candace.

Jeremy grew up involved in the funeral business, since he grew up above the family’s funeral home on East Orange Street.  He holds a master’s degree in business administration and spent 4 years in the “corporate world” after college.

In 2009, Jeremy decided to follow in his parents’ footsteps and attend mortuary school, where he graduated in 2010 and became a licensed funeral director.  His entering the business officially makes him the 4th generation of the DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory. 

Jeremy lives in East Hempfield Township with his wife, Candace Reynolds DeBord, and their sons, Ethan and Austin.  He is a Board Member of the Rotary Club of Lancaster, a volunteer and supporter of Hospice & Community Care, serves on the Fulton Opera House Corporate Campaign, and is active in the Chamber of Commerce as well as a variety of other organizations.   

In 2013, Jeremy was awarded the Central Penn Business Journal’s “40 under 40” award which honors the top 40 business executives under the age of 40.

At DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, we understand that making final plans can be very difficult, and we take extra care to provide assurance that your loved one receives proper care and attention. 

As you receive personalized care and attention from DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory’s family’s experienced funeral directors, you’ll understand why four generations of families have entrusted us with their final arrangements.

We invite you to contact us to learn more about a traditional or personalized funeral or memorial service in Lancaster PA: https://www.debordsnyder.com/

       

DeBordSnyder.com Blog

December 2016

Death, unfortunately, does not have any regard for time. It sometimes takes away someone close to us over the holidays.

Christmas, Hanukah, New Year’s Day and other annual holidays can be a very difficult time for people who have experienced the death of someone they love.

Holidays are meant to be a joyful occasion. However, watching others celebrate while we feel sad, overwhelmed, lonely or scared can be painful.  

Coping with a death in your family around the holiday season can be extra difficult as memories of good times and togetherness around holidays remind us of our loss.

Holidays can make us realize how much our lives have been changed by the loss of our loved one. Especially in the first year, we are most likely going to adapt to new holiday rituals and traditions.

While you may feel guilty even thinking about celebrating the holidays after you’ve lost a loved one – the guilt does not serve anyone, and it should not dictate your present and future experiences.  

What matters the most is remembering and honoring your loved one by celebrating the holidays and life in general.

The truth is – your loved one would want you to celebrate the holidays and live your life fully.

The first step in coping with grief during this time of the year is to acknowledge that the first holiday season may be challenging, and that you may need extra support.  

It helps to make specific plans for the holidays and honor your feelings along the way, committing to only what is aligned with where you are in the grieving process.  

Set realistic expectations, and remind yourself that this year is different.  Remember too, that sometimes anticipation of something, such as a holiday, can be more difficult than the event itself.  So, do your best to avoid canceling the holiday celebration.  

At the same time, know that it’s ok to avoid some situations that you don’t feel ready for. Allow yourself time for solitude, but don’t isolate yourself. Allow yourself to feel sadness, anger, and even joy.

Grieving and remembering is a natural part of the process, but it’s much healthier when it’s balanced with planned activities with others, where the present time is embraced.

Remember, you don’t need to do this alone. Asking for the support that you need is more than ok.  

Surround yourself with loving and supportive people, and do share memories together. Experiencing comfort, joy and laughter doesn’t mean you have forgotten your loved one.

Also, understanding that every family member may have a unique grief experience and different needs when it comes to celebrating the holidays.

Comfort and joy during the holiday season can come from being of service to others, so consider volunteering, or inviting a guest who might otherwise be alone for the holidays.  

Some people find comfort in the old traditions, but maybe you want to create a new holiday tradition or ritual.  A bouquet of flowers in memory of your loved one, a commemorative ornament on the Christmas tree or dedicating one of the Hanukah candles, playing your loved one’s favorite music or favorite game, may help to build the new holiday tradition.

In whatever way you decide to spend the holiday season, remember that there is no right or wrong way to celebrate after the death of a loved one – and that they would indeed want you to celebrate.

After all, life is only fully lived and enjoyed when we don’t take any moments or people for granted, and when we gratefully celebrate our life and each other.

As a funeral home in Lancaster PA, we see death every day and feel the pain it sometimes causes, and our biggest wish is for everyone to have more peace and joy this holiday season.

If you have lost a loved one, our funeral directors at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory are here for you and your family to provide compassionate care and support before, during, and after the funeral or other services.  

When searching for trusted, community-based funeral homes in Lancaster PA, you can rely on DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory.  Contact us today.

     

DeBordSnyder.com Blog

November 2016

How to Approach Talking to Your Loved Ones About Final Wishes

The idea of discussing your final wishes with your loved ones can be very challenging. Discussing when and how to discuss it with them can be equally, if not even more, difficult.

The fact is, while most people might prefer to avoid conversations about their own funeral arrangements, most will find relief and comfort knowing their family members understand their wishes and that they will be honored after their passing.

You can reveal your final wishes to your family whenever you feel ready to do so. Involving your loved ones in the planning process can be a very meaningful experience.  Others may prefer to do all of the planning themselves, and then later disclose those plans to their loved ones.  

Whichever route appeals to you more, just remember – it is entirely your choice.

How you tell your family about your final wishes and the setting you choose to do so is very important.  Perhaps you schedule a quiet meeting, at a private place, with those who are closest to you.

Feel free to share what you want to discuss so that your loved ones aren’t caught off guard.  Even if they’re uncomfortable with the idea, you telling them how important it is to you will make them more likely to participate.

The topic is very sensitive, and your loved ones may have good insight that hadn’t occurred to you yet, so try to keep an open mind.  

Be sure to write down all of your wishes as clearly as possible, and give copies of your written wishes to your family if your plans are already documented.

The more detailed your pre-plans the better, as it often prevents disagreements within the family at a time that is already tense with emotion.

Making plans for your final wishes can be a loving gift that you can leave behind for your family at an extremely difficult moment.

Dealing with death is never easy and pre planning funeral arrangements isn’t on top of most people’s “things to do” list.

If you’re making plans or assisting someone in your family make their final plans, remember that knowing your loved one receives a memorable service and is taken care of with dignity and respect will bring you comfort. 

We can honor our loved ones once they have passed away by making pre-plans to give them the farewell they deserve.

At DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, we have a deep understanding and compassion for the complexity of loss and grief, and are here to guide you through the creation of a traditional or personalized funeral or memorial service. 

Our mission is to alleviate any unnecessary hardship, as we provide the highest quality of personal and compassionate service for celebrating, respecting, sanctifying, or remembering the life of a person who has died.

By pre-planning your funeral arrangements with DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, one of the most trusted Lancaster PA funeral homes, you can ensure peace of mind for yourself and your family in challenging times.

Your caring and experienced funeral director will be there for you every step of the way to ensure that your personal preferences are fulfilled to the smallest detail. 

When searching for funeral homes in Lancaster PA, place your trust in DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, a community-based, family-owned funeral home.

We are proud and grateful that four generations of families have already entrusted us with their final arrangements, and would be honored to be of service to you and your loved ones:  https://www.debordsnyder.com/contact-us/.